If you don't already qualify, the answer may be you need to save a larger down payment, look for a cheaper property, or wait a few more months to build longer credit history.Good luck and don't forget to save a beefy emergency fund!

At the end of the day, it's all about steady cash flow and building equity over time. 

Building off of what we discussed so others who are perusing the forums can also see.

Cash out Refi property located in Northern NJ, and hypothetical purchase mixed use or multi family apartment building located in Brooklyn most likely

I do not have any recommendations in that area however I know that BP has just launched a "Find a Property Manger" tab in their Build Your Team Section.

I checked with the City and both the Planning and the Building departments said they don't require a Survey.

Build up that war chest.

We are building a privacy fence and want to ensure we are within our property boundaries.

Thereafter the plan would be to get teamed up with a CPA and Advisor team locally to build out the frame work in which I can maximize deductions.  

I, the owner, living in one unit of this two-unit building, was never told this.