Depending on the loan product you use you can put from 3-5% down and live in one unit and rent the others out to help pay the mortgage while you live rent-free or relatively cheap while getting started in real estate.

Aside from the product, look for someone that's responsive, knowledgeable, and is a problem solver.

As a sales professional in my 9-5 job, I was really pumped to have a productive convo with a possible seller no matter the outcome and learn from it. 

That way "if" something goes wrong, you are productive and can take the proper steps to evict or collect back rent.

With little to no income, there are loan products called "DSCR" available that doesn't require you to have a personal income but down payment requirements are usually 20%+ down.

Our approach has always been to provide a high-quality product slightly below the top of any specific market for rent. 

Only that your intent must be to hold for productive use. 

They get a better run company providing a higher quality product and service.  

You can still qualify for non-QM products but it is something to factor in to your timeline and plan. 

Some providers take the approach that a furnace or water heater with several years of expected life shouldn't be replaced in the rehab, but that the final product should be priced accordingly.