Maybe there are some techniques there but every lender I’ve ever talked to wants me to have skin (read: money) in the game.

I am considering for my first property doing a house hacking technique, where I take advantage of a 3.5%-down fha loans where I will buy a 2-3 family home in the outskirts of Boston and live there for 1-2 years renting out the other 2 units.

I can understand the "if you don't have the $$ don't apply" technique but it suck for tenants that are looking and applying at multiple places.

Which is an awesome technique!

Asking the bank to write a POF letter tailored to the offer I'm making is great advice.

I've done Subject To and Lease Options for twenty years and I have some techniques that work in WA AZ TX and CA and I'm sure will work in VA. 

I have started using this technique and it has helped my direct mail gain recognition and also i have found motivated sellers through my skip tracing and cold calling efforts.

I've brushed up on interviewing and screening techniques, and I found a solid business plan template to work on in the meantime.Again, thank you all for the responses!

Call an attorney...get advice tailored for you.  

I have a full time career and have built a real estate investing business on the side and have used about every technique to purchase.