I have over 12 years of building and remodeling experience, and all the major tools to run a carpentry business.

Do you guys think it might eventually expand to that area as well once all the other areas start getting too popular/expensive for renters?

Like many things, HM is another tool in your investing toolbox, and bigger pockets is an awesome place to get educated about how and when it would make sense to use it.

The JOBs Act has some great new tools under Title II, or Reg.

Be sure to use the tools BP, I wore the search box out when I was getting started, almost anything you search for on here, you can find great answers from more experienced people.

There was a poll on this a few months back.The traditional route-- 10-25% down loan with personal guarantee--was popular as was moving on from a primary residence/house hack: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/25/topics/390...Holds true for me.

However, to buy my first one I may need to drop 20% for the down payment if it's a SFR (since I couldn't use an FHA loan).Doing that will almost wipe out my current cash reserves, which means it will be a slow grind back to another 20k or so (probably 10-12 months).Conversely, I suppose I could try the fix and flip strategy to earn some cash at a faster rate, and then be able to buy more rentals at once, but I am more averse to this strategy because I lack the requisite knowledge/skills/tools for rehab and because it seems a bit more risky going into a potentially problematic property (obviously any property could be problematic but with a fix and flip you KNOW there are going to be problems).So I guess what I'm looking for are some thoughts as to the most intelligent way to utilize my current cash reserves (about 20 - 25k) in a way that doesn't immediately stunt my growth but also with respect to my risk tolerance and knowledge/skills (or lack thereof).

Before graduating ( in 1980) I did work in that business as a tool working guy since I was 17.  

;) MFR purchases are really popular right now and perfect for buy and hold.

sounds like a tool for a HML  not really a conventional lender that uses govmit backed funds.