I have great credit, healthy cash reserves and no debt so I check all of the other boxes outside of the income aspect.I'd like to stop renting and purchase something instead where I can be gaining equity, appreciation, tax benefits, etc.Any commercial/portfolio lenders here on BP familiar with the owner-occupied programs that are out there?

If you have spoiled soil underneath you have to pay to get that re-mediated as well, so it can be more than the 6500 for sure. 

Still, it's been a very healthy investment. 

I would like to start this journey to eventually earn my time back to keep a healthy work life balance.

In a nutshell, I pay it down with my excess income until I have enough for a down payment (plus healthy reserves). 

I'm seeing that the south side is a healthy balance of good properties and good demand.

My basic strategy is to buy properties in a good market, when I have cash and very healthy reserves. 

I've found the deals and arranged everything, we borrow money (or sometimes just partner borrows), then I borrow about half of my 50% equity contribution form my partner at a healthy rate.

The real trouble comes when the ground is not suitable for a new system either because of the lot size or soil conditions. 

Or a healthy lunch on me, whichever you prefer.