Partnering is hard to do because it is usually cheaper to just pay for the needed services, however having both licences and being good at both is a valuable skill set.

You can invest in a good or bad two family in RI or Mass equally, but having a a 20 minute vs. 1 hour daily commute, or being able to see family multiple times a week vs once or twice a month can be pretty important.So I would say choose between those areas first, then when you're ready to start analyzing specific properties to see if you want to put offers in on any of them, there are a lot of resources here on Bigger Pockets for learning to analyze properties, such as the rental property buy and hold calculator.I don't do a lot of owner occupied purchases for myself at this point so the Conventional 97 is new to me also (and has only been around since Dec 2014) but it looks like there are many pages comparing it to FHA so I'd recommend just spending the time to research the differences a bit.You'd want to make sure that if you use a mortgage broker s/he is licensed in RI and Mass (if you still haven't decided between the two), and I'd say to make sure when you are comparing the two options that you consider all the monthly costs (e.g., including private mortgage insurance payments in addition to the regular monthly principal/interest payment) and that you consider all the up-front costs.

Cheaper money is always better when you can get it.

The numbers don't "quite" work - if we occupy one unit and rent the other only ~70% of the mortgage is covered but that's 70% that I can save towards property #2.

HiI would like hear from u guys options.i have 3 bedroom apartment with carpet.it looks bad.want to change it wood flooring or something else.which is the cheaper and efficient way?

Wife is worried the cheaper building with so many cheaper units will always be a hinderance with so much supply.Just trying to understand the pros and cons when investing.

@Matt GibsonThanks for replying Matt.I have spoken with 2 banks and they said they would not give me a mortgage for the property because the one unit needs 6 windows and some siding work outside.I have about 15k in cash which is not enough to buy the house but it’s enough to do the repairs and then refinance it.The bottom unit is renting for 600$ up unit it can be rented for 500$ and the back unit can be rented for 400$.So 1500$ total in rent.There are 3 duplex’s for sale near by with range from 109k-120k

However, when you pay the mortgage and none of the money is coming from your own account that is a really good feeling.

I want to keep it as a rental property but they want all cash AS-IS, I have been Pre-approved for a mortgage a few months back but my credit has declined due to school and a new car.

I am getting the loan from a broker nrl mortgage.