The point of the program is to incentive investors to take risks in the hopes that the areas will turn around and see outsized appreciation vs. other areas.

Also ensure you screen your tenants well... there are many programs on the market that will help screen, but I find social media is a great place to start.  

The regular FHA program is a solid option, although you normally have to buy a nicer property.

2) Would anyone be interested in some private chats to provide advise around how I should expand?

@Iani Piha shoot me a message if you want to chat about the market.

That was a special program back then, not sure if it's still done.

Feel free to DM me to chat!

@Lisa Maturo Not everyone qualifies for FHA, so you might as well take advantage of the program while you're qualified and can live in it!

I believe that guy I spoke about ^ had a list of contractors that are already approved through their program.  

(The program is Healthy Neighborhoods Program).I guess my question is .. being that I would like to get into investing ASAP and i feel like this would be a great small step , are there any more options out there that would be more optimal for my situation (hard money lender, other programs, better routes)?