We prepared a 3-phase, 3-year plan to rehab the shopping center and fill it with new businesses.

We checked off just about everything on our list of concerns, and formulated action plans for them.

My request ( in addition to my wife's) - I want to be close to where the real estate investing action is.

I have a plan of action and am ready to start looking at deals.

It might be a little harder on the front end to cover the increased payments, but in the end you'd pay significantly less interest than you would following your method.Sorry if I sound like a sour-puss contrarian; I actually really love these kinds of posts that give real actionable advice, but I also like to hear and offer alternate views.

Through all this, I have formulated a plan that I am prepared to put into place: - Strategy: single family, buy and hold rental- Location: Surprise, AZ with a focus on 85379 and 85388 and El Mirage - Financing: conventional (75-80% loan)- Management: Property Management companyHere is where I hope to lean on the support of BiggerPockets once again - I am looking to build the strongest team possible, so that when the right deal hits, we can all benefit! 

Congrats for taking actionable steps.

You also wouldn't qualify for FHA if you weren't willing to live in one of the units.As @Jonathan Gregori mentioned, creative financing is another option with a lot more flexibility.One last thing, if your strategy is aiming for cashflow, then it may be difficult to achieve with a 4-5 unit property for $400k+ in the Sacramento area with <20% down.I wish you the best as you start taking action!

And some people are not skilled and prepared.

(probably too much studying and not enough action) But I'm now ready.