Plan to make my first home purchase this year

In my opinion, one should start with their own residence first. Generally, the down payment is less (as low as 3% for a first-time buyer) on a Primary Owner-Occupied Residence (OO) vs 20% for an IP (investment Property). Rates on IPs are anywhere from 0.75% to 2.00% higher than on OO loan. As you said, this also stops the flushing of Rent money each month and you grow the appreciation. Buying a multi-family (Duplex, Tri-Plex or 4-plex) allows you to occupy one of the units as your OO and rent out the rest while financing the entire package with an OO loan. You MUST occupy one of the units for at least one full year to avoid the appearance of mortgage fraud. Once the one year is passed, you can either purchase another IP (with 20% down) or buy another new Primary OO, move into it and rent out the old unit. Another year, buy another new primary and move into it. One of my most prolific investors started with a 4-plex in 2009 and last year we helped him complete is 8th property. He bought and moved into the first 5 and the last three were done as IP because his wife and kids didn't want to move. Reach out to me and I can help you get started.Bert Carpenter, The LoansA2z Team of NEXA Mortgage ~ NMLS 40586 ~ Certified Mortgage Advisor and Certified by The National Association of Mortgage Professionals as a Certified Veterans Lending Specialist.Licensed in AZ, CA, GA, IL, MO, OR & WA... In fact, NEXA is licensed in all states except MA and NY so give us a call. ~ www.ApplyYes.com 480-889-9000 - OR - 480-695-9300