Not enough money for my area?

[Christopher Johanson]

Hello all,

I'm looking into starting an investment portfolio by purchasing my first MFH within an 8 month timeline. I live in MA, which is a notoriously expensive state, relatively speaking. Most of the duplexes and triplexes etc... in my area fall into two categories. They are either A) Built pre-1900 and pretty beat up... or B) Very Expensive *400k - 600k* for something half decent. 

I'm looking to owner occupy for a year or two within one of these investments, so I don't want to be forced to living in a dump just because I may not qualify for a mortgage at the higher level. I'm 21 years old, and I have about $20-25k available in the bank for my startup. 

Investors in MA relate? 

Thoughts?