5% Down Payment on an Investment Loan?... Rare as a unicorn?

[Richard Montoya]

5% Down Payment on an Investment Loan?... Rare as a unicorn?

Just listened to BP's podcast, episode 074. The last guest, Jeromie Hamann, mentioned that he financed his MFH with a conventional loan with only 5% down. Down payments of 5% or lower are usually found in FHA, HomePath, and VA loans. Generally, most of these loans (except HomePath) require an "intent to occupy" by the buyer.

Here's my problem...

Am I doing this right?

I am in the military (US Army).  I am currently overseas (Japan).  I am headed to Dallas in a few weeks to visit family.  While there, I want to buy investment property.  I've been pre-approved for a conventional loan (20% down payment).  I was referred to this lender, through a real estate agent I met on BP.

Since I am stationed overseas, FHA and VA are out of the question.

Other than HomePath, is there any other lender out there willing to accept less than 20% for an investment loan? If PMI is the issue, I am willing to pay it all up front.

BTW... To me, HomePath is a viable option but the inventory seems a bit limited.

Also... If you rather PM me, that would be perfectly acceptable. 

Thank you for your time.