A lot of new investors chase “off-market” deals thinking they’re getting some unfair edge, but the reality is you’ll often spend more time—and ultimately money—trying to land one of these than just going after a solid listed deal.If capital is tight, I’d argue your time may be better spent earning and saving such as a side hustling, working in RE as an agent or assistant so you can eventually participate in more conventional deals.

I know technically it isn't smart, but I'm really hoping that playing the long game here will eventually pay off. 

Property with no clear ownership should be allowed to be used, and eventually owned, by someone willing to bring it into use.

I'm wanting to dip my toes into investment real estate and the goal is to eventually be a full-time real estate investor.

A few investors I’ve connected with have gone that route to buy property in an entity structure without triggering early withdrawal penalties or taxes.

For any applicants who have already paid a screening fee, I personally would offer them the option to withdraw and refund the fee. 

I eventually learned about tax deed and tax lien auctions, which I have had success.

>> Our preferred strategy: Primary the multifamily for a year to satisfy FHA's primary residence requirement, house hack to offset costs, then eventually rent out the entire property and RETURN full-time to our current apartment (Note - We CAN afford to continue paying rent on our apartment in addition to the residual mortgage costs during that year).The Big Question:Is there any possible way for us to somehow keep the apartment while also meeting the FHA’s primary residence requirement with the multifamily property (still allowing us to keep our current rent-controlled apartment for occasional use during that time and be able to return to that apartment after the required one-year period?)

My wife and I are getting into the BRRRR strategy with the goal of building passive income and eventually being financially free.

You could get a bridge on the purchase or refi + purchase but you'll eventually need a long term debt after the bridge loan matures.