There are a few programs available that might help in your situation.

We are not planning to rehab and live in a property, so we’re focusing on traditional rental investing rather than house hacking or flips.Target areas are the Southeast or Midwest, with an initial investment budget around $75k.I’d really appreciate insight on:• What steps you’d recommend taking before making an offer on a first deal• How to properly analyze deals when you’re brand new• How to connect with potential mentors or experienced investors who are open to helping newer investors• Whether long-term or short-term rentals tend to be better for first-time investors, in your experienceAny advice, tools, podcasts, books, or strategies you’d recommend would be greatly appreciated. 

There are options at less than the six month mark but there just less programs so there will be less good options to choose from. 

Credit union or local financing – Often offer better rates or specialized home repair programs for members.A practical next step is to reach out to a local Buffalo lender for a quick pre-qualification.

I’ve heard of lenders offering as low as 7% for hard money but I certainly can’t find any this low.Any referrals or info would be super appreciated.

Look for someone who offers proactive planning, not just tax prep.

Everyone thinks they need to offer asking price on rentals!

This criteria is for 1-4 and 5-8 unit programs.

SBA 7(a) & 504 Programs — Government-backed solutions for owner-occupied properties: low down payments (as low as 10%), long-term fixed rates (up to 25 years), and flexible use for acquisitions, refinances, construction, expansions, or improvements.

My plan is to take advantage of the NYC First-Time Homebuyer Program and SONYMA, and I’ve decided that home-hacking is the best strategy for me.I’ve been looking at properties in Upper Manhattan — particularly Harlem and Washington Heights — as well as parts of Brooklyn, but prices are very high.