I have only had an initial consultation with a Norada Real Estate Investments consultant and have not moved forward with actually purchasing a property.

The lender has told me that as the guarantor on the company this would still affect me personally so it's not much different at this point if we purchase under me personally or under the entity.

Excited to learn how to get to the next step by successfully purchasing a 4 plex or similar.

While I don’t suggest that the smaller type investor purchase and utilize “exotic” vehicles like foreign asset protection trusts, family limited partnerships with outside controls, or Byzantine or convoluted maze of ownership entities, the more simple strategies of using Series LLCs, self directed retirement plans, and paying off their home mortgage to the extent of the Federal BK homestead exemptions can insure that a plaintiff attorney never even considers going after them.  

Here are the common exceptions:Relocation for Work: If your job requires you to move a significant distance from your current property (usually over 50 miles), you may qualify for a second FHA loan near your new workplace.Increase in Family Size: If your household has grown, and your current property no longer meets your family’s needs, you may qualify for a second FHA loan to purchase a larger home.Co-Borrower Separation: If you co-signed on an FHA loan and are no longer living in the property (e.g., after a divorce or separation), you may qualify for a second FHA loan for your primary residence.Non-Occupying Co-Borrower: If you were a co-signer but did not occupy the original property, you may qualify for another FHA loan as the primary borrower.Important Note: FHA guidelines typically require you to demonstrate that the current property will not meet your needs or is no longer feasible as your primary residence.2.

Seeking advice on best approach...Just purchased a property in the greater Pittsburgh area. 

Are there decent 15% or 20% options out there for purchases in Alabama?

Focus on cash flow and exit strategies, and consider starting with a smaller project to gain experience and minimize risk.Good luck!

I had a 1031 client who sold an apartment complex in Iowa and purchased five houses with me in Austin to use as short term and long term rentals.

Quote from @Michell Chase: I am working with a hard lender on a purchase/reno and they require a builders risk policy even though 1 unit of the 3/4 will have a tenant.