@Ann Bellamy's Black Diamond group was active in my old stomping grounds out in Worcester and Waltham I think the meetings typically were held, though I unfortunately never made it to one.

I am ready to make my first deal.

Hello fellow members,I'm ready to do the jump, but I'm curious to know where I can find the better deals for multi unit buildings 5+The price range (dictated by my down payment affordability) is between 200K and 250K at the momentThe cities I'm considering are Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Kansas City and Chicago.

You've made a great start.  

I'm ready for the right properties.

As for what is better to invest in SFR or multiplex there are cases that could be made for each that there are many posts dedicated to. 

@Stephen Stokes, Technically a duplex is not a multifamily property, that may help with your research in the future, but I don't think that it made a difference this time.  

The whole process made me realize I like the real estate industry way more than my current one(financial analyst).

The buyer will have to be made aware that the transaction is closing through an intermediary, just as you would have to do in a 1031 exchange. 

Refinance as an owner occupantMy other options are to buy a small condo (probably only a one bed) or just wait until I have more capital acquired to get a conventional bank loan...I am so so ready to jump in & will consider any creative financing ideas...I know once I have a property it will be an income generator for me!