2. High leverage – Your own home requires only 3.5% of the purchase price as a down payment if you use government backed loans like Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, USDA and other programs. There are also down payment assistance programs you can leverage. Duplexes, Triplexes and Fourplexes also qualify for 3.5% down payment loans and are considered “Single Family Residences.”