I've bought two homes without downpayments in the past five years with financing through conventional means. I'm about to buy a third in the same manner in less than a week.

I did it the only way I know how. Working hard at keeping my credit clean and even when my credit took a hit 4 years ago I put a plan in place to repair my credit through repayment and saw my plan through in less time than allowed. My credit report cleaned itself up with my efforts and my interest rates have always been reflective of my credit score (both great and not so much).

*shrugs* my income and single status knock me out of eligibility of any government programs.

I should probably post before I get carried away with my thoughts on all this....

good luck on your home purchase and ownership.

__________________
When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and swing.