Is FHA or conventional better for a first-time buyer?

FHA's general minimum is around 580 for the lowest 3.5% down payment, with a larger down payment, roughly 10%, required for scores from 500 to 579. In practice many lenders set their own higher minimums, so the score you actually need depends on the lender.

As little as 3.5% of the purchase price when your credit score meets the standard minimum. That money can come from savings, a documented gift from family, or an eligible down payment assistance program.

It depends on your down payment. With the minimum down payment it generally lasts for the life of the loan, and the usual way to get rid of it is to refinance. With 10% or more down, it typically drops off after 11 years.

A standard FHA loan requires the home to meet minimum property standards at appraisal, so a home needing major repairs can be a problem. FHA also offers a renovation loan option that rolls repair costs into the mortgage, which is worth asking a lender about.