Is there anyway to get out of PMI without paying off 20%?
If you are just purchasing and do not have 20% to put down, many lenders will recommend you do a combination first and second lien to avoid pmi. e.g. 80% first lien, 10,15 or 20% secnd lien. the interest rate is a little higher on the second, but interest is tax deductible whereas pmi is not.
if you already have a mortgage, with pmi and are wanting to have it removed, call your lender. some have an automatic recession date others will allow you to have an appraisal or bpo done and will see if between paying and appreciation your equity has reached 20% thus allowing pmi to be removed.