How to Maximize Financing Ability

[Jerry Poon]

I am a newbie investor, trying to get my feet wet. I am wondering what is the best course of action to obtain financing. My intention is to build a sizeable portfolio of "buy and hold" properties that would one day grant me financial freedom. However, from the few lenders I've contacted, conventional loans are all that have been offered. This would seriously impact my ability to build my portfolio, as the debt-to-income ratio would limit me at three or four properties. I know I may be putting the cart before the horse, but would looking elsewhere for financing for my first property(s) be a wiser move than going conventional? If so, what other options do I have?