New B.P reader, looking for advice!

[Wade Tearne]

Hey guys,

Been listening to audio books and felt it was time to reach out and join the forums. 

Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Wade, I am a 29 year old based out of the interior of B.C, Canada, and I am a beginner investor in real estate and looking towards making more steps as soon as I can, but have hit some road blocks and don't know where to go from here. I have two homes, both with basement suites, and have three of the four spots currently rented. I have been aggressively paying off the first home, and have just got into my second in October last year. I have my eyes on new properties, but with the new Canadian lending rules, I am not able to qualify for any more mortgages through the local banks I have tried. They have told me that I am well over my limits with my current mortgages as they don't fully count rental income towards cashflow.

I am not keen on selling either of my houses as they are both in my plan for long term appreciation and feel like they will go up much more in value if I hold them for a number more years.

I know there are a whole selection of success stories on these forums and was hoping someone may have had a similar situation or might have an idea of where to direct me for advice or reading material that can help. Much of what I read these days is US based, and is a little more difficult to relate to. (starter homes in my area being priced at $600k average, and banks being government regulated etc.)

My portfolio for reference:

1st home, appraised at $530,000, remaining mortgage $310,000. Rental income is $2600 per month

2nd home, appraised at $610,000 remaining mortgage $504,000. Rental income is $1300 for basement suite, and is my primary occupancy.

$165,000 in stock options and liquid assets that I can use towards my future investments. No other debts.

$125k a year full time job for income reasons.