So my version of being proactive, even before I got this news, was simply talking to my lenders for both properties, and letting them know basically "at this time, I don't foresee a need for forbearance, but the landscape is changing rapidly and I want to know what options I may have if this comes up."

Contractor - any licensed, bonded, insured contractor can do the rehab, but that doesn't mean they know the FHA guidelines, paperwork, payment system, processes, or different versions of the 203k; best to select one with 203k education or 203k experience.

Hi Canadian investors! Is there any site can provide similar information as to what housingallerts.com can do?

Know of any other companies like core logic that offer a free or cheaper version that could work for starting investors?

A CPA just uses a souped up version.

you may want to consider hiring on at a company that does a version of real estate that your interested in.. get paid to learn

I like Jeff's version, but it shouldn't be like that if you choose your deals wisely.Banks want fair market value. 

You can also find pre-mixed versions at home centers.

If you're looking for a cheaper version with less properties, I've heard good things about RentRedi which is $9 a month if you choose the year plan. 

When I bought my last couple of deals in 2006/7, thinking that whatever problems were about to happen wouldn't be quite as dramatic as they turned out to be, little did I know I could have spent that money where I live now in South Carolina and weathered a much calmer version of the storm.Bottom line, $250k goes a lot further in just about ANYWHERE other than San Fransisco!!