If he meant it the way you interpreted it, he could be applying the rules in his jurisdiction, possibly erroneously, to your jurisdiction.  

@Jemini LeckieRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

Additionally, I’m curious about how this would apply to properties in provinces like British Columbia, Alberta, or Ontario.

You said that you are applying for an FHA loan so it sounds as though you'd be living in one unit. 

In some cases, federal tax credits like those for low-income housing or economic development might also apply if the project aligns with certain goals.Instead of buying the land outright, developers often lease it from the tribe, which can reduce upfront costs and sometimes come with favorable lease terms.

Otherwise, if you are referring to ETF's such as Spiders, or QQQ, the the holding period rules apply.

You can probably start the education process at 17, then apply for your license once you turn 18.

It's mostly Class A properties, a few Class B.You may find the below copy & paste info useful in addressing your question:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

Do I need a zoning attorney or can I apply myself?

I and not taking about “A+ only” - schools, but the difference between C to F.The families that live outside their preferred neighborhood school have to apply and the places are chosen by a computerized lottery.