I can give you the direct line to the guy I use at a national firm on all of my rentals. 

.- nationally, the highest rent to value ratios are in areas with poor rent growth and poor appreciation.  

Where these numbers are found, there is a very high rate of rent actually being paid.We have over a dozen Fortune 500 companies just in Metro Detroit with huge Healthcare, Auto, and mortgage industry National footprints.

My wife and I decided to move to our land in South Texas and I was able to observe the problem up close and came to embrace the vision of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

You can also read our current and past issues on our website or attend our in-person events around the nation to meet us in person. 

The downside is they usually come with higher interest rates and shorter loan terms.Partnerships or Co-signers: If your husband or a trusted partner has U.S. legal status and credit history, they might be able to co-sign or help with financing.Cash Purchases: Since you have savings in Canada, you might consider using that for your first property, especially for a smaller rehab project.Foreign National Loans: Some lenders specialize in providing loans for foreign nationals.

3 recent national studies show that the rent to value ratio is at an all time worse (what they really studied was cheaper to rent than buy, but there is strong correlation).  

I've facilitated the purchase of 5 properties in last two months at a reputable national wholesaler. 

Meaning, if you google Dorchester, MA (community in Boston) the safety rating it going to look awful because it compares it to a national average.

@Eric LoweIf you cannot find a local firm, reach out to these experts who operate national firms:  @Bernard Reisz, @Yonah Weiss, @Julio Gonzalez.