You either have verified income and meet the other requirements, or don't. 

I am interested in meeting mortgage brokers, investors, and real-estate agents in the Austin area, as well as anyone who can connect my abilities as an engineer to a tech company in the area.I love learning new things, and not knowing how to do a thing has never stopped me from doing it.

I am interested in utilizing space again for group meetings, workshops, and for clients who may still desire private space.  

The fact that you have already owned and sold a rental property gives you a great experience to start from.In terms of the best place to invest - that is whatever place meets your criteria, goals and investing style.Personally flips have not been working as well for me lately, but when we get the right BRRRR deal those are still working well.

Time ManagementReal estate can consume all your time with endless tasks—client meetings, marketing, and paperwork.

Meet with financial advisers/wealth managers and see what other options other than real estate there are and how to best allocate / diversify. ie have you maxed out your TFSA?

Nothing illegal about doing that, but if caught, the lender may call the loan due and if you don't correct the situation or pay the loan off, they willstart mortgage foreclosure.3) You could also go the HELOC route to tap the equity in the home, but the 12-month owner-occupancy will also apply AND the interest rate on the HELOC will fluctuate with the Fed Fund Rate.4) You could do a cashout refi as an investment property, but that will be at an interest rate 0.5-1% higher than owner-occupied rate.Suggest you meet with 2-3 lenders to explore your options about the above.Once you have access to funds, recommend you buy a 2-4 unit with 20-25% down. - You can buy owner-occupied, live in one unit, and fix up and rent the other unit(s).- If you're handy, recommend buying a property in the worst condition you can tolerate.

I ended up having to pay for their tax preparer’s time to meet with me and make corrections.

At some point I'd like to begin a long career in REI and would like to have met some people already that can share in that endeavor.Looking forward to meeting everyone!

As a professional we have minimums for a standard 1 month security deposit then if someone doesn't meet that standard we allow for a less perfect tenant but they have to put up a greater security deposit and other fees.