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.

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.

@Kiryl Ulanovich,You're on the right track:Get Pre-Approval from Hard Money Lender – Know your terms and limits upfront.Find a Deal Through a Wholesaler – Verify numbers and ensure it meets your criteria.Review the Assignment of Contract – Confirm terms, earnest money, and contingencies.Conduct Due Diligence – This includes an inspection (if allowed), verifying ARV, and rehab estimates.Submit to Hard Money Lender for Final Approval – Lender will review title, contract, and property condition.Title Search & Clear Any Issues – Ensure a clean title before closing.Close Through Title Company – Finalize funding and take ownership.Consider also lining up contractors early for a smooth transition into renovations.

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

I highly recommend finding a broker and have them find a policy that meets your specific requirements.

JeffWe lead a couple investor meet up groups in person and live stream about the Central Ohio real estate market.

You can meet local investors by registering to attend real estate events in your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-events-and-happenings6.

The meeting was mostly passive.