Best practice is to keep one or two payments in reserve from the buyers down payment for such instances.

If so, is that recommended for a first-time buyer?  

Great tenant that always pays on time - been there for 5 years Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

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.

Does anybody here recommend any mentors/resources/tools/or has experience doing it themselves and would be open to connecting? 

Any recommendations for starting strong would be appreciated. 

Chad is great, definitely recommend his Twitter and YouTube channel

Are there strategies, financing tips, or resources you’d recommend for someone in my position?

tbd Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Any referrals or recommendations for good and qualified brokers, sellers, property management companies, loan brokers, insurance brokers, mortgage brokers, contractors, etc.