As previously mentioned, the average sales prices and median sale prices continued to climb for the 5th year in a row.

I have listened to plenty of podcasts and ready a number of books, but only a few mention purchasing yours first rental with a HELOC.

Like others have mentioned, a 30 year loan is better (less pressure).

., We’re the same age and while I haven’t thought about exiting real estate, I have thought about diversifying asset classes.

@Alan Mills You mention contractors not keeping a time line , not General Contractor . 

I'm going to reiterate what's already been mentioned above, but I'm going to actually give you examples of why it's relevant to you to find a U.S. tax professional.1 - You're going to need to file U.S. taxes once you have property down here, there's federal filings, state filings, and sometimes local filings too2 - Tons of tax treaties between the U.S. and Canada that are easy to miss and can cost you a lot of money (important one with rentals - effectively connected income - if the professional you talk to doesn't know what this is, run away)3 - The amount of days you spend in the U.S. needs to be tracked and if you go over a threshold, all of your worldwide income could be taxable by the U.S.4 - Selling real property means up to 15% of your sales proceeds might not be available to you for years (FIRPTA)5 - Lots of nuance at the state and local levels, which both want to take as much money from you as possibleMain takeaway here is that you should find a U.S. based tax person.

The previous company did not mention anything.

For example, I mention that every adult must pay a $30 application fee, pass my credit/criminal background, make a combined income of 3x the rent, and whether or not the property accepts pets.

Out of the ones you mentioned I would invest in Bridgeville if the right deal presented. 

What I would do is talk to the neighbor and mention that the fence looks like crap and I am willing to replace it on my dime .