That sure is a pretty looking bridge, I hope the local people find it to be a very useful thing.

I wish people would stop writing articles calling it a loophole.

Very keen on meeting like minded REI people. 

There are plenty of people who want to get into a home.

At the sale, some people, who it must be presumed did not look at the property and there were several bidders. 

According to NYC, STR is hurting housing affordability just like normal people can buy a house or condo near the Time Square and Madison Garden. 

I don't see it as an issue but many still do, at least in my small town where the majority of renters are elderly people looking for low maintenance housing options.

This is a self directed RRSP or TFSA account that allows you to lend your money out to people with the backing of their mortgage for a high interest rate. 1st, 2nd, 3rd mortgages, down payments, refinances, flipping or renovation money.

I think others have given you great advice.For most people I say go to some meetup groups for a year. 

Here are additional comments:1) Buying out of state removes any local knowledge you have from assisting in your success, including knowing areas, people and costs. - We always recommend buying your first rental locally if possible and DIY managing to learn as much as possible before investing OOS.2) Lots of crooks and incompetents in the PMC world:( They both cost you money.- As already stated, you'll have a small portfolio.