Otherwise, I recommend option two, using a personal loan.

I was going to do that in an attempt to get creative with my financing options so that there are no liens on it and I could borrow against it as an option.

If you're open to expanding your options, you may want to check the Columbus OH market. 

Over the past several years it has seem there have been more and more options.

I have heard about doing deals with little to no cash down but I'm skeptical about whether creative financing options are truly viable.

.), so I'm seeing what other options there may be. 

Quote from @Ehrich Roberts: G’Day,Grateful for any advice in relation to mortgage options in British Columbia where liquid capital in combination with rental income would be accepted towards qualifying for a mortgage. 

Would a home equity loan be a viable option in this situation, especially in regards to eliminating some of the red tape I'm running into with a refinancing an scorp-owned property?

I suppose something more turn-key could be a good option, but haven't come across many viable options there yet.Anyways, we still have a lot more to learn and still need to familiarize ourselves with the area/market, but just wanted to pop in to say hi! 

As you get to this point your gaining more confidence in the options because you know option A and B had a certain outcome that wasn't option C, and this would give you more confidence you're doing the right thing for you.From there, I would be identifying properties to acquire if you don't already have some in mind and then my next sheet is creating the plan.