Prices are still going up but demand is now dropping substantially because, without the foreigners' money pouring in, it's likely not sustainable and demand is dropping strongly at the moment.

If you are responsible for yard/tree maintenance then you took care of your responsibility in a reasonable manner.  

Currently, I'm only offered 27 hours of work per week at an average/below-average pay rate, which isn't nearly enough to save for a down payment or qualify for a loan.I've tried selling belongings to generate extra income, but it's not sustainable in the long run.

I do not have a firm grip as to what the % is but I have had 3 accepted in this manner in the last 45 days

Build (for 65% of value), Rent, Refinance and Repeat. creating REAL WEALTH day one that is sustainable.

If you are using the HELOC proceeds to acquire land for a property that will be business use in some manner (a rental), then that interest expense from the HELOC would be deductible against that business project. 

The 5% Fannie Mae conventional product for 2-4 is great and do you have to worry about the self sustainability test like you would on FHA.

And I refuse because I know side deals are not allowed and are unenforceable.And if they are lying and cheating in this manner, I sure wouldn't trust them as a tenant. 

Once you've proven yourself for a couple years, then you will have everything you need to step out on your own and build a sustainable business quickly.

It had never occurred to me that one could be self-sustaining through one's own resources, mainly because I had never made an effort to understand money management, retirement, or finances in general.An MMM blog post led me to BiggerPockets, a forum where the members, sophisticated investors, referred to their properties as "doors."