If rents drop and don't cover your expenses then it doesn't do you a whole lot of good to have that cash pulled out unless you are pretty diversified across various areas (A, B, C class, different geographical regions).

My husband and I are relocating to MA and I am looking for a mortgage broker in the South Coast region.

Since I am still relatively new to the region, I am looking for more information on potential areas that make sense for my budget and strategy (buy & hold).

No MLS's are regional.

Would love recommendations on Real Estate Associations in the Greater Toronto Area.My focus is residential, rental properties.

The program is available for homes which will be owner-occupied only.You would be better served getting off the couch and visiting a Community/ Regional Bank or a Credit Union and pose the questions regarding who determines rehab costs, etc. 

I've had my eye on Reading for multis as well as the coal region further north (Pottsville, Lansford, Schuykill Haven, etc).  

I'm Alex, I'm from the Capital Region of NY, near Schenectady, I'm a car business guy that's always been interested in RE but never thought I had the time or money to actually get involved.

The Puget Sound region, for instance is undergoing explosive growth that's founded on new hiring by international tech companies and is expected to continue @ c. 10% for the foreseeable future.  

I would suggest you stick with calling regional banks, not banks like Chase, WF, BOA who will often only sell to Hedge Funds.