It sounds like mistakes were made on the properties but I'm also questioning the market (you didn't say where these are). 

Quote from @Jaren Taylor: Quote from @Chris Mason: If you have the ability to market and raise money, then you secure the down payment, and do the normal commercial mortgage process. 

There's a reason that people try to buy properties off-market and that is because you can find sellers who care more about terms than maximizing returns.So start with a conversation: you already presumably have some rapport since it's your landlord and you've spoken before.

Any marketing should always be based on the information provided by sellers in a deal. 

I use Facebook marketplace as my way of marketing my rentals.

Be careful when you select entity types.A pass-through entity in the United States, such as an LLC, may not hold the same characteristics in Canada.What market are you looking to invest in?

Southern Maine is a great market for long-term rentals, with strong demand in many areas.

I am in Tampa Florida so the investment market is huge here for both as well. 

Study the market.

VA loans are the only loans that allow this, and there is no rate penalty for it no longer being your primary home.With that in mind, you could do a cash out refinance today at a higher rate than current market rates which will create profit on the loan, we can take that profit to pay for your closing costs.