Biggest lessons I've picked up from folks who made it through: Don't be overleveraged, invest for cash flow, don't speculate on appreciation. 

This  is  speculative,  as  all  deals vary. 

(I only have one mortgage, good income and credit so I would speculate that I can?)

You're just speculating on the 2 year part.

I'm weary of the "invest for appreciation" mindset that seems prevalent in this market; this smells like speculation to me.

Plus, you can also access the entire spectrum of investments: debt/equity, commercial/residential, income generating/speculative.

I have gotten into real estate in the last few months and for my real estate strategy decided on buying fixed up houses that cash flow (300-500/month) and hold onto them long term.Many people have told me that real estate investing can be risky but it appears these risks are more often associated with speculators.

You can still buy properties at great prices and experience great appreciation as it's starting to pick up quickly in Innisfil, but I don't want to be investing on speculation alone incase the market tanks for a few years so that making Innisfil my least desirable investment location.

You could reach out to local builders - many of them do speculative builds on lots in great areas, so they could buy the lot from you for cash...

Pre-qualification helps to eliminate the speculation and narrow your focus.