If it is a mortgage that requires you to occupy for one year that may limit your freedom to move, also if you end up wanting to move earlier filling a vacancy during winter is less desirable.

Interest-only would give you a bit more freedom and you won't have as large of payments. - What is the maximum LTV?

I am a complete beginner for real estate investing, but I have lots of interest in starting my path to financial freedom.

I've spent the last year educating myself on real estate investing and how to use it to obtain financial freedom.

I've spent the last year educating myself on real estate investing and how to use it to obtain financial freedom.

No one achieves financial freedom by borrowing their own money ( minus cost of insurance) at a net profit of 2%.

Freedom & Control Lastly, we don’t want to be at anyone’s mercy for anything.

Its a sad day when you have sacrificed the very freedoms that we fight to preserve just to get out and be less than fully equipped to succeed in life after service. 

Have to give a shout out to @Mark Ainley who suggested to look up Freedom of Information even on potential properties.

Wealth to me is being able to grow your assets to create enough monthly income to create the time freedom to be able to be able to have abundance and choice in many different areas of your life and to be able to spend more time with your loved ones!