This number varies with the more and more people that I speak with and I am curious what most of the BP members are experiencing.

Generally speaking, they tend to present the best opportunities for buy & hold investments in our market and are a FANTASTIC way to begin building your portfolio.As for your questions:The FHA's owner-occupancy (OO) requirement does stipulate that the buyer must reside in the property (or one if its units) as their primary residence. 

I'd love to help out and get my feet wet (Figuratively speaking of course, I'm going to be getting enough of that during these next 5 weeks).Cheers,Shane 

Canada is so attractive because of the long term housing market, realistically speaking we have never seen a true crash in housing prices.

@Mike Hanson - speaking personally, I would first and foremost not make such a large investment in condominiums in general.

I know several agents that I will reach out to and my husband is getting ready for his real estate test as we speak to assist in this area.

At this time I don't have a lot to 'bring to the table' so to speak and don't think it would be in good taste to just show up to one and immediately start pitching financing options for my goals.

I can't really speak from experience with out of state marketing, but I don't see any reason why that wouldn't work out just as well as if you were marketing locally. 

Lots of great advice already provided, my only addition is that you speak to your tenant to find out his intentions. 

@Jon VillaIf you think direct mail is the way you want to go, you might want to speak with @Jerry Puckett.