Making sure I an prepared.

I just want to give an example: I bought a property in Welland before for 20% downpayment, I asked the guy preparing my mortgage application if I can do smaller DP but he says no the bank would not let me because it is a rental property (someone is already renting it there and I took over) He also taught me to use my personal line of credit (the process I know you guys are more aware of than me)...long story short, I want to learn more about the mortgage rules and RE strategies in Canada such as when I can use lower than 20% DP, when I can use my personal line of credit, and refinancing, etc.Thanks and thanks to everyone who have been answering my questions.Paolo

The county required that the "Prepared By" section needed a person's name, address, and phone number.

You can ask them about their fees, all the work they will do for those fees, will they assist in preparing a contract (Agent will do this if they have one), represent them during negotiations, attend the closing etc.In Illinois, I don't usually get involved until my Client's Agent sends me a signed contract unless I prepare a contract for a FSBO Seller. 

I am reading all the books and listening to all the podcasts, trying to prepare ourselves for what the future might hold.

If you are in a state using a closing attorney, many will prepare these without extra charge but you will want to make sure they are representing you as the Lender.Disagreements are never about what's written.

Another alternative is to reach out to a few realtors in the area for their thoughts, but come prepared with your renovation plans, design ie; level of finishes, appliances, flooring, lighting, etc. to make their life a little easier as well as receiving an accurate value.

Of course, you would have to be prepared to make connections with the people from out of state especially brokers and property managers in your future target markets.

You could hold the property as tenants in common and prepare a partnership agreement.

When I have a goal and set my mind on something, I go all in to educate myself to be as best prepared as I can be when I pull the trigger (without trying to get analysis paralysis).