The only exception I make for puppies is if it is an actual service animal providing a specific service (such as diabetes dogs, or guide dogs) that will be going through specialized training.

I've been reading a few note guides, and came across the concept of using your note as collateral for another loan.

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

If you don't like the answers, find someone who knows what they're talking about and can guide you.

Concerning owning a rental property: Have you read the discussions concerning the 2% and 50% rule to use as a guide?

Start by reading the Ultimate Real Estate Investing Guide: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides/ultimate-real-estate-investing-guide/introduction2.

A good agent will be a guide and a resource for you.

Brentwood and Oakley are great suburbs that are growing fast.https://www.movoto.com/guide/san-jose-ca/san-jose-real-estat...If you do a search on Zillow, look at the school rankings no matter what city you're looking at and a Google map search (may not always be current).

I think we need a bit more information to help guide you.

Start by reading the Ultimate Real Estate Investing Guide: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides/ultimate-real-estate-investing-guide/introduction2.