Sit on hold for ages and ages and noone picks up or once someone picked up, I tell her I want more information on the process, she says ok let me connect you with a specialist, then I'm on hold again for ages??

They have a little more skin in the game, because they're going to be living with the property once it's completed.

There are definitely many craigslist back alley renovation specialists out there looking to do jobs, this just comes with the field you're getting into. 

Cheers  You should really consult with a cross border tax specialist to discuss your financial situation as it makes a difference depending on a number of factors.

DSCR loan) or even qualify without using a standard DSCR calculation if you have enough of a down payment/'skin in the game' (typically 25% down is what I see required recently if long term rents can't at least cover the mortgage payment including taxes/insurance/HOA). 

They have more skin in the game then you do.Make sure you get clear title.

so often I feel people try to navigate 'get rich with no skin in the game' options but in my experience I've had to invest money to make money.  

If you are going to find a mentor, find one who is willing to put skin in the game with you and offer the value that a mentor should bring. 

Yes, you have skin in the game, and yes, you know the minimum size to reach your economy of scale.

I'm not a tax specialist, but am dealing with this currently.