That all said there are still ways to invest now and get in the game.

That said, please be sure to follow forum rules and not solicit in the forums outside marketplace or spam via the message system, both of which are against the terms of service here.Based on your initial post, it sounds to me like you have more to offer than most so in my opinion, you have a better chance since you have the skill set AND some skin in the game!

What I do is get a list of title companies and call them inquiring if they are investor friendly.

Ellie - obtain the funds needed to acquire the property  from friend / relative ...pay seller the  cash ...have a private note set up between yourself and donor)   with specific  terms  for repayment ...make sure the  rate  agreed to is  a realistic  market type rate ) and also make sure that a formal lien is  filed for the loan  and also make sure you formally go into the title  .........I would suggest making a separate agreement / arrangement for the  funds  you are  borrowing for the  construction ...... 

@Stephen Paunovski House hacking is  an excellent way to get into the game. 

Si jamais tu es encore dans la game à Montreal hit me up.

Do I need to tell the title company to put my name and amount?

The deposit must stay in title company, a third independent company.

Hi,  I'm totally new to the game, but would like to learn more about buying an investment property to be used as a short term rental. 

Most portfolio lender also like to see that you have some "skin in the game".