There are a few programs that can help with down payment, 5% down and some grant money.

For me, one of the time investments that I've been investing heavily in is training my 3 dogs - when the newest pup is full grown that will be like 250 lbs of dogs lol but after considering your approach I think one of the best investments I can make right now is professional dog training.

They are coming up with investor friendly programs all the time which could potentially work for your situation. 

I’m looking to find, hire and train a team of people, likely overseas, to do a lot background research tasks for identifying target properties/leads for my biz, as well as a couple of US based folks to field the calls to homeowners. 

Of course you can always circumvent these by doing a 1099 exchange - but thats only if Congress hasn't revoked that program which very well may happen.There are lots of factors to consider, but those are the two I would focus on.

However I also think you can be a great investor without becoming an agent.We do have a free online licensing training program now with my broker. 

We also do not have the 1031 program in canada.

As for the programs, maybe you can reach out to them to see if they can help.

I do not get any money from TurboTenant, nor am I an owner or investor in the company.They have a referral program where they will send me a $25 home depot gift card for a referral - you don't have to use the referral codeStessaStessa is a website that I use to track all my expenses.It is another free site and you can pull reportsYou even can upload receipts.Roofstock recently purchased StessaCompletely freeZillow Rental ManagerI use this to collect rent.Free for the landlordTenant only pays a fee if they use a credit card to pay rent.

This way the short term renters can walk the neighborhood or take a quick train ride to another neighborhood to the main attractions.