From there, you can continue to learn, build your plan(s) of attack, fine tune what areas of RE you want to go deep in, and frankly start building a career and income that can support REI in SoCal, perhaps the most expensive place to buy alongside SFBA/NY.

If structured properly (and your documentable income can support it), you can finance up to 20 separate properties between you and your wife.2 - The maximum LTV for cash-out refinance is currently 80% on a single loan. 

I remember when anti-religious groups were going to boycott Chik Fil-A for their support of certain candidates, and then religious groups were going to boycott them for not donating to religious groups any more.

Creditors for future credit applications (such as a mortgage, purchase or refinance) are, and will be, allowed to discriminate on that basis even if there is no FICO impact, just like "declared bankruptcy" or "did not pay court ordered child support" - they can hold those things against you even if you have an 850 FICO score. 

Our BiggerPockets members are supportive to newbies like you. 

If the NY State government is keen on providing rent support for 90 days, then they should be issuing government backed vouchers, not forcing the burden on small business owners.

Otherwise, I've been told by hard money lenders that they can't support because I intend to live in the property. 

Example:Learn about how the CARES Act can help Real Estate AgentsIn our ongoing efforts to support Real Estate Agents during this challenging time, we thought it would be helpful to share some information about the recently passed CARES Act and how it may benefit you.

@Sam Cherry You're input and support on these issues is very good. 

Personally I am a big fan of the smaller local meetups - those tend to be more about personal relationships/ supporting each other.