I personally think networking & closely monitoring other creative deals done by which attorney would be a good place to start.

There are limits to how many Fannie Mae (personal) loans you can have, which is 10 per person… so if you are married my first suggestion is to buy your properties in one person’s name to maximize  how many loans you can have.  

Now I see lot of people ( many on youtube) are suggesting that housing market is progressing towards a recession/ correction/crash and prices are going to fall soon.

Are houses appreciating?

Also, check the amenities available, that will run the HOA dues too.Location-wise, check whatever will be easier to rent in the long run.Also, depending on how you're comfortable with sharing your apartment, 2 bed could be a great house-hack.

The Howey Test defines an investment contract (a type of security) as a transaction where a person invests money in a common enterprise and is led to expect profits solely from the efforts of others.  

I would be using the equity to purchase a new house for myself and my parents (they’re older now and need help)

I personally started by buying a cheap crappy duplex.

I'm currently helping an E5 engineer with a house hack in the college area out here in San Diego. 

Watch how the FED always mentions Housing Prices, etc.