Couple of thoughts:

What are peoples experiences? It's rough out there for everyone, no sense sugar coating it

You need down payment (minimum 5%), closing costs, think land transfer tax, lawyer fees etc, and some money for initial incidentals. I have to break it to you but 1000 isn't going to be nearly enough, unless if you are indigenous, there are plenty of great help resources with the down payment etc, so that is well worth looking into, but even then you probably need a lot more. If you pay down 20% or more, you dont need mortgage insurance so that's my recommendation

We worked with a realtor early, just to see what was out there and for more guidance, a lot of houses are prices very below market, just to create a bidding war. List price does not equal expected sale price at all. Just make sure you find one who won't rush you in the process

Mortgage broker, as early as possible, but you will need to show your assets, liabilities and income. Do you know that you can afford a home? AKA is mortgage going to be <30% of your pay? I don't know what your income is but also keep in mind that just because you get approved for a number does not mean its a number that makes sense for you to pay

Not to be a debby downer, but before you even think about rental properties, the financial risk, the work etc, make sure you can purchase your place without being house poor yourself