Studying their marketing and advertisement as much as you listed to the other stuff and see how you can adapt those marketing techniques for yourself.

First always remember you will still need some of your own skin in the game no matter how you go about it, so you will need to make money and save money, so you can make money on your saved money :)You can consider a credible house hacking technique:1) Find a duplex at a favorable reduced price point below market value 2) Apply for a 203k loan (considering the home has an appraised value acquisition + construction)3)You only need a 600ish credit score to get a 203k loan - you only need 3.5% down4) Live on one side & rent the other = free rent (this is minimum goal)5) save money you would be using for rent to buy your next assetThis is a very rough guide, but very achievable and very simple, especially if you are just begging.

Seller seems pretty motivated (i.e. flexible) and has nothing to lose by working with me to get this thing closed, rehabbed, and cash flowing again, so perhaps he will entertain some creative techniques to get this done.David, or anyone else, can you give me some more guidance on the owner financing terms I might go back to the seller with?

House hacking is the technique to enter the Calgary market I would suggest.

Commercial loans aren't always 25% down, get in the business now, learn cross collateralization techniques, blanket loans.There are other techniques to acquire ownership, like a TIC, look for tired landlords wanting to retire, distressed owners and properties.

If so what techniques seemed to work best for you?

I was born and raised in the City and learned about investing techniques when I was in my 20's, now 73 still going strong and doing bigger and more profitable transactions.

Does anyone have good recommendations/techniques that they have used in the past to analyze a new market? 

There are so many unique strategies and techniques to real estate investing and that is one of the main reasons I am drawn to it.  

Interesting technique that you have there - I do know his mail continues to come in at this address though.