We pay a percentage to our brokerages, have marketing and education expenses, and are self employed so we pay for our health insurance, gas, etc.  

In a nutshell it is a cash flow industry with high yield (6% to 11% net pretax) affordable at USD$30K to $70K on average, and most importantly services are transparent.

I'm concerned that if I place an ad to find people who will work on an hourly basis (in the area of the property) that I might have a hard time finding people who can reliably respond to emergencies during off hours, but I can't afford to have someone working full time or with standard on-call rotations. 

They could afford their own 1-bdrm apartment, plus electric, heat, cable, snow-clearing, etc.

Professional photography is a must and it is fast and affordable.

I'm going to be honest, it is kind of scary venturing into unfamiliar territory, after 19 years in the home health industry, but being part of Bigger Pockets gives me the confidence necessary to not give up or slow down. 

However, if you can afford the negative balance every month, you'll be accumulating equity over time as a longterm play.I'm a local broker and PM.

She's willing to pay the rent for the next two months to be a PITA, that is her choice.Inform her in writing the need to keep the AC set to a minimum level to protect the health and safety of the property even if she is not living there.

What you do have to check into are the limits for staying so that you don't lose your Canadian Health Insurance.

Can you afford to hold on till it's a better market?