I'm Maryland, so I am looking for all surrounding cities, Baltimore city and county, as well as Howard, Montgomery, PG, and Carroll counties.

I think that PG county it is not the case....but I would double check to make sure.In general HOC, Section 8, and the such are pretty well run throughout the state of Maryland.  

I've seen a few absolute gems (40-50% ARV) properties come across my plate, I was able to find a lender willing to lend on these specific properties in this current climate but as I read through forums I see that most people are saying the smart money is out of the market.I have a few listings in PG County (under 350k list price) and one in DC (650k list price) and all of them have seen double-digit showings over the last few days.

If I want to buy a retail condo in Pg county,Md. what should be minimum cap rate?

A recent podcast (#105) from a local (PG County) flipper and landlord was inspiring re the opportunities to be had in nearby MD. 

It seems you are spot on with the info you have, although the document from the LTB isn't clear about rents (see pg. 17).http://www.sjto.gov.on.ca/documents/ltb/Brochures/....)%20Revised_Bill140_June15_2015.pdfI will say that I was speaking with a colleague recently who had a similar situation.  

Charlotte: PG (population growth)-8, JG (job growth)-9, VR (vacancy rates)-8.

But to @Seattle Eltons earlier point (PG 1), the combined LOC (business or HELOC) can be used to purchase deals right on the spot without having to seek out other investors or private capital.

I do quite a few in PG County.

Baltimore or PG county are doable.