That's how I started, with a company called Flip More Deals (currently called the Growth Collective) they were very hands on and helped me through the entire process and connected me with a lender and gap funder, very hands on you should check them out.

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

I want them to notify me if they will be absent for an extended period of time so that the property is not seen as abandoned by anyone looking to do a crime, and so that I could check on it.

Check your local/state law.

Second question is, if we don't live in the city we will invest in, we understand we will have to be traveling often, but who could be a good person to check in on the construction so we don't have to go every week?

Checked Zillow, you are right, only a few places have results in Canada.

We could have saved some money starting to clean up the property if we had only checked in with the neighbors first.

I’d suggest checking out real estate networking events (local or online) like REIAs or BiggerPockets.

VRBO does not seem to do the same guest verification or background checks as Airbnb and you have to opt in to Damage Protection (insurance or deposit) which I've read can detract people from booking.

Check with your Section 8 office.