But also understand the value of compound interest and low cost index funds.

When I hit my 60s is when I will likely enter phase two of retirement, which is more “traditional” in nature, where those retirement accounts that have now been able to compound for decades will slowly be tapped.  

By keeping my expenses low where i live in Canada by renting, i can save more in the short term and use my savings to compound in better markets within the US.

When the income the plan receives is not taxed, but rather available to be reinvested, you gain the benefits of compounding that tax savings over time, and will be able to mushroom the savings value considerably as a result.In exchange for that tax-sheltered status of the IRA, there are rules to keep everything isolated within the IRA. 

There's also the fact that when you contribute to your retirement account, you automatically get invested (and so automatically get the benefit of compounding and being invested).

By reinvesting as much return as possible in order to maximize compounding is the tried and true method of building wealth, and that's what I'm looking at.

My motivation was compounded by my background in residential construction and industrial construction management.

If you have a day job that brings in great income I wouldn't mind going a little lower to start the investing clock sooner so you can realize the power of long-term compounding assuming you always invest in positive cashflow.

Find someone qualified to look at this type of home and don't cheap out; a good inspection can save you a ton up-front and over time.Also pay close attention to the foundation (assuming it's a rubble/stone/brink foundation) to ensure that its straight, not bowing or seeping water. 

As an example, this is the first I head of RBC allowing seven residential mortgages ... for years they bowed out at five (not five from them ... five in total).