NYC is a very tough place to use a real estate license because it doesn't operate like other markets.

Most doesn't seem precise enough for you.

I was going to use the “find a lender” feature on this website but I’m Canadian so it doesn’t look like it’s open to us. 

When someone else is on ownership (or deed/title) then they would need to sign a couple of things at closing to give permission for a lien to be applied to the property they own - but that doesn't mean that HAVE to be on the loan. 

However it still doesn't solve my other objective.

Here’s some insight based on my experience:Question A:Since you live in California, it’s important to know that California doesn’t care where your property is located.

If you have zero vacancies, zero tenant damage, make sure utilities (especially heat) stay on every winter even if the tenant doesn’t pay.  

It's easy to obtain, costs very little, and doesn't require extra, on-going effort to maintain.

But what you pay extra for those lots doesn't justify the return in rents you're going to get.

In fact, a personal guarantee would be irrelevant if pursued in this scenario.This doesn’t happen often, but as lenders, we're leery of doing business with anyone who won’t agree to a guarantee.