Exceptions to a lot in and island of different use types are typically not made.

Based on what we're seeing today, we would rather buy an uninhabitable, blight home and take the time to renovate it than buy anything already renovated.  

I am in Long Island myself - are you talking about Levittown?

Replacement may take weeks and during this time the house may be uninhabitable. 

Things I want to upgrade/add below:-Add an additional BR by splitting the large den-Open up the wall that divides the kitchen and living room to add a small breakfast nook/island.

Things I want to upgrade/add below:-Add an additional BR by splitting the large den-Open up the wall that divides the kitchen and living room to add a small breakfast nook/island.

If the rent for your current place is less than what you'd be paying for a mortgage (remember there are property taxes and condo fees on top of that if you own it), you may want to buy a rental not in Vancouver, but nearby (eg Vancouver Island). 

I personally think we can do much better than this as it is a 5 bed unit right of the harbor on Newport Island, and we will be rehabbing the property some. 

General Frisbie was largely responsible for the development of Vallejo and for establishing Mare Island as a Naval Base.

Purchase price: $102,500 Cash invested: $28,000 Rehabbed single family ranch property by replacing all trim, flooring, removing kitchen wall for open concept, new kitchen cabinets & island, replaced roof, updated electrical, new heat pump and A/C, complete Master Bathroom(with tile shower), and adding egress window in basement.