Edmonton is a sellers market right now, so this will presentchallenges to buyers.

Long story short I signed a Buyer's Agent agreement with an agent who we had purchased through (they were listing agent on one we bought) and liked.

CfD is a legal contract between you and a buyer (aka your tenant) that states for $x down (secuirty deposit) and $x a month (monthly rent) for x months, they can live in the home.

This approach helps mitigate risk, especially in a fluctuating market, by allowing you to weather potential downturns.Your strategy of going long on USD and short on AUD is intriguing, and it's smart to consider how the currency exchange dynamics will affect your investments.Regarding the Austin market, there has been notable activity in the lower end and affordable housing segments, with many buyers entering the market as they look for opportunities.

Yes, you owe $151k, but if a cash buyer sees the value, you could minimize your losses.Legal Options: I get that hiring a lawyer isn’t feasible right now, but I would still document everything (contracts, payments, correspondence) in case you’re able to pursue the contractor legally in the future.

Or does the buyer need to use the home as an investment home?

For example, could this potentially be a cash boom opportunity within the adjacent areas such as Kenosha and Mount Pleasant where one could buy low, sell high within a relatively short amount of time through appreciation, or would the presence of Microsoft increase cash flow in those areas?

but it sounds like your mind is made up on this mentor.. flipping right now is a pretty tough gig for a beginner depending on market. very low inventory then sky high rates for your buyers. so use caution be careful also make sure you have a GREAT RE Broker who knows the values and what you should and shouldn't do in the rehab to maximize your returns. these things are very market specific U simply need to make sure your matching what is expected in the market you choose.. 

Good for the buyer who would otherwise pay out of pocket to close, and good for HMH which gets the property at a low interest rate.

Do you have buyers?