I would be buying into a sellers market in almost any Albertan city.Alberta also worries me as it is known to be super volatile for short periods of time and then sit dormant for up to a decade. 

I can buy a 2-4 unit with 20% down vs conventional can only buy a 2-4 INVESTMENT property with 25% down 4. there are options where DSCR loans dont repot to personal credit, helps in not having to show a bunch of paperwork or not one person in a partnership has to carry the debt5. way less paperwork to close on this loan type vs a conventional loan. we care about the income of the property you're buying and it's ability to service the debt of the property whether we use long term rents income, lease income, or air dna/bnb income.6. easily buy in partnerships, add people to your operating agreement, its as easy as that so bring partners into a deal. helps with scaling and raising capital or getting partners involved7. gift funds allowed to close on these as well, and like I said earlier, there's only a 10day seasoning period of funds with some lenders so that means you can literally have a private money lender deposit money into your account 11 days before closing, and you can use those funds to close!

I've been a solo broker for well over 20 years and can spot a serious buyer/seller very quickly. 

The other hurdle is to find a contractor, that is something that you can do as well.

I am a private Monday lender and NMLS licensed ( not active) Mortgage banker so I know a little about this I started in private money in Oakland CA in 1987 and have done well over 3000 loans to various clients in 25 states and this is me personally not selling a system so others can do it..

The key is a great contractor and a clear, detailed, well-thought-out scope of work. 

I highly recommend a well-qualified REALTOR who works with investors and knows how to help you best.7.

As well as UN-realized expenses.

.: Some of the advice above is not well thought out or not aware of the rules in CA.  

One land speculation I bought 4 acres in sonoma County CA ( wine country) in 96 for 27k it was unbuildable at the time ( could not get a septic system on it) Well city grew to us The Graton Casino comes in right across the street and we sold a few years ago for over 2 mil to a land assemblage investment company.