Not having a background in finance, I have to admit that most of this is over my head, but very interesting nevertheless.

I still love Montreal but, if I was to generalize, I could easily conclude it's a bad place to live in.I'm writing these lines from the rooftop of our condo building in beautiful and sunny Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

I find a lot of people just assume that since they inherently trust their friend/family member, a lot of the "what ifs" and worst-case scenarios are not hammered out in fine detail which can lead to confusion and personal interpretation after the deal is closed, which it should have been addressed pre-emptively before the money was lent out.

I work in finance (read really long hours), in downtown Manhattan, so having a short commute is a must.

So for 8 years when I was in finance, I was spending my time & energy trying to develop competence in areas I was lacking, and would mentally beat myself up, thinking I wasn't cut out for that industry, when my real issue was, I was working on the wrong areas. 

I need some clarification regarding the "Annualized Total Return" number that is calculated in the Rental Property Calculator as follows:Formula used: ((Ending Value / Beginning Value) -1) / Years; However, in my 10 years of experience in finance and investments plus during my formal education (MS in Finance) I have always learned that the annualized return formula looks as follows:((Ending Value / Beginning Value) ^ (1/Years)) - 1In earlier years the delta between the two formulas is somewhat negligible; However, in later years (approx. after five years); the delta is getting quite substantial. 

I use my masters and my degree in finance and Accounting (my original plan/part of finding my path) to find work.

It sounds like cold calling, direct mail etc. is soon to become unethical resulting in fines if caught.

That being said, are there any additional avenues you'd recommend I pursue, being that I don't have a background in finance?

I have my Masters Degree in Finance & Economics as well.