With $150k here you’re just a little tight on budget but can make it happen if you self-manage and do your own furnishing and design.  

If your objective is to reduce your own tax burden, you are in essence confirming they have no valid AP claim.

Quote from @Casey Graham: @Corey Conklin thanks for the follow up on this and the confirmation it's workin. 

Had an issue with trying to self-permit a build a few years back that was an HPR but had an "A" and "B" designation.

[I think someone else provided an example of this case earlier]-Now provided you do qualify for purchasing a house (4 units or less), you will have no problem qualifying for a mortgage with a Schedule 1 bank as long as you provide the down payment (35% minimum of purchase price) and confirm proof of fund and the source of it- On the proof and source of funds, the banks would want to see an income enough to cover the mortgage payment and other expenses. and in some cases, they would want to make sure they know how you're going to cover your expenses (housing, heating, etc..) where you live.This is usually where it gets annoying for some folks but if you can satisfy this, you should be able to qualify for a mortgage just likely any Canadian tax resident, albeit you will pay a little more in terms of interest rate, etc.

Understand Auction Rules:Auctions typically require fast closings, often within 7-14 days, so confirm your financing aligns with this timeline.

For background, I'm partnered with an architect and interior designer, but I'd have to find most of the subs as I don't have any formal connections (at least in the area I'd like to build).

I own a small multifamily commercial in Albuquerque and can confirm the diversity of the economic and cultural factors that you mentioned. 

Hi, you seem like a potentially good candidate for DSCR Loans, a loan product that was essentially designed for exactly this - investors that want to build a portfolio relatively quickly and not be slowed down by DTI requirements or other hassles from conventional options.Would be glad to help, also check out this 12-part series published here on BP on everything you would ever want to know on this loan option!

They have a team of designers who do it online.