Being new to the area, I am not sure which are the wisest areas to pursue, so I welcome thoughts on the best areas to invest, or more broadly frameworks about how to think about a good deal.I am also interested in advice on the basics of setting up an ideal REI business practice.

Is this a typical practice?

This is becoming a popular option for cabins in the area to install, much more efficient than the baseboard heating many have and more practical than installing a propane system.My place: https://post.craigslist.org/k/tqTJaAlD6BGJPAqtBO1S...

Contracts for deed are being looked at more closely by CFBP because of predatory practices, but they are by no means illegal.4) What people are calling Sub2 financing can be achieved by 3 primary methods:Quit Claim deed where the seller has no recourse in the event of default but remains on the hook for the underlying loan.All inclusive trust deed (or wrap) where title transfers and the seller carries the note and continues to service the underlying debt.  

BiggerPockets has so much information on real estate practically served up on a silver platter.

DISCLAIMER: I am not familiar with your states licensing practices but I am sure they can be found at the department of state easily enough.This allows you to advertise to the public.

This practice seems a bit unethical by the selling agent.  

It also helped that we have so much volume that I was able to practice on so many houses every day.

My RE background is slim, so I've now read approximately 783,594 threads here about structuring PM deals, good practice, what to avoid, etc. 

Also this post is in no way meant to advocate any practice or business plan anyone else plans to do.As always I wish the best in your decisions.SIDE NOTE: I notice you are in Canada, my information is even less valid than the disclaimer would suggest