Your argument on market motive, to be true, would mean Super-8's would be doing gangbusters, and there not.

For my thesis, I'm conducting research into the practices and motivations of small landlords in Ontario to explore how various social and economic factors influence their business strategies, day-to-day property maintenance, and tenant interactions.Could anyone refer me to someone who might be interested in participating?

So in other words you can't target motivated sellers, but you  know WHERE they will be when they become motivated.

I would suggest having a conversation first about what interests you the most, being excited about investing goes a long way, I would not just do it just to do it, what will motivate both of you?

What is my motivation to self-manage?  

You have been working so hard and are so motivated--- congrats on being so close!

Focusing on cash will not motivate you long-term, especially through the trials you are facing now and will face in the future.Keep chasing the dream.

The seller has a motivation to sell to you at the highest possible  number so you do not simply take their word for the price etc. 

Then walk away.Focus on lead generation—true motivated seller lead generation.

My thoughts were the same about financial advisors, because you can’t be certain of motives in their advice or their own agendas.