Some rental-property owners who never needed an attorney may soon have a landlord lawyer on speed-dial.

If the rate is reasonable then it may make sense to try to save fast to get to the 3.5% down payment on a double or triple - househacking may allow you to increase your savings rate and pay down that loan even faster.As for estimating costs, closing in NY factor at least 1% of the mortgage amount for tax, plus $1500-2000 for lawyer, title and fees, then the amount required by the bank for escrow will depend on the actual property taxes and insurance.

Are there any lawyers in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area that are familiar with Master lease agreements?

Guess a GA lawyer is the best person to ask. 

I have a title report from my lawyer, but it is somewhat confusing as the land has been subdivided (it started as 9 acres and is now 1.5) and has quite a few transactions - including to the county (I.e allowing the county to build a road).

Since this is my first go around - I'd really appreciate advice on the following:- any references on lawyers /firms to work with to go through the Barment and foreclosure process without breaking the bank.- Ball park ranges - what can I expect the cost of this process to be?

They are provided with contracts to use which are developed and vetted by real estate lawyers within each state and updated regularly to stay current with changing laws. 

1) I always use zillow to list new properties and use there platform to accept zillow applications2) Doorloop for management that includes accounting, repository for documents like leases, collect rents, tenant communications3) Received lease agreement from a lawyer

Probably too small of a sample set here on BP, ask your lawyer or CPA to review

Check on ownership status before you get into escrow.Get multiple inspections to be able to really determine the extent of repairs.Try to align yourself with the best contractors, had good referrals, but somehow nobody stood behind their warranties.Have a good lawyer and local accounting firm.Talk to locals to see how things are done and what's happening around you.Have patience!