In fact, he just forced his planning director to resign out of pressure from the development community, who aren't going to vote for him in the impending reelection next month anyway

It is a requirement, in addition to another set of courses specifically design to help, to become a director of a real estate agency.

My partner, who is female was going to be meeting the person(s) alone, and for her safety we requested a snapshot of an ID with sensitive information redacted to protect their privacy.  

What I might recommend doing is in your lease have a spot that says clogged toilets and drains are the tenants responsibility and addressing what should not be put in the toilet or drains (ie wax, toys, female products, grease ect) .

before marriage I had a lucrative RE partnership with a female ...... but it evolved into...

Find an aggressive agent who wants to go extra miles, preferable a female about 50 years old with 10 years business experience, who does about 30 deals a year already.

I'm from Austin and have been living in San Francisco for the past 3 years as the West coast director of sales for a technology firm. 

@Bob BastingWhile you can read on the internet that a joint-venture between you and your self-directed IRA or 401(k) is possible, it is not generally something we would recommend.You are a disqualified party to your plan, and there can be no direct or indirect benefit between you and the plan, in either direction.  

The other factor is the director rate but that is country-wide and don't affect only Quebec market.May I ask why you want to buy in Quebec, particularly in this neighborhood?

@Mary Joe the Board of Managers (or Board of Directors if you are at a co-op) does have insurance against lawsuits, which they are required to have.