One of the key challenges I’m facing is understanding the financing options available to someone without Canadian residency or a local credit history.From my research, it seems that a 35% down payment is often required, with interest rates around 7.5-8.5% for non-residents.

I’ve considered the following options:1.

@Rene Hosman all good options! 

FHA gets a bad rap because sellers and many agents think it's only for people who don't have the money so if I had 20 percent, but wanted to use FHA, I would present a proof of funds with my offer showing I have more money, but am using the FHA as a financial option so I can get an investment property as well somewhere else.

If I change things (new sleeper sofa, new pictures on walls, different bedroom furniture) I change my pictures

Several of the contractors offer helical piers but don’t seem to think they’d be a more cost effective option - we can directly ask about this again.  

Furnished vs. non-furnished quite obviously places ownership of the furniture with the landlord.

Plus the 20%-30% more in gross revenue just goes towards utilities, furniture, etc.

Everything on my side was set to close, and then today the seller is refusing to close on Monday as they have not moved a few pieces of furniture they were supposed to get movers for.

Staging your house well can help you attract more attention from buyers, which ultimately helps it sell faster and maybe for a higher price than an unstaged home (see visual):What Are My Staging Options?