Squatters are a real problem nationally and a study found that they target not only vacant properties but those advertised for rent or sale that offer 'immediate occupancy.' 

If you have questions, contact the residential tenancy office (write down who you spoke to and when in case there are problems).

I've looked at every model of every new build of every company I can find and there's always problem with design, returns, etc.

If things to sideways, the money raiser usually has no leverage or even any authority to fix the problem.

This seems counter-intuitive as I doubt you’ll ever find a really good PM company but the headaches of managing any kind of a problem remotely overshadows the ongoing concern that a PM company is inefficient and expensive (at least it does for us).

As long as it stays optional to the tenant I don’t have a problem with it.

The renovation aimed to modernize the property, enhance its appeal to potential tenants, and maximize its long-term value.

I've got no problem with them booking direct.

As I read your post, the reoccurring theme that came up was a screening problem. 

If you manage to get this off the ground and do some verified - meaning paperwork is in your name, or company's name, etc - projects that turn a profit, and you build some capital in a bank, you should be able to go right to that lender after a year or two and start a relationship no problem.