There are a decent number of VTB's in Winnipeg but it is typically for very cheap properties and/or properties that won't sell. 99% of agents have no clue what they are or how to negotiate the terms of a VTB.Most sellers need the cash for either there next home or retirement so your best chance of finding seller financing options are for buying properties already owned by investors

Good reviews on work.b) Cheap contractor - wants $1,500 for the same work. 

Then I plan on going back to my portfolio lender with 2 town homes and a duplex free and clear to pledge as collateral for around $600,000 in financing so I can go buy some more real estate.If you know what you are doing, this can be a very cheap and convenient source of short term capital.

IF you wanted to buy properties on the cheap AND do the work yourself (instead of hiring a contractor), then you want to buy with HML, do the renovations, then do a cash out refi and move into it.

China is natural resource poor and dependent on the rest of the world to fill that void, and with cheap labor drying up they will lose some ground on the manufacturing side. 

Mid term and STR is a good option but you will have to furnish it, and do not go on the cheap route from IKEA or something that will break and you will have to replace it again anyway.  

I only ask because a town I grew up in, (Tempe AZ) was cheap when I first arrived there. 

As I grew, my structure became more complicated.Anyone can create a cheap LLC. 

It will require Ca Fair Plan insurance which is not cheap but is likely cheaper than a free market would dictate.  

Be a cheap slumlord, and you'll be selling in 6 months.