These older buildings make for aesthetically pleasing apartments, but, unless the building has been modernized (particularly the building envelope) in the past 30 years,  the operating costs of some of the old stone and brick multi-units can have operating costs in the 60 - 75% of gross revenue range.The other thing to watch in Saint John is the local economy - which is struggling a bit despite the recent announcement of the refurbishment at the refinery.We've been watching this market for a few years and there are deals to be found, you just want to be most conservative in your analysis to leave yourself with sufficient cushion.Fredericton has a fairly stable rental market - being a predominately government and university town - but a recent wave of new construction has seen vacancy rates climb from 2-3% to 6 - 8% and I think we will starting to see a little pressure on those landlords who provide their tenants with poor offerings.  

And are the concerns aesthetically related or functionally inhibiting what can be done (wire height may be problematic during construction... arc potential, getting trucks/cranes on and off site)?

For what its worth, I would personally use a porcelain tile simply for the durability and aesthetics.

Or in other words, which type of patio door is more aesthetically pleasing in your markets?

If there are any structural changes, you'll also need a structural engineer to stamp ($600 or so in my experience).Or, if it's really just straightforward and aesthetic, just do it and don't get the county involved.

Conveniently it looks like the house next to it has been popped up already, and there are several other taller homes on the street, so aesthetically we would still be in line with the surrounding area.

Inserts are less aesthetically pleasing but there is no tiling needed!! 

Conveniently it looks like the house next to it has been popped up already, and there are several other taller homes on the street, so aesthetically we would still be in line with the surrounding area.

Don't mistake that as my generations mentality that I can be a lazy punk, looking to make a quick buck hustling potatoes.

from googling, it seems high end aesthetic is going towards minimalist lighting.