Any references or suggestions are appreciated. 

In summary, I'm wondering if there are any other Canadian investors who have researched the same question.

It was a smart play made possible by an area real estate broker who suggested it.

Wondering if any of y’all have any insight or experiences that would help my decision?

Some cities do require them to register and have insurance, but that is no guarantee of the work or quality.While many will fight you on this, my suggestion is to never pay up front. 

Quote from @Reshmi Naheed: Any suggestions on which city and state is good to buy a LTR property in 2024? 

Approaching the end of my first BRRRR (rehab to be done in 2 weeks) and I'd like to reward my contractor with a cash bonus; I'm wondering what an appropriate amount of money is to give him.

Any suggestions whether it's worth it to go with traditional big law attorneys or do something alternative?

I believe we are going to go with the cash-out refi though he also suggested using a construction loan which would have delayed principal payment period if we thought the rehab process would take a long time.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions.