Not sure about Canadian loan programs, but the distance issue is pretty universal for small landlords across North America... and I can say the closer the better.If you are self-managing, you may have to (or should) stop by for things like showings, maintenance, snow removal (unless you contract it out), or inspections. 

Another unknown is what will Global Warming do to prices? 

To deny climate change outright is foolish.However, the degree of change is so minuscule that it would never be noticed in several lifetimes.Do not be surprised if 10 years from now the media will tout warnings of a global ice age.Just look at history:https://anhonestclimatedebate.wordpress.com/2009/08/02/climate-change-alarmism-timelin/

Looking into this option currently.Option 2: cash out refiCash out equity and change the loan to a 30 year mortgage, which would decrease the mortgage significantly and increase cash flow each month.I don't know the Canadian tax issues with the cash out refi.

If cryptocurrency is just another currency, then accepting it is no different than, say, accepting Euros, Canadian Dollars or British Pounds for your vacation rental then converting to USD.

I'd like to know about online rental payment method and/or tenant screening services that Canadian landlords use. 

This is how I would categorize lenders with some basic limiting underwriting factors:Banks/credit units - long seasoning, GLOBAL DTI, rigid documentation, good/long-term ratesTier 1 private money (institutional private money) - Short seasoning, property DTI, rigid doc, good/long-term rates (not as low as banks)Tier 2 private money (institutional private money) - Short seasoning, NO DTI, asset based, moderate doc, higher long term ratesTier 3 private money (institutional private money - bridge term lending, typically interest only type loans for 12-24 months. 

I am actually a professional Canadian working in the US on a work visa.

Unfortunately, I cannot seem to find any Canadian information.  

I plan on calling some Canadian banks that have branches in the US (RBC, TD) and speaking with them but I'm seeing that they may require a higher down payment (75% LTV) and we're only really prepared to put down 5-10%.What do you think?