They NEVER EVER cut the grass so the weeds are all over my backyard chain-link fence that divides our properties. 

That's dangerously close to the 1% rule, and a lot closer you would get to it than if you purchased a new construction.

We used to be able to buy 8-10 cap apartment buildings, but over the past 12 months a lot of money from both coasts have started to uncover what you are, and the prices on multi family is closer to 6.5-7.5 currently.

I am hoping to house hack again either in the same town or one closer to where I work. 

My wife and I just moved to Ottawa from the GTA to be closer with family.

It's really helpful - mine is probably tilted to RE heavy (my friends are horrified lol) and I think I want my overall portfolio to look closer to those percentages. 

Have someone watch the cross walk.Neighbors- They are all businesses and closed, or the Hotel folks will walk over.If it gets too big, rent out the grass area behind you across the street.As always check zoning and covenants.Over the top????

Paying off some of the mortgage with prior savings.Your third point gets closer to the crux of the matter!

I feel like we are still in the early stages of what we ultimately want to accomplish, but we are trying to stay consistent in buying more rentals each year to get us closer to our goals. 

We also want to invest closer to home.