I know QB will let you filter out for credit card payments, but is QB smart enough to know that payments made by credit card should be excluded from a 1099-MISC?  

Anyone investing in these areas must be really street smart and know how to relate to tenants in class C Neighbour hoods , with that being said I love investing out here .

Let the few of us smart ones do it the right way while the rest is struggling.

S.M.A.R.T.https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/smart-goal...

Surround yourself with positive, challenging, smart people that are go getters who take actions!

Also, be aware that there may be several other smart upgrades while you're doing the plumbing that are worthwhile, but more disruptive to tenants.

Someone already advised me to refinance our current home but I m not sure if getting a local mortgage, buying a few SFH in the States would be smart as I would be depending on the currency rate as well. 

your a smart cookie

My last 2 previous single family rentals are paid in cash (I know it's not very smart).

I use Kwikset Smart Key locks on all my properties.