If they are suspicious of work being done without a permit they will investigate.

I am investigating how much it will cost to build a duplex.  

Further make sure that exceptions you (they) allow to remain on the Preliminary Title report do not interfere with their lien, especially any defaulted taxes that may come with the purchase of the property4.

If the property can rent for 1% of the purchase price - or better - then I will investigate and plug real numbers into a calculator to see where it really comes out.I have used the 50% rule but I don't live or die by it based on my personal situation.

I am considering starting a real estate partnership business in the Atlanta area (hold or flip) but would like if someone could outline at a high-level the preliminary steps involved starting with task #1 and moving forward kind of like a roadmap. 

It’s also interesting to see how you believe NE real estate has stagnated.Haven’t done my research yet but I a few of these different posts have me thinking places like Portland Maine, Worcester mass and New Haven CT may be good places to investigate for low ball high potential investments?

I am also thinking of spending time at least part time in Montreal some time in the future (not now but maybe in a few years), and some preliminary research suggests a better return on investment in real estate in Montreal vs Toronto, so I am now considering buying a property in Montreal.However, I am also concerned about any implications given that I'm a US citizen and Canadian permanent resident living outside of Quebec.

@Vance Corich make sure to investigate the economic base.

Regarding your wife doing all the property managing, make sure that you "pay" her as an expense in your preliminary analysis (just like you would need to do if you were paying a different Property Manager), because her time is worth just as much as anyone else's!

Architects are often hired to do this preliminary work prior to the property being purchased.