Where I think this deal starts to look less attractive is:There's no depreciation on land (I don't know Canadian tax laws, so take this with a grain of salt). 

(b) Design Standards.

The few I've seen are actually quite attractive.

Make sure the property is properly marketed with the correct luxury realtor from the beginning of planning - your interior designer will need to be on top of the market's preferences.

Maybe I just don’t attract the right type of finders!

I do have a full time job as a designer and I'm looking into the options for financing my first investment property. 

The truth is that this loan is very complex, and is really designed for traditional home owners to purchase a new home and slap some paint and carpet in.

I am in the process of closing on a property, however, the seller has designated a 15 day closing period in his contract.

You may want to work with a "Design-Build" firm which is basically a combination of architect/engineer and builder combined.

But, you could even tell them that emergencies (think water damage or structural damage) could be authorized without your consent.However, also consider if there's someone else State-side you could designate with a limited or durable Power of Attorney (which you need to do anyway since you're deploying).