My broker's private bank and private lender options also denied it for being too unique of a property (it being an island) and had a concern about not having year-round emergency vehicle access (it's in Northern WI so we winterize it Oct-April). 

If they do have a medical emergency or divorce and need to end the lease, I let them go and move on.....

No its not a perfect system , emergencies happen, issues come up, and i know taking care of the business ultimately takes care of my family.

There’s no reason to call in ‘emergency’ service.

When using self help for the aforementioned repairs, the tenant must do all of the following: 1) notify the landlord in writing of the intention to correct the condition at his or her expense; and 2) wait 20 days as specified in the notice to the landlord to see if he or she complies or makes a good faith effort to comply by correcting the conditions; if it is an emergency situation and the landlord can't be reached or fails to comply as quickly as conditions require the tenant may act sooner. 3) when the next rent payment is due, submit a written statement listing actual or fair and reasonable costs of repairs made and pay the remaining rental amount owed.

Don't forget to set up a sinking fund for short lived items and an emergency fund for those inevitable bumps in the road and those moments that feel like the end-of-the-world. 

I would keep it with no mortgage, and use the income to first build an emergency fund for the property, and then an emergency fund for you.  

I then got a curt reply saying how busy they are and they only deal with emergencies straight away and my request will be dealt with in 6 weeks or so.I responded very politely that I only wanted to know the process to get windows installed and did not appreciate the tone of the email.I then followed up with the same request via certified letter.We are now at 7 weeks since that letter was received and I have had no reply either by email or in writing.Condo docs are silent on how/when they reply to owners.What are my options?

We had to get an emergency plumber and cleaning crew in to stop the running water and damage.We mailed them a 15 day notice to get their property off ours since they surrendered keys with a handwritten note of intent to file bankrupty.

Have you considered investing in other parts of Canada, such as an emerging market, where your acquisition costs could be lower?