If they sell you a property and then sign you off to a third-party PM, that's another team you need to vet, and means the TK company has less skin in the game (ie once you close, their work is done).They should have solid, data-backed answers to your questions at-the-ready.

I have been hearing a lot about markets such as San Antonio, Kansas City or Indianapolis as good markets to get started given the healthy local economy (economic and demographic trends, housing inventory, rental demand) and also the good supply of real estate agents, contractors and property managers.

I checked the kijiji, it sound like full house can go for 2400/month in Burlington, without basement will go for less . check my analysis here , even with 3900 monthly income  it only do $35/month cache-flow. with any mistake and you are in negative . only doing that to prove how hard is to get healthy cache flow in Ontario with current house prices .

Can anyone tell me if this perfect lending scenario exists, or if it is a total pipe dream:  100% financing on a flip (including reno costs) for someone with no experience, so-so credit (650-700), and no cash or "skin in the game"? 

They have no skin in the game and for that reason are not adequately motivated to give 100%.

As long as the 1031 property is also triple net lease, you can UPREIT (assuming they accept it into the fund, as they do not accept everyone).Also, I know of a very conservative multi family sponsor with multiple estate cycles experience, conservative leverage, high skin the game that will do a 1031 exchange without extra charge as long as it is over $2 million.

@Trisha Brown the market here is robust, healthy, and growing both in supply and high demand from people like yourself wanting to relocate here. 

I need to practice a healthy ego and recognize that no amount of book knowledge can equal actual experience.

I will go with an experienced lender any day because they have a reputation to protect in addition to skin in the game.

They have more skin in the game then you do.Make sure you get clear title.