I'd love to go over specific properties with you to see if it's feasible.  

It comes down to setting expectations; did any of the applicants provide specific, detailed reasoning for backing out? 

Get some business credits, perhaps amex specifically. 

Knowing what's "not a good deal" or finding out what they do NOT like, is just as important as finding a "good deal" and having a specific buy box. 

Consider talking to an insurance agent who can give you specific advice for your situation!

These numbers should be determined using a combination of the historical financial data available, feedback from your property management company, your business plan, and the property characteristics.Generally, you can expect per unit numbers like this:Repairs & Maintenance: $200 – $500 per unitAdministrative: $150 – $350 per unitUnit Turnover: $200 – $300 per unitContract Services: $200 – $500 per unitUtilities: $800 – $1,200 per unitAdvertising $100 – $300 per unitPayroll $1,000 – $1,600 per unit (very market specific)Insurance: (very market specific)RE Taxes: (very county specific)Again, these are very general per unit numbers but they should help provide you with guidance. 

In regards to learning more about real estate and maybe how to answer those questions I'd recommend listening to BiggerPockets (Rookie and Real Estate Podcast), there are also some market specific real estate podcast you can check out depending on the area you want to invest in. 

It's not just will the manager handle section 8, it's the specific area. 

Specifically, I am looking for smaller multi-family properties with a maximum of 20 units, as well as triple net commercial properties such as gas stations and hospitality properties in Edmonton, Alberta.

I don’t have experience with that specific course.