Finally, it just seems too risky to me to get a bad tenant in there, and then have to worry about 11 months of bad behavior/damage when I could have reduced that to 30.

Reduced security deposit of no more than 50% of a month's rent.I see the writing on the wall and am already heading this direction.

If feasible, I am considering using this strategy to more quickly build my portfolio by reducing the time needed to build up capital before acquiring another deal.

You WILL have to live in the building, however, and as he said, a four-flat doing more than giving you reduced/free rent.

I see too many new constructions around GTA, and I was wondering if a good idea to invest in a house that the closing date will be in 2022 or 23, so downpayment can be paid gradually, also inflation rate will do its magic to reduce its price value compared to the market at that time. any comment? 

It didn't cashflow but definitely reduced my mortgage!

Getting creative when you are young and have energy is a great way to get your foot in the door.  

However, this gives little wiggle room and I'd much prefer to find a way to make the tenants responsible, not only because it will reduce my costs, but also because it will reduce overall usage and be much more Earth-friendly. 

It usually reduces your return on investment.Leveraging up will give you the greatest return, even though it's not the best cash flow.

Those are the kind of rentals that attract bad tenants.You can dramatically reduce that number by posting a statement that you will require a credit / criminal background screening on all adults 18 years and older.