My understanding (as a newbie) was that the appraisal was for the benefit of the lender, the home inspection for the buyer.  

While the exchange rate will benefit them during the repatriation, when the have to turn around an purchase a second U.S.A. property, they exchange rate will take another bite.I'm another Canadian who seeks a vendor carry (owner financing) whenever possible.  

I believe the benefit of the commercial is that they are focused more on the cash flow of the property rather than my W-2 income.  

This gives the ability to maximize tax benefits.

Since the place you are considering renting costs the same amount as the place you currently live, I don't see the benefit in moving.

I have heard that having a home business is great since you have great tax benefits.

That setup overall benefits the syndicator.  

My question is:What are the benefits/drawbacks of selling to the HRA vs selling it via traditional routes?

Goals are:1.) take a loan that someone else pays off, get tax benefit, build wealth through appreciation2.) get practice/become proficient in property management3.)

There can be no direct or indirect benefit or transactions between a disqualified party and a plan.