A GC can act as a CM and pull permits and oversee the project with you in control and you paying all bills directly but you will need a CM contract with them.Best thing to do if you want to use a GC turn key is to find one that does the type of homes you are looking to build.

The key with owner finance is to not overpay in price or terms in exchange for owner financing.

I have learned lots from my first year in business and my biggest lesson is that education is key.

I'd begin advertising/put out the For Rent sign to start screening new tenants and I'd begin discussions about how I understand his problem and if he'll clean up this and that really good I'm happy to help by not pursing them for the rent owed if he leaves the keys on the counter and is gone by X date. 

Those are two very key components. 

Yes Montreal is very hot and pricey right now, but the key to being a successful real estate investor in ANY market is to find REAL deals.

All surround a key issue or issues that result in loss of jobs. 

Smooth and flat substrate is the key. 

@Scott Passman, The biggest problem is that it doesn't seem like anything in South Florida is turn key and cashflows.

On the other hand if you're banking on appreciation, well that all depends on your outlook of the Bay Area altogether (many brokers I work with seem to think we're fast approaching the peak of the market).