This is important for a number of reasons, your safety first and foremost, but the other simplest reason is the balance of energy to the group dynamic at the meet.  

I'd warn you to not reveal that you're the owner for your own safety and I'd suggest for you to be as hands on as possible to learn as much as you can!

My hope is that the same contractor can inspect not only building safety and structural soundness but also perform lead paint checks, termite check etc. 

At this point I have 4 properties through Midsouth due primarily to entry price point and an added bonus that they wait patiently for financing to complete (my credit is over 800, my DTI easily covers the cost of all of these mortgages without considering the rents… but still, financing takes more time then I anticipate).

I love the country and its people, but it's still very much a developing nation, and living here is definitely riskier than in first world countries.Our local currency - the Rand - has taken quite a hit in recent years, and with the emergence of the Economic Freedom Fighters (a far left political party, who basically want to nationalise the economy), I reckon it's a good time to look at investment opportunities overseas and establish a bit of a safety net for our family.For now, I'm specifically interested in turn key investments.

Definitely some good options out there, but it took us a while to narrow our search and we had to be patient to find the house that worked for us (and wasn't over priced as an investment).

There is always the Ontario Building Code that we must meet, but local laws can require even HIGHER standards when it comes to safety, etc. 

Be patient.  

(Since we're house hacking I want to make sure that we don't have to deal with safety issues.)I'm obviously hunting for value here but I'm willing to pay the Lakewood premium for value that surfaces in the form of quality of life.

Be patient and wait to see if there is anything wrong with the appraisal.