Thanks for responding Sam. 

I am not an American but every time something like this comes up on the forums everyone chimes in and says "American society is materialistic" or something to that extent.

The immediate need is to get an understanding of what our tax bill will be like next year as we paid Uncle Sam way too much, and to understand the tax benefits with different types of residential investments so I can make that a part of my proforma when analyzing deals.

@Sam Edgin, as tenants in common you have the greatest flexibility. 

@Kerry BairdThank you for taking the time to write all that.....Yes there are differences, but a lot of it it typical American complication for the sake of it, and terms that don’t immediately mean the same in English !

Appearantly our Americans friends like the dollar and tax advantage investing in Canada!

Originally posted by @Sam Shueh:All the investors in the SFBA is paying cash for rentals.

@Sam Warwood - what is your own comfort level for an investment that may or may not pan out?

State & also invest in US Notes.Depending on your citizenship status it's very important to seek both Canadian & American Legal & Tax guidance as they will both need to work seamlessly with each other, (can be complex).In Canada I recommend Anderson Tax (Steven Flynn).  

@Sam Brooks the only way to know what a seller owes a lender is to talk to the seller directly.