It seems like that might be a good solution, especially if there is limited access to materials suppliers, subs, etc. nearby.

Also does anyone know of any good lead list suppliers in Canada?

google for "plumber reviews ventura"  another choice https://www.yelp.com/c/ventura-ca-us/plumbingI had to throw one off the property (PM for the name) but have been using Lloyd's for years (personally).The National COs will treat you as you have experienced, but a mom-n-pop supplier will WANT your business and act accordingly.

People that I work with that do good work usually have contact information for other good tradesman/suppliers, and that has usually worked better than the Magic 8 ball. 

Have you looked into the cost of the switch (getting the supplier to come out and set up individual meters or you setting up sub-meters)?

If you do not wish to install yourself, simply ask the salesman at either of the above referenced suppliers for recommendations on installers that they deal with on a regular basis.

But then we enclosed the porch for another room & then rented the barn to a food vending machine supplier, (& then we had rats).I miss those days.

I’m pretty sure they are one of the last laminate top suppliers in town.

When my compressor went down due to end of life failure, they had to order a new one from the supplier which takes a solid week to be fulfilled and ship.

In the meantime you can be building your team of agents, contractors, materials suppliers so that when you do find a deal you can move quick