I rent out my basement suite to a tenant, landlord tenant act of BC applies.

Hopefully the lender you are applying with is part of that 20 year history.

You can apply for a permit from the city with a pretty quick turnaround. 

First, CAP Rate doesn't apply to residential homes. 

While I have never done what I am about to suggest, I wouldn't fire them, but I might apply to a second lender.

I would also advise you to be careful in how you apply some of the Rich Dad, Poor Dad concepts.  

Hi Apurva,53 units -- It would be smart to talk to an Architect who does multi-family (In your general area) about the cost of doing a restyle as well as colors.Especially if you choose a Hardie (Fiber Cement type) product.With Hardie (Type) products, read the upkeep instructions, some require re-applying the joint sealers (factor that into your maintenance budget).Also with Hardie (Type) products there is a service life to the color...some come pre-colored, some your contractors must paint on site, (some require priming of cuts when installed)---talk to the Architect about the maintenance schedule and the CAPEX for this.Hardie makes big sheets of this for multi-family that Architects can use for visual effect and ease of installation.With 53 units--springing for an Architect to help with this would be intelligent.Good Luck!

I believe with Zillow the perspective tenants can fill out one app and apply to multiple properties.

I would say the 80/20 rule definitely applies. 

Questions to vet if they really know REI :Q1- If 199A applies to rentals, and what if it doesn't meet the safe harbor?