You call the prior landlord and find out your applicant was their best tenant ever and always paid rent early!

Calgary is softening up on some of the housing prices but won't be comparable to the success you have enjoyed in the states. 

I'm not getting good comparative search results so maybe someone with more Google-fu could provide some better search queries.

I found them to be very reasonably priced compared to many others I quoted.

I use spreadsheets to setup my initial budget developed during the purchase process and compare to actual cost to see how well I did and where I missed something and learn for next time.If you’re like me, and like to buy some items in bulk when you find a good deal, you can track your inventory as well and assign items to each project as you go.

I would be willing to drive out as far as Butte (some nice neighborhoods in Butte are very comparable to some multi-families in Great Falls) to do a showing for you. 

I just want to confirm when using the 50% rule, we only use it to compare to the mortgage amount and not taxes, insurance, etc.?

Any suggestions on best way to find what the rent is in that particular area and compare to the homes I find on Zillow?

i would stay away from SFH as your first purchase. you are 100% responsible for that mortgage should something happen like you lose your job or something. a multi family gives you breathing room. one thing to keep in mind is the taxes...sure the Bronx may have higher prices compared to NJ....but you can find properties in the bronx with 2-3k annual property tax rates.....while Jersey has some of the highest property tax rates in the country. factor that into your math and not just the purchase price. 

not a great deal compared to buying 5 year term first trust deeps on performing rentals that pay 9 and 10% and you get paid off in 6 months then what .. no return.. until you find another deal so your drag on money turns your return much lower.. now if it was 10% or 7k over 6 months that would be something to think about.. but not an interest rate for such a short duration.