Currently I just use craigslist and hotpads.com to get an idea of the market rate rent is in an area. What are some other resources or tools that you can use to find out more information?

Accounting method?

Are there any other methods for a Canadian with no US credit history? 

What did he use as a secondary method to value; cash flow or cost  to build.

I want to work, study, and enjoy the city so I’ll never be home but I do want a clean place with 1 garage port or at least a driveway. 4bed and 3 bath enough for 3 other tenants .

Also, in my state I can't offload snow removal -- I'm liable for it.At the price point your talking about, the BRRR method can work very well and quite quickly.

@Douglas Ellis this is truly difficult to answer without knowing your whole position, experience, goals, etc. you can make an argument for each method. 20% down minimum exposure, rent as-is, won’t cash flow as high, but if you can manage and maintain, the product will hopefully run itself with the occasional maintenance call and such.

We have money for down payment and I am a mortgage broker so we have a good grip on financing but what I need help is with getting her and I trained to do this correctly and picking our method to get these properties.

You will also need to stockpile cash.There are some methods to invest with low scores and no cash but they rarely succeed. 

Then after you hopefully do that, go find a good local PM company since your self screening methods seem bad.