@Cal EwingIf you are trying to grow the U.S.A. side of your business, you will most probably want to retain earnings in-country and not be forced to repatriate them back to Canada - the currency exchange back and forth would only line the pockets of the FX folks and the additional taxable events will only make the IRS and CRA happy.To do this requires some form of entity in the U.S.A. and will necessitate filing taxes there.  

I am thinking perhaps if I buy a fixer-upper I can retain a little more leverage for other investments.

If the teardown value is $835k, you already have 60k in equity initially , you rent it out for the first year, still losing that $700/month ($5,600) but you will retain that in principal pay down from your tenants.  

I retain the good and move on from the bad. 

The bank wants you to retain 20% equity, so conservative value of your property times .8 minus what you owe is what they might loan you.

My questions is this: when it comes to and FHA loan, is it possible to retain an apartment lease and utilize an FHA loan to purchase a 2-4 unit multi family property? 

If you are going to hire another contractor or keep his retainer or his bond I would discuss this with your lawyer so you do it the right way the first time.

Many states require you to refund anything labeled as a "deposit".A pet fee or pet rent can be charged for the right to have a pet in the home and these funds are generally retained by the Landlord.Pet fees and pet rent should be clearly disclosed as non-refundable in the lease agreement to avoid confusion.

This will attract and retain millennials, but the schools and the continued CPS issues won't keep them in the city.

I know this is a fan favorite on BP to retain the rentals and unlock the equity through a refi.