Also have seen a couple realtors, recently, list houses slightly below market value to make the quick commission, which has a negative impact on the comparables for the short term, which is why I am looking into the lease option approach. 

Of course it would be nice to avoid that traffic altogether, but a comparable property in Brooklyn would be double or even triple in cost so it’s something to think about. 

I own and control value add homes and multifamilies to maximize my reward to effort ratio, cash-flow and equity capture. 

The risks are not worth the reward. 

I see that you live here as well, and I'm happy to have a coffee and compare notes...maybe you know different people.  

For example I have two houses right now that are high equity where a second would be safe compared to the equity position.

The damage deposits were large compared to what an apartment would charge post-college. 

Spending 10x on rehab compared to PP would be way too risky for me.

Sure you can push the rent, but that won't get you to the 1% rule (compared to the home's value, not purchase price).

(My OCD makes me want to strip everything right down to the studs to build fresh lol)Are there any other Ottawa investors here and if so, how do you feel about the Ottawa market compared to surrounding areas?