We are utilizing a number of different mediums in our business currently, I was just curious to see what others are doing at the moment and what the returns are. 

I think it's a bad idea for REI (especially small to medium) and explained why in no small detail.  

A 4 family unit rules out large dogs so medium to small dogs and cats sounds about right.

You'd be better off contacting big to medium size players in your local market to see if you can help them in exchange for shadowing.

I'm in the UK medium term barring total economic meltdown from Brexit should that occur, so the tax situation is what it is for me until I make it big enough to pay the non dom fee perhaps

3) Are there any reasons to not invest in Hayward, CA if I am looking at it as a medium term (say 5 years) investment horizon?

It also depends on what you are going to do with the proceeds should you sell it and the prospects for appreciation/rent growth for the property in the short and medium term.  

I am interested in Edmonton and the island as they are still the capital, so the medium income will support rental income / growth. 

A rule of thumb I use for the Texas market is $14/sq ft to get it rent ready or low end flip, $18 for a medium flip, and $23 for a higher end flip.

Stick to your comfort level, you can also put 50% down which could be a happy medium.