Lately I have found some excellent small business contractors that do great work without the high overhead.  

The last auction of treasuries also saw Russia and China buying less US debt and investor optimism is not high, and bids were like 50bps greater.

They will have a better idea as it isn't just how much you make, but how much debt you have and how much you've saved up for a down payment.Prices in Vancouver are extremely high, so I'd skip it. 

I am more focused on equity growth though, so I would like to purchase a “value add”  in a great area with a high chance of appreciation.

Unfortunately, it's highly unlikely a standard home/rental policy will cover flood or landslide. 

@Jack B.Tax planning for an orderly disposal can be fun and highly recommend you work with your team on this.  

I would try a local commercial bank, you might be able to get in the high 7s for a full doc commercial loan. 

I highly suggest you check it out.

Thank you again.If you can walk it with the contractor, that would be my #1 recommendation.As a distant second, you could gather up all the photos and vids you have and just send those to your contractor to get their high-level estimate.But, you want #1, not just because it's more accurate, but also because you get to ask your contractor questions as they walk the property to better understand what they are looking for!

There are apartments that allow you a shorter stay than a year, though the apartment prices are a bit high, I don't think that you will waste your money renting so that you get familiar where you want to be.