I'd rather see the thing knocked down.Is this an accurate conclusion about the nature of cash flow investing to the exclusion of appreciation?

Apply the BRRRR on it - buy, rehab, rent, refinance (and pay back the LOC to make it ready for next good deal), repeat.

If answer to my question#2 is a Yes then can I apply for GST/HST rebate at the end of the year when I file my taxes?

The term is kind of toothless anyway, because building code generally applies to when the property was built.

I don't recall the details but in some situations Fair housing does not apply. 

They mentioned I could apply for a variance but it’s costly and I may not be approved. 

I'm having trouble applying the BRRRR strategy because there is no increase in value to cash-out refinance.  

You will learn this in time and in the beginning just take your time and trust your natural instincts. 

One cabin the furniture was garbage so I replaced almost all of it... still warm, natural tones and finishes but no logs.  

It eats into cash flow, we may have difficulty saving for our next down payment,, and I am worried that the large mortgage will affect our debt to income ratio when we apply for a loan for our next property.I am also concerned about paying too much for the property as there are no solid comps in the area.