I'm just at a loss because initially I was heavily advised against forming an LLC because of the lending concerns, and now I'm being advised to form one to separate the finances.I appreciate any advice and helpful tips.

Sidewalks should have no weeds or grass growing in any cracks.HOUSEKEEPING INSPECTIONSWhen the Landlord or agent visits the unit or conducts a maintenance inspection, the Landlord will schedule a follow-up housekeeping inspection if there are concerns that these minimum standards are not being met.Landlord will advise Tenant of the specific correction(s) required to establish compliance, and also advise the date that the dwelling will be re-inspected for corrections.

So your answer helps to reinforce that it is less important to concern yourself with long term vs periodic, and much more important to make sure you focus ion vetting and getting good renters. 

My concern was how would this work if and when the market changes.

or should we hold our own investor meeting via Zoom or FB messenger just to be able to talk about our concerns at least?

My only concern are the MLS regulations.

I am concerned the appraisal will come back low due to past small unit appraisals. 

If crime is the biggest concern many cities have crime maps available but that wouldn't help you compare cities https://www.minneapolismn.gov/... 

I am interested in feedback concerning legal aspects, insurance aspects, financial aspects, and anything else one might happen to have, and any idea for how to use the unpermitted work as a negotiating point on price.  

I am originally from the states and not sure if it's worth buying a property here (I am concerned about labor costs for maintenance) or should I do a house flip since there are some opportunities in Alberta (Calgary primarily).