You will want to consult with a Canadian accountant and attorney with cross-boarder business/real estate experience to decide on an ownership structure which best fits your immediate needs, but allows you to evolve to your longer term goal.If you plan to keep your retained earnings in the U.S.A. for re-investment, you will want to use a U.S.A.

Ideally once more capital is available I would move to a different market.

My question: Are there other methods I could use to help quicken this search for a good fit within the area I'm looking?

"will my couch fit here next to the fire place?" 

I didn’t consider wholesaling due to the fact that I though going that route fit more into my personality more than wholesaling.

I appreciate your feedback on possible ideal buyers and locations for this kind of development, as well as wording things carefully when not pursuing certification.

Ideally we'd love to see it at about 70% unit mix of 2 bedrooms.  

Every time I deal with an agent who is not a Realtor, it is a nightmare.

If a deal comes up and I think it will fit, I find new money to buy with. 

Ideally, you want both easily rentable, cash from day 1 and appreciation.