In most cases where the unit counts are this large, these units are owned as part of a syndication or fund, meaning they retained ownership/control of “a percentage of 1,200 units” (and in many cases, I think these claims should be clarified, but I'll save that for another day...). 

How do I get experienced investors to look past my situation and have the trust in me to take control of their hard earned money, especially as a 'youngster' in this world/industry?

I tend to lean toward cash flow because appreciation is out of your control. 

I chose REI because I had nothing saved for retirement and my parents made a lot of money at it.

Rent controls have also led to a large disparity of prices between highly desired vacant properties versus those that are under-rented.I know there's several parts of Ontario with more affordable prices, but they are all at least a few hours' drive away from GTA.

I’m looking to find another job that is in the same field, is also W-2 and salaried so I can still get qualified for a loan but a part of me feels like even if I am very short of time that maybe I should just try my hardest to get the property first.I work for an LA based company but I moved back in with my parents in Philly last November during covid.

My friend wants to stay on the property until his parents pass.

We'll see, this will be interesting....the left's zeal to control the populace is out of control.... 

The justification I have for it is that virtually any other investor who hired us to do work would be getting the same amount of work done and paying my rate as well as my employees rates... functionally putting them in debt the same amount I would be-- and since I am doing the work of scheduling, ordering materials, overseeing, carrying insurance, quality control etc. etc. it makes sense that I be paid for that work, even if I am my own client. 

Right now my wife and I are living in her parents basement to save money on rent.