I want to get out of the starter blocks so bad but I really need a more sound approach.

Though the deals might be a cheaper to buy - seems like a more expensive laundry list of expenses down the line. 

Some non-institutional investors use ROI as their preferred measurement, in many cases because calculating IRR is a more complicated calculation.

It’s a more reliable access to funds than crowd funding or other funds IMO. 

I don't know of a cut and dry rule for this, so it seems worth the time to make a few calls and see if you can find a more "investor friendly" lender. 

What's a more efficient way to handle these inquiries?

I'm about to jump into researching alternative options but thought I'd check the forums first to see if anyone else has run into this and found a more budget friendly solution. 

I wish I had a more specific question, but I guess I’m after advice for renting out mixed use buildings, what to splurge on and what to save on, whether I should insist on access to the building again for another general contractor quote, and anyone’s input on whether an old building like this will need as big of an overhaul as I’ve been told.

So take a look at Craigslist to evaluate rents and then look at homes or multi-family to see if it will cash flow (in the future) and then look at buying in that area.I like Vancouver because to me has a more rural feel, population is less dense, and some would argue has "less culture", but I don't care about "culture".Investing in real estate is still investing.

I was a union carpenter and enjoy the remodeling process, so I do like fixing places up, but this one is appealing because it seems like I can get it with the almost guaruntee of excellent cash flow in like, 5 years, with zero work and then I have time to do a more involved reno with my other cash (plus my zero interest business card that's still got about a year on it).I'm trying to look at it from a 10 years from now perspective though.