Should we find an agent first, who can help us identify these properties and can get us these properties in competitive market or should we start looking into these properties with a general contractor who can help us figure out how much work/flipping cost will be required?

I know that most home loans require you to live in house for at least a year prior to renting out, so my question is on how to work around this and be able to rent out the property soon after purchasing?  

You mentioned "architect fees" and not all the others that are frequently required so I am not sure what your quote includes.

I see the following rom the newly required affidavits that I assume based on the following portions in the affidavit that Canadians and other treaty country citizens are allowed.

Software should say "Pay taxes on Property X, it's coming due" ideally.Basically the notifications you would require to maintain a big portfolio

@Justin Brittingham speaking from a fund manager and one who originates, I would say (maybe contrary to popular opinion) identify your lender and know what they require. 

These homes often have an entry point of $800,000+ and may require additional capital investment right away to update furniture, cosmetics, or do unique theming in the property so that it can generate maximum revenue from day one. 

Most regulations require an emergency contact that is local.

@Jacklyn RobinsLeadership andsystems are required for scaling.

You will be able to put 5% down on a conventional 2-4 unit with no self-sufficiency requirement.