Where do I need to go to look this stuff up and do my homework on commercial vs mixed use or residential zoning and new construction so I’m not asking menial questions here?  

I think you are under what I think is the usuals "sales/marketing" stuff about FHA loans over conventional.Actually, conventional loans are "better" than FHA. 

Wow everyone, this is great stuff! 

All good stuff to consider now before jumping in. 

In simplest terms, stuff takes little more than focused effort. 

I’m currently expanding my portfolio and am always looking for the next great deal even though I’ve already got stuff I’m working on!

Of course Vancouver's cycles are not the same as Alberta, but wherever you are investing in Canada, I recommend reading Secrets of the Canadian Real Estate Cycle by Don Campbell - learning this stuff gave me confidence in choosing a market and buying.

Honestly it’s the simple stuff....run them through an application process like on Zillow where they have to pay, that filters the not serious ones out, and then just actually call references/jobs/employers to confirm the info.

His place also fits our family better and he has more space for our stuff (4 vehicles, jetskis, motorcycle...).

furnished the property, fixed plumbing internals, fixed roof, and replaced boiler.