Generally it is best to own rentals in your own name and use ret. account for some other alternative investments such as trust deeds or private lending (because there are no tax benefits when owning rentals in your retirement account as opposed to owning in under your name), but every situation is different.

You're benefiting by the dog being there!

My understanding (as a newbie) was that the appraisal was for the benefit of the lender, the home inspection for the buyer.  

While the exchange rate will benefit them during the repatriation, when the have to turn around an purchase a second U.S.A. property, they exchange rate will take another bite.I'm another Canadian who seeks a vendor carry (owner financing) whenever possible.  

I believe the benefit of the commercial is that they are focused more on the cash flow of the property rather than my W-2 income.  

This gives the ability to maximize tax benefits.

Since the place you are considering renting costs the same amount as the place you currently live, I don't see the benefit in moving.

Ive tried numerous times and ways to contact the appraiser but they havent returned any calls or emails and the bank says they arent legally allowed to speak with them. 

I have heard that having a home business is great since you have great tax benefits.

That setup overall benefits the syndicator.