Again, it looks like you have already started to do most of this which is great.If you have the flexibility and given you've already indicated a desire for a SFR or Small Multi...I'd buy a small multifamily and live in one side and rent the others.

I'd like to set up the company structure now and would like to do so under the advice of a well recognized cross boarder accountant that specializes in real estate investing.Currently located in BC.

I intended on using a local property management company so I'd love to connect.

Also worth taking a look at cities and metros in person, although the flight and hotel/air bnb can add up, you can generally write those costs off, and in general getting on the ground and feeling the energy of a city or market can tell you a lot about the intangibles there.  

Although I sometimes get a different opinion when I'm driving, people are not stupid they will be able read between the lines and decide how to use the space themselves.

I don't know if she can do it but I'd check with Lilly at Creative Lending. https://www.creativelending.biz/If that doesn't work you will need a private loan.

(although the min. charge may still apply)Your property if it is a residential property will not go into the tax sale for water although it can go in for misc. fines and taxes.

Currently I'm getting offers in the 9.5-10.5% region but I'd like to see how they've been over the past 20-30 years. 

Other than that, unless you want to do the landscaping periodically yourself or pay someone to, I'd keep it simple and functional. 

If you are looking 3-5 years down the road In my mind I'd want to have a "not to be under xyz amount" whatever that is to make it make sense to you, but then having the property appraised or using a CMA from a local broker to guid the valuation rather than zillow.