My hope is that the same contractor can inspect not only building safety and structural soundness but also perform lead paint checks, termite check etc. 

@Alex Craig  that's a good perspective.. my desire with the site was to Frankly out some of the very poor players and have the upper echelon move up the food chain as it were.. and I think we are seeing that..

So now I am looking into buying multi family because I feel I have more control over its value.As you read more about what's available you will hone in on what best suits you and then you can have laser focus on that strategy.Hope this gave you some food for thought, I look forward to seeing you around the forums. 

I love the country and its people, but it's still very much a developing nation, and living here is definitely riskier than in first world countries.Our local currency - the Rand - has taken quite a hit in recent years, and with the emergence of the Economic Freedom Fighters (a far left political party, who basically want to nationalise the economy), I reckon it's a good time to look at investment opportunities overseas and establish a bit of a safety net for our family.For now, I'm specifically interested in turn key investments.

There is always the Ontario Building Code that we must meet, but local laws can require even HIGHER standards when it comes to safety, etc. 

You should find it in Total Wine and Whole Foods later this month.

(Since we're house hacking I want to make sure that we don't have to deal with safety issues.)I'm obviously hunting for value here but I'm willing to pay the Lakewood premium for value that surfaces in the form of quality of life.

I could argue that the down payment is coming from income, as I'm working full time, and the loan is for tuition/rent/food (living expenses). 

I'm looking to have another HELOC mainly as a safety net.

Consider if they have a lease or no lease this might also make a difference.I would have them make requests for repairs and commitments to pay in writing, plan to get current on rent,  limit requests to safety issues now.