And of course while we waited life kept us busy, units turned over, and we wrapped up some final improvements to the property we didn't get to in the first round.

I'm looking for creative ways to be involved and add value to the relationship, but have no experience in commercial property or this position in the deal. 

One part that struck me was about capital improvements and placing your property in service.

I know plenty of brokers that are killing it, but running a brokerage is a different ball game than just being an agent.As a caveat - "full time" for me is about 70 hrs / week, which includes about 30 hrs of "commuting"  (which usually involves dirtbike or harley trips). 

Before we finalized the offer on the properties, we ran out a 3 year capital expense plan to account for improving the properties that need it, either with deferred repairs or value add improvements.

(assuming you paid cash and finance the rehab)So yes, you can roll it all together.But keep in mind there will be other costs involved such as closing, holding, financing etc.

Thanks @Jeff Engstrom & @Alex Franks, I will definitely be getting involved with some meetup groups when I get there.

My plan is to eventually own a few buildings to provide my retirement income, as well keep me personally involved in the real estate business.I have never owned a whole building before, but as I read books, gather knowledge, and talk to my friends that do own buidings, I feel comfortable with making this transition.  

If there's a corner involved, I order them in pre-cut which takes 3 weeks and costs around $25-30/foot.

Colin Davis Hey Colin, so ya CMHC allows 5% down on 2 units or less for owner occupied properties, and 10% down for 3-4 unit owner occupied.I’ve never heard of any scenario that involved bank financing where you can put less than 20% down on a mixed use building.