Well I know a bit about investing (been there, done that) and all I can say is that investing in real estate is always a good idea, you just need to do your homework first or turn to professionals right away. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has voiced fears some local housing like Vancouver and Toronto have been overvalued and are presenting signs of a bubble that will only recede if prices stabilise (source:
https://tranio.com/canada/analytics/...n_canada_5105/) Your option #2 seems to me more attractive, but again you should research the opportunities thoroughly