If you were going to hold a unit for say 12- 18 months after completion to wait for a sales market to pick up, is it best to rent the unit out (with possible wear and tear to the apartment), or to just cover the mortgage payments yourself and sell it as a pristine new apartment?

Hi Doug, I would say rent the apartment so that your asset earns you money. When it comes to selling I don't believe you will earn any extra premium because the apartment has not been lived in. Also it may take longer to sell your apartment than you anticiapte and if so you can at least take some comfort from knowing that your mortgage is being paid every month. Just allow one month's rent to hire a professional cleaning company and to maybe replace anything soiled/broken. Good luck !