Work in the US / live in Canada?

Hi there,
I'd like to ask a question about residency policy that is sort of kooky, so I am having trouble answering it myself using the immigration website. If I were to work in the U.S. (e.g. Washington state, near the border) but have an apartment in Canada (Vancouver), would that be a problem? Details follow...

My girlfriend, hopefully soon-to-be-wife is moving to Vancouver in the Fall to attend the UBC. She is a Japanese citizen, I am an American citizen. Previously, we were both elsewhere in the U.S. I want very much to move there with her, but the chances becoming gainfully employed seem slim to none, and it sounds like it will take some time to get a work visa or skilled worker class visa. One solution I am looking at is finding a job in Washington but living in Vancouver. If I find a job close enough to the border I could make the commute every day and live with her in Canada, at least in theory. Supposing I can find a job close enough to the border, what is the policy regarding this?

1) As a U.S. citizen, I can use a passport to stay in Canada for 180 days at any one time, without a visa, correct?
but--
2) I understand this is largely at the discretion of border officers. Do you think I would have problems with border officials if I was crossing the border twice a day, every day? Would they stamp my passport at each crossing, causing the passport to fill up in a matter of days?
3) Would it be legal for me to sign an apartment lease without some sort of residency visa?
4) Taxes. Having an apartment in Canada, would I be expected to pay Canadian taxes (despite 0 income in Canada) as well as U.S. taxes?

Thanks for any help you can give. I really hope we can work something out. Say, even if I end up just living in Washington and going to see her on the weekends (until I can get a work visa, hopefully...), would I still have a problem with my passport book filling up with stamps rather quickly? How do you solve this problem?

Thanks much.
-GS

I'm replying to this thread just to post an answer for curious parties. I shot this question over to the embassy responsible for my region of the US, and this is the response I got:

Sir,

It appears that your place is usual residence is Canada (this is where you live). There is no evidence to show that you have legal status in Canada other than a visitor.

All visitors must have legal status in Canada - you are not a visitor, and therefore are residing fraudulently on our country.

I would suggest to you that you return to the USA if you intend to work there or else regularize your status in Canada either by obtaining a work or study permit or apply for an extension of your visitor status while you submit an application for Permanent Residence as a Skilled worker.

As for visiting your girlfriend in Canada, entry is at the discretion of the officer at the border. He/she may let you in or not. Repeated visits may not be a good idea since your intent would be in question.
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Sounds like I'm out of luck. What's more, whoever answered my question didn't look at it closely, I guess, and assumed I was already living in Canada (presently I am at home in Kentucky). I thought I made it pretty clear that I was trying to make plans for this coming fall, but whatever.

Grandspleen, I will try and answer some of your questions to the best of my knowlege:

1. The answer is yes or no. Yes because you have a maximum of 180 days as a US passport holder to stay in Canada suppose no restriction was attached at the point of entry. No, if at the POE the visa officer at his/her discretion allows you only a maximum of 30 days to stay in CND. And this is not unsual.
2.So long as you do not have residency status in CND you would have problems crossing the border so many times in a day. Most people who do that are either Canadian Citizens or PR's. The likelihood of meeting different IO at each time of crossing is very slim. This can cause you a lot of problems and I will not advise that. I guess this would be accepted under special circumstances - abeit a sick and an incapicated relative who is dependent on you but this can be verified. I will not advise you to do that.
3. All I know is that foreigners can buy houses in CND and use it as a holiday residence but you would not be entitled to any privileges apart from owning the house and your status will still be a visitor. I don't know about renting but you can call CIC for clarification.
4.I do not know about this and you can ask an accountant.
5.I guess visiting your GF on weekends should not be an issue and this is done all over the world.

Your best bet is to look for a job in Canada and apply for a work permit or apply for the skilled worker category. Check the NAFTA angle too.

All the best.

I have the same question although the facts are a little different.

My boyfriend currently lives in Bellingham and works there. He would like to immigrate to Canada and continue to work in the US. When he came to Canada we would still be living separately for a few years until we marry (we are both currently in the process of obtaining divorces). What is the best way for him to immigrate?