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I think that before you are given the permission to live in a house you have rented, you do have to have the proper papers and that is fixed in the law but am not sure how that actually is regulated. This is where a certified real estate agent should be able to answer your question and help. Otherwise, you may not have full and good info. I am working off knowledge from a few years ago, experience in my own case and another forum which had way too much outdated info. That said, the EU has forced many changes and PT government is not the fastest in making those changes.

I made use of an EU citizenship. You will need to consult with the portuguese embassy in Canada for info on coming to PT. And note that because of the changing rules, they may not have the latest...

@ diverdutch - Thank you for your input. I will definitely do some extensive research on that subject.

Well, I will definitely be checking out Portugal this September and will begin to make arrangements for that trip next week.  I just want to that everybody for all your extremely valuable information.  Without it, Id be lost for sure.
My current plans are to fly into Faro, rent a car and drive the senic route (non toll road) visit the towns in that area, to Largo and make that my base travel throughout the Algarve.
Next, I will either fly or take a train to Lisbon and take a several trips around the area through a tour guide.  The hop on hop off idea sounds like a great idea.

Anyway, thanks again for all your help.  All of you sound like really nice people.  You make wanting to visit Portugal even more exciting.

John