And then their are PPM type funds were you can invest in the PPM that then invests in TDs and Notes..... this could be an excellent way to learn as well as the PPM will have detailed information on the formation, risk ,reward etc of the particular note investments they are doing.Lastly most of the crowd funders are doing some sort of new originations and they have disclosure docs that you could learn from ... though you need to be accredited in most instances with these folks.. but you will find bigger funds that take non accrediteds.

More risk, but properly managed, more reward in terms of cash flow.  

The short term risk is higher but so is the reward. 

I do reward my contractor with a bonus when the job is finished as scheduled4) you need to carry vacant property insurance during rehab, I found it quite costly.

But as the market heats up, the rewards begin to overpower the risks...If you do decide to build, be very careful to research all of the costs and account for them in your proforma.

Beware the Maryland has some of the Highest taxes for income that I have ever seen.I know a high income individual who moved to Pennsylvania and telecommuted becauseof the tax burden Maryland puts on an individual.I am not knowledgeable about "Auckland" and if they fall under the US Federal Tax treaty laws but Maryland does NOT recognize or abide by the US Federal Tax treaty.Google "Maryland Income Tax Rate"  "Maryland Personal Property Tax" "Maryland Real Estate Tax" for target area  check to see if Maryland recognizesthe US Federal Foreign Tax treaty between the two countries.Then calculate your projected time requirements, potential tax implications, risk and reward for this investment.

No risk, no reward.

Consider the risk of them being the cause of the damage that results in a "reward" of $100. 

Reward if it all works out is low.  

Is the risk worth the reward?