Turns out, the main house wasn’t even permitted (the seller refused to authorize permit request). 

My current cabin won't be counted as rental income for another 1 1/2 years, unless I find a bank that will recognize what I have from this year's taxes.

Some people fail to register their out of state LLCs or corps in the local state (especially here in CA) but if your state's tax authority is as efficient as CA's, they'll catch up to them sooner or later.

Not in CA, they'll recognize this as a commercial property. that comes with different lending guidelines.

I love that you are the author, that's awesome!

That way when you find a good deal, you’ll be able to recognize it.

She'll have to recognize some gain every year.

Even so, I recognize a need to find a mentor to help fill in the gaps and give practical advice to compliment the information I’m taking in.

I realize that the actual closing won't be processed in Germany, and actually Florida won't even recognize the German notary for signature authentication (but instead require the non-US-citizen Seller go to a US Embassy or consulate for notarization), but I'm having some issues with the Seller and am hoping to find a local professional that could work with the US title company already working on the deal, to ensure there's not an issue with language barrier, competency, identity theft, etc. 

I was disappointed that they do not even recognize any responsibility that they have after signing the lease, and are not willing to pay for both (rent and mortgage), since they want to buy a house.