Quote from @Stetson Oates: The vast majority of disputes are over security deposits and the most a landlord could lose is 3x the deposit amount.Slip-and-fall or other major lawsuits almost never happen.

You can also request a security deposit for extra peace of mind. 

The equity increased a ton especially w the limited supply 

That's more like a typical security deposit to rent an apartment, lol. 

My CPA instructed me to list my repairs as CAPEX or repair items , furnishings were supplies for the rental. 

Living and working overseas can present unique challenges when it comes to securing financing, but there are definitely loan options designed for situations like yours.

Many people start out active because they want exposure to real estate and don't know that you can start out passive - you can effectively hire the asset manager and supply capital to the investment.You can have great success as an active or a passive investor - but it is important to understand the difference and to select whichever option matches your skills and resources the best.Good luck!

There are always deals out there and Texas is experiencing a return to normal with pricing coming down and supply staying up.

I've heard of mentees who started cleaning up construction areas on a flip at the end of each work day or picking up supplies at Home Depot and delivering them to the job site.

No, it was secured but apparently he used the same collateral for every loan he took out.