The Belizian government sadly gives a rat's behind about their ecology and their history; they're selling off the country to anyone with money, and destroying the amazing natural wonders in the process.Costa Rica is good; a family friend went down there 10 years ago for a visit.

For downpayments, if you have capital and are conscious of debt I'd still recommend 20-25% down.

I am very credit conscious and understand the risks and liabilities that ensue when using credit cards. 

I dont know all the dynamics here but if its an honest violation of your business model and there is no conscious or subconscious bias to this specific tenant it should be cool.

So it's not so important...but we do want you to be conscious of your debts of course!

If you do that and it still falls apart you will be able to walk away with a clear conscious saying "well, I tried everything, gave it my all", but if you just throw in the towel and try to brow beat a price reduction that won't happen you will eventually get plagued by the "man, what if I had... jeez, I wish I had". 

Haven't thought much about this but I guess these are some habits and behaviors that have contributed to my success:-Work/Life balance-Healthy diet (most meals)-Exercise 3x Per week-Always learning (books, blogs, podcasts, forums)-Always networking (meeting agents, contractors, wholesalers, etc)-Build real and genuine connections (not surface level networking)-Always underwriting deals (even when I'm not a buyer)-Being consciously confident, decisive, passionate, positive, and creative.

But beware...you also have to consider the market and what other competing properties are offering.Most prospective tenants are EXTREMELY cost conscious; rental rate is most critical variable...so you don't want to price your units higher than the market and increase your vacancy rates.

I especially am conscious of the seasonality when I have a bigger home that could cater a family... so my property managers position the leases to start/end in the summer months when a family is more likely to change school districts. 

@Paul Passafiume - If you are fairly price conscious, I'd recommend getting the contact info for @Jim Wilcox's CPA!