Hi @Richard BautistaYour red flag is also my red flag.As an agent who helps investors from out of state the main thing that I always tell them is to FLY OUT TO SEE THE PROPERTY IN PERSON.

Personally, I've had success in Linden, Southern Orchards, South of Main, Driving Park, and Franklinton to name a few neighborhoods in Columbus. 

Use LVP flooring, it's cheaper than installing new hard wood floors and they're more durable for longevity purposes.

Quote from @Levi Perl: The purpose of background screening is to determine a level of risk, and then you decide if you can mitigate that risk.How does a DUI conviction from three years ago impact the tenant's ability to pay rent or maintain the property?

My main concern with the Japanese market is that I really know nothing, and I find it a bit hard to find information about it, but I guess I also know "nothing" about property markets anywhere other than maybe Hong Kong. 800 square feet is not tiny by Hong Kong standards, you are absolutely correct, but just as you mentioned we have a live-in helper and are hoping to start having kids about 1.5 years later.

In my opinion, your occupancy rate and min night stay seem in the ballpark for planning purposes at this stage.

if your loan is 154k  then this prop probably appraised for loan purposes at 200k or so. and that price point is usually in a decent area or street..

Use the cleaner as your 'manager' but for tax purposes you are the property manager.

I currently live in Southern Maine and am looking to construct some kind of new project rather getting into rehabbing existing residentialProposed Land Budget 100-200kConstruction Budget: 400kAll in 500-600k.I have found that if I do the site work myself including clearing, septic and digging the foundation is that i can sub contract out either steel or a Lester style building (50x150) for around 300k installed with insulation and power , divided into three 2500 square foot units. 

I could complete the main road in phases, build 2-3 at a time (could do more really as we have 15 right now actively being built but realistically not sure how fast it’ll sell.