If the lines are aluminum, we ALWAY replace that like we replace lead paint or lead pipes and asbestos ceiling and tile.  

Positives are proximity, low property taxes, no income taxes, no weather events, very low maintenance stucco/tile structures, “young” properties (5-20 years old) 

Job included inside work of leveling floors, installing flooring, paint walls, kitchen cabinets, etc in both units, as well as lay a new driveway, fence the back yard, provide attic fans, and install electric to the crawlspace to add lights and a sump pump.

I've lost money tearing out shower tile that was just not quite right.

I can lay some things out for you. 

Hey Eric, appreciate you laying out the journey.. sometimes, real estate can feel like a marathon where every mile has a new surprise, rght?

Focus on fundamentals: buy below market value, have strong cash flow (or a clear path to creating it), and maintain sufficient reserves to weather any unexpected challenges.If you’re strategic and stay patient, this market could create opportunities that lay the groundwork for long-term success.

And they did it for years before my family bought that ranch.Many my age born in the 50s we did work in Ag in the 60s  I lived in Cupertino CA and I cut Cotts in the summer.. thats splitting apricots in half and laying them on a big wooden board to then dry naturally in the sun out doors.. hard to find REAL dried apricots these days U can still find them in Trader Joes though.. 

Most lay people have zero idea how to get through a transaction.

Maybe you saw this from the Tico Times already, but it lays out mostly depressing details on getting a mortgage in Costa Rica: http://www.ticotimes.net/realestate/25-mortgage-ti...Please post back here if you find anything!