It would be like if someone prepared to sell by painting to create fresh visual interest, but chose fuscia and lime green...those colors would certainly catch the eye but I'd never claim that they overdid the curb appeal by painting with too much visual interest.

All the opportunity, weather, food, and culture you can ask for.

I can do that for you if you are properly prepared with reserves and credit.

I wasn’t prepared to lose so much of my savings as carrying cost basically I paid for the tenants to live there for 3 months + my own living expenses in that time.

If tenant raises factual defenses such as falsifying the lease or claiming they paid rent, there would be a brief trial which you would be prepared to testify against. 

You can present an offer that aligns with your financial goals, but be prepared to walk away if the seller won’t negotiate to a price that ensures you’re not left in a tough financial situation.

Just food for thought- It's not always in your best interest to provide all of the materials, negotiate too hard, refuse to pay a deposit, etc.

Still, it prepares you well.

I wholeheartedly believe in the end you will come out ahead, but you must be prepared to weather potential storms with the strain of limited to no cash flow, which can be challenging. 

Have a garden for food or flowers.