Also lots of sellers have locked in <4% rates and don't want to buy at 7% new investors who dont have low rates will just deal with the new normal or historic rates.

The only real differences are the rate and term.

My husband and I purchased our first Costa Rica property last year and were advised by our agent that in almost 6 years of working in that market he had only ever seen 1 American Couple successfully obtain a mortgage in Costa Rica and it was from Scotia Bank. 

While rates may not decrease, the significant double-digit increases should level off.

However, there are some investors here who are having a lot of success finding cash-flowing deals through off-market sources. 

Interest rates between a HEL and a refi are comparable, the equity in the property is equal to the value of the property and I only need about 50% to purchase another property.

The real estate market has shifted dramatically in recent years rising interest rates, evolving buyer and seller expectations, and fluctuating property values are keeping all of us on our toes.

(i.e. initial decorating and painting, bookings, rate structures, marketing, bookkeeping housekeeping, etc)? 

My PMs have been key to my success.

Int rates are a mystery.