@Kenyatta Barthelemy it sounds like you are doing the right things to get educated and meet knowledgable people. 

*I'll try to update this post if any updates or improvements are completed, but since November there have been no improvement or fixes.

It sounds like the agent you worked with may not have been acting in your best interest, and I would strongly recommend finding another agent.

Investors should conduct in-depth research into local market conditions to make informed decisions.Conclusion: A Sound Investment Opportunity for American InvestorsThe German real estate market presents a unique and compelling investment opportunity for American investors.

Sounds like it makes sense for you to partner, I would suggest: spell out responsibilities very clearly, how you make decisions and most importantly: have a very clearly spelled out exit. 

If that is all ok then get a very good local realtor to run comps in that area to determine the conservative value of the home once you've completed the renovation work(ARV).

Ok, with that is a requirement to complete an civilian style ASVAB. 

Purchase price: $260,000 Cash invested: $120,000 Sale price: $535,000 Complete gut, new front and rear walls, all new electric, HVAC, plumbing, roof, deck, windows, interior What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

Now taht real estate has gone back to the good ole days of not being an appreciation machine and a good investor needs sound fundamentals in managing and overseeing the properties - now you are given the wave of "creative finance" which comes off as its easy to get a home but it will be interesting to see how these people are fairing in a few years of mismanagement of these assets. 

Probably we should have considered this( closing timeframe). at the time of purchase and looked at properties that would complete before the school season starts.