@Kenneth Jenkins you forgot to mention owners that expect a PMC to use contractors off Craigslist that are unlicensed, NOT insured and rarely have acceptable experience/skill - but, they quote the "best" price.These same owners will sue a PMC if using these types of contractors results in a tenant lawsuit.

Low down payment (3.5%) is attractive, but comes with mortgage insurance and might not offer the best rates.

Compare this to your total monthly costs, including mortgage, insurance, taxes, vacancy and maintenance.

I've been doing a moderate level of research around the housing industry and I am very excited and eager to jump in.

Your insurer could recommend one or you can check Google (and, of course, the reviews).

Private mortgage insurance i believe is not charged on va loans.  

@Seth Williams I work in the group home industry.

They aren't looking for 10% returns and they probably love the idea of getting some cash legally out of Canada.I got into Costa Rica because of the country (it's awesome), what's happening to real estate prices there and in the US (they are nuts here) and the amount of development that's happening around Potrero, the technology advancements in the STR industry, proximity to the beach etc.

Although I don't have much experience in this field yet, I am passionate about real estate and hope to continuously learn and grow in this industry.

.)- Average days on market- Absorption rate- Historical data on rents and sale prices in the area- Population growth- Main economic drivers (industries, individual companies, etc.)- Crime stats... if you know specific zip codes/submarkets that you'd like to target, the best data will come from local precincts. - and more..I'd recommend remaining active not only here on BiggerPockets, but in other valuable RE investment networks that you can find - i.e. local meetups (meetup.com, eventbrite, BP local events).