If you controlled this deal you could present it to the right investor with the right proposal and split the $1000/month cashflowExample 2- Just got a call from a tired landlord.

You can't compete against the all-inclusives unless you offer complimentary food and booze or you're cheap, as you seem to be confirming.This being said:1) Properties in Mexico/Cancun trade in USD so you have no foreign exchange risk in Mexico while properties in Colombia are traded in COP, the Colombian peso, which has been tanking over the years, eliminating any hope for capital gains for American investors.2) You can get a mortgage in Mexico but you can't in Colombia so even with lower revenue, Cancun would likely still be more profitable, even if you don't take capital gains into account.3) The political risk is much higher in Colombia, especially at this present time.Is Cartagena a bad investment?

A lot of realtors don't know how to present the VA loan (especially if you are putting zero down).

So many have presented great options.

@Michael Clark, we are in the same market so I'll hit your inbox and maybe we can talk offline, but I'll make some comments here for everyone as well. 1.

House hacking would be the best option for this area though (almost only really viable option for investing without large cash reserves, unless you flipping).Big Bear Airbnb strategy is speculative right now with most Airbnbs up there not preforming well at the present, unless you have a lot of experience.

Based on your comments, you are at risk of  gravitating towards the lower tier neighborhoods where the spreadsheets will suggest cash flow is better but excel spreadsheets don't tell the whole story. 

For both short- and mid-term investors, the market's diversity and relatively lower entry costs make it an attractive option.FYI - Philadelphia has a tenant-friendly legal environment, which can present certain challenges for landlords

@Mary Jay, to layer on to Connor's comment, while some lenders will only pay draws on invoices paid with lien releases, there are also some that will allow you to submit draws on invoiced work.  

Started moving forward with the Vendee lender who did respond to the email I sent through the website (see previous comment).