The biggest thing you will miss out on is leverage/diversifacation plus mortgage interest deduction but as far as actual benefits outside of the above 1st time home buyer down payment assistance (many of the programs have fine print that often makes less of a good deal than just free money) no not really. 

This is encouraged, in many cases, as part of a high priced program touted by a guru. 

Could someone explain if investing in the Investor-Purchaser Programs such as the SCDC Investor-Purchaser Program is a good idea?

Even more, I just rolled out with an investor program where I don't need to do a hard pull at all. 

If you are self-employed, there are specific loan programs designed for self-employed persons as opposed to conventional W-2 financing. 

There is a Citizen by Development program that helps you save taxes for new developments but the best bet is to buy an existing property and slightly renovate.If you have never dealt with Caribbean based labourers and you have no patience... then the Caribbean is not for you. 

Mentorship OpportunitiesAre there any mentorship programs or experienced investors specializing in European or international real estate that you'd recommend?

@Gita Faust I am currently looking into getting a software program.

I'm trying to find a good program/app to manage collecting residential rents.

For specialty programs, these may be required.