I thought of banking on appreciation and rate drops as pure speculation and akin to gambling.

Prices stopped climbing, unemployment grew, and individuals sud denly realized that they were no longer holding on to investments but rather playing in the world’s largest game of legalized gambling—and they had just lost.

But that's not to say that higher return investments don't exist offshore. 

If you have $100,000 in your brokerage account to borrow against, why not just use the money and secure a traditional loan, versus gambling with an unknown and variable future rate?

It's the same reason people gamble.

Or keep them and fix them up but, you are right it may be gamble because, everything may be fine after it is fixed, or it may be other expenses that come up.

I would highly recommend bringing in an advisor or broker with specific experience and knowledge in this asset class.I have seen many of these parks trade hands on a handshake and a dream, however, you could be taking a huge gamble if you don't get microscopic on the front end.

WE have to keep in mind also that each state is different in how they operate with regard to public records.. out east in the states were folks still need a title abstractor title work is completely different than the west coast were most title plants have been moved off shore..

If they gave you the runaround and then we’re honest with you that’s a different story but they gambled by being honest with you knowing they might not be able to move in Because they have changed in their hearts and are no longer willing to deceive anyone.

Not to hijack your thread, but do any seasoned offshore real estate investors here know if foreign real estate investments over $50,000 trigger FATCA reporting requirements?