What happens if at the end of the day I actually did have more than enough to be happy and all the stress (of the rentals) was not necessary....

Stop hanging out with your deadbeat buddies who spend all day drinking, talking sports, and otherwise wasting away.

Last year we began testing different places by staying in Carrillo and Junquillal with day trips to a lot of other nearby beaches. 

From what I’ve seen in Forbes, the infromation on market trends can also help pinpoint the best neighborhoods.One last piece I’d consider: do some legwork on rent comparables in the area so you’ll know your break even numbers from day one.

Right of recession:Buyer and Seller may rescind within 3 days of signing contract all all EM must be returned this is a blanket rescission.If Buyer or Seller never get the Disclosures and sign for them they can cancel right up until the day of closing with all EM returned. this should level the playing field keep bad actors at bey and give Buyers and Sellers some rights if they think they have been hood winked.

Paying off the note is what helps.. in my mind and how I did my sub tos  I would never buy just because of low downpayment or interest rate.. there HAD to be big equity upside DAY ONE.. other wise its just a PITA

Low appreciation may make the RoI from these assets low over long term, though they will cash flow on day 1.

That means they go into a safe within 90 days of closing.

I would be self managing the property because I know the area well, have local connections to help out if in a pickle, and could get there in a day drive if need be. 

They are both a bit pricey if you're not all in and closing deals, but they also offer a 7 day free trial.