.: @Scott Trench do you also think some moderation is needed of these midwest sales agents who keep pushing midwest assets as the greatest appreciating investments on the planet to OOS investors?

Should I find a local agent or use a lawer?

Real estate agents are not highly regulated in Costa Rica as opposed to North America.  

If I am all in on the property for 360k (purchase and some finishing construction as well as carry costs) and the home is valued at 450k or more (based on what im told by agents as well as my own analysis while staying conservative), that is 20%+ equity I believe, unless I am missing something.

You'll want to have an insurance agent familiar with rentals since a lot of the extras on your coverage that you will want, the average insurance agent won't know to give you. 

While it will likely give you more confidence and answer a lot of questions, I would say that talking to a seasoned investor, or even agent that works with investors, is a way better idea than spending 8K on something that you don't know too much about, especially before your first deal is done.

STR's are alive and well down in Metro Phoenix, Arizona - speaking first hand as an agent, investor and STR owner.

Beneficial Ownership Information is back on the table. Register your corporation by 1-13-25

I am BP's Premiere Featured Agent for the WMass area.

I'd also recommend finding an investor-focused agent in that market, sharing with them your buy criteria, and then having them set you up with an email list for properties that get listed.