While Facebook Marketplace isn't the sketchiest site (craigslist), I personally would never give my ID across it.

The 5-10 it gets heavier and a lot busier, and 10-15-20 it really is untenable to self-manage especially if this is not you main business like a person buying their own rentals and building it like a small business. 

So...Assuming we're considering the advantages for American's to invest in Japan, I personally think it only makes sense in a select few situations. 

My wife and I have overhauled our personal budget to reflect the 'pay yourself first' approach (allocate in order: income comes in -> invest -> donate -> fixed expenses -> variable expenses -> fun $$).We are looking to see what experienced people generally recommend for a holding tank for that 'invest' allocation while we target our first real estate deal.What financial vehicles have you guys used that works well for this?

I personally feel landlording in Indianapolis is pretty easy as far as restrictions go.  

With regard to renovations, I always suggest taking incremental steps to bigger renovations or partnering with someone who has already done a renovation at that level.I've been known to just go for the big rehabs for my personal investments here in Chicago , and during that process, it's always more stressful than it needs to be...As far as navigating the competition, I've found the best thing I can do is get EXTREMELY CLEAR  on what I am looking for; then I am confident pulling the trigger quicky. 

- Of course, most of these PMCs weren't even properly licensed and were typically one-person companies.If you have an LLC, the PMC will only need the LLCs EIN.- If you chose to set up your LLC as a pass-thru entity, then you will need to supply your SSN.FYI - to avoid getting nasty letters from the IRS about errors (which might cause us to be audited), we will ask for a copy of your EIN assignment letter or a copy of your SSN card to confirm those numbers.

Insurance liability, I personally know 2 families that lost their children in home pools.

I say "may" because while I have read about this in several places, I have not personally verified this to be true.I usually pay contractors by check the minute the work is finished and approved.  

I will caution you that if they pull something like this and you immediately start offering any concessions as is repeatedly addressed above - this type of personality will make note of that and the threats will be ongoing for the duration of their tenancy.