But coming close to break even, especially when using Interest only debt(HELOC), I'd say probably not a good idea.  

.: Quote from @Tom Gimer: You can't take an element from state X such as "uniqueness" and try to apply it in state Y where that appears not to even be part of the analysis.Let's see how this turns out. 

Even with the mortgage paid off, some of the $2000 in rent will go to maintenance, repairs and property taxes.

Did anyone work with them or are they even legit?

I am still a bit leery about Safeguard's relationship with this particular borrower and even the closing agent.

Great tools that get updated regularly.I am on the lending side of things and would be happy to hop on a call with you anytime to discuss financial strategies and help answer any questions you may have about nearly any loan product available to help you on your journey, even if they are not products my capital partners offer.We are all here to help you learn and grow.

Looking to get into some smaller apartment buildings in the near future.As far as the difficulties of investing in Japan, I of course agree with everything said, but in my case I'm at near-native fluency and own and manage my own business separate from anything real estate related so even without permanent residency I've never had trouble getting a loan (except of course I can't get some govt backed ones like a primary residence mortgage) for business or investing.I'll try to get in touch with everyone local to よろしくお願いします。

As the investor gains experience, they are not only able to more successfully foresee the “bumps” along the way, able to handle recessions, temporary negative cash flow, unforeseen capital expenditures without panicking, but will also recognize the opportunities necessary to turn a loss into a break even.

Even with the balloon, this is more typical for owner finance. 

In sales your numbers work like, you get 1000 prospects before you even have leads.