If you aren't going to be living in CR full time as you try to execute the deal I do not think it is physically possible for you to obtain a loan from Scotia Bank and not worth your time to try because the rates are so high. 

Here's how I do my due diligence:1) Portfolio matching: (takes 30 seconds per deal)a) Have an educated opinion on where I think we are in the real estate cycles (financial and physical market cycles)b) Then and only then do I pick the strategies, capital stack, and specialized asset subclasses that make sense for that opinion.

They grow both physically and with inflation.  

If im out of state, does it make sense to join social media groups, etc. to accomplish the same thing without being physically there? 

Squatters can now be locked out of a property and their possessions removed, but a landlord CANNOT physically remove the squatters themselves.The local police are supposed to enforce these laws and assist landlords in removing squatters.The reality is that when you call the Detroit Police to remove squatters:1) The police often don’t know/care about squatter laws and state you must take the squatters to court to evict them.

Some real estate, some stocks, some bonds, some more of what you like, less of what you don't, commodities, art, there are so many options.

It an happen to anyone, but usually it is the most vulnerable victim, not physically in this case but non educated in real estate. 

Good thoughts as we embark on this New Year.....our time is precious and should be valued way more than most people do.One of my favorite sayings - "Money is a replacable commodity, time is not"

In my experience, the good ones are expensive, typically require a subscription, and sometimes they even do a physical inspection of your premises to verify it is a legitimate person / business in US.

Just so you know you can use a USPS PO Box as a physical street address now and receive UPS and Fedex there also. https://ribbs.usps.gov/index.cfm?