So she's just behind in her mortgage and probably has a notice of default or whatever the procedure is in Florida.Your ability to get a loan for the home has nothing to do with her payment history on the home.  

Mind you, with mortgage interest rates in the US being so much higher now (and seemingly for the foreseeable future), I wouldn't be surprised if LTRs in Europe would cash flow better than in the whole US nowadays (to be verified).This being said, I don't and would never invest in LT rentals outside of North America  as I wouldn't want to face unfavourable landlord/tenant laws as a foreigner.

Like you said, you don't want to grow super fast so take your time and watch the mortgage markets.

I am guessing the beach houses were usually purchased and rented with a goal of “free” family vacations being paid for (along with mortgages) by rental income.  

@Guenevere F.When I started in rental property investing, I found it crucial to set clear goals, leverage existing skills, and focus on scaling gradually.

I don't plan on adding anymore and just putting my capital into my existing STR's. 

I hope you or someone is at least keeping an eye on your properties for break ins, squatters, roof leaks, temperature control, frozen pipes (if in cold climate), if you have a basement and sump pump goes out leading to water damage etc.I just talked to two investors in California that have let their properties sit vacant (no mortgages so paying property taxes and insurance).

However, if I had started off with a house hack, I could have lower my monthly mortgage tremendously which would have helped me build up my savings at a much quicker pace than I had.

I would like to put my money to work instead of shoveling my money into the bank (mortgage) or to a landlord (renting).

If you’re looking to connect with private lenders, start by tapping into your existing network—friends, family, and colleagues can often be a great starting point.