Yes you "pay for convenience" with the build-to-rent REI model, but as a 1st time investor it was an easier path for us to at least get in the game knowing we have kids, jobs, life, etc.

I hope you made it convenient for yourself.Your loan documents should (or better) contain a due-on-sale clause.

A gamble on gambles of volatility moving certain ways in certain time windows..... 

The client was willing to gamble on furnishing for STR over LTR route and we were good for 3.5 years, then one day the man came and shut it down. 

@Matt Wan From overseas I would suggest buying in a market that is readily and easily accessible from one of the airports you can conveniently get to.

It takes a few days for the money to hit my account, but that is a small thing compared to the convenience.

After 45 years investing across many asset classes, many investment types, and everything from lowest risk to outright gambles, I think I finally know the answer.The biggest divide is between investments in which operational control over that investment is with the investor, and investments in which control rests with another party.  

It’s just a gamble.  

For example, I purchase nearly everything on CC, for security reasons and convenience, and I pay it off in full every 2 weeks. 

Plus, the relationship-based nature of private lending can lead to more long-term, win-win partnerships.Banks definitely have their place for more traditional loans, but for many investors, the convenience of private lending outweighs the higher rates—especially when time is money!