I'm exploring the idea of investing in a short-term rental (STR) property abroad and have a few questions regarding how to structure it for tax efficiency.

@Tierra CarpenterTo leverage your $20k, improve your credit score and explore creative ways to leverage it.

A cash flow-positive property is ideal.Financing Options: Explore loan options like FHA, which may allow you to buy with a lower down payment if you live in one unit while renting out the other.3.

@Jesse Dominguez-Castelan You should also explore one of the quickest options to this situation - reach out to the seller financing provider and see if he'll extend the balloon a few more years.I did this in the past when my 5 year balloon was about up, it was a simple email checking if he was happy with the arrangement and would extend an additional 3 years. 

You are talking spreadsheet language in the post that doesn't really correlate to real life unless you are very experienced and using this data based on your experience.

Data said one thing, reality another

Ran them several years ago for top of funnel investors, it was ok to start then data started falling fast so we bailed on it

I am primarily looking for small multi-family and exploring cities in Ohio like Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati, as well as the RTP area in North Carolina.  

My primary interest lies in the Houston market, but I’m open to exploring other areas as well.So far, I’ve read The Book on Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner and am currently working through The Book on Managing Rental Properties.

Lastly, for anyone using a CRM, are you able to keep your property data up to date automatically when the home’s status changes (like if it sells or is no longer distressed)?