I think the right investor would do 2 units long term one unit short term. this strategy allows you the greatest flexibility. we are also developing an extended stay hotel that's 58 rooms. the size of the average room in that is 216 square feet and rents for a target $80 per night. our development cost per room is 100k per room with hard construction. the smaller you go the more money you make. if I was to suggest anything it would be to focus on the smaller part of the market and on multiple unit dwellings and finding and identifying markets that meet similar numbers. that will probably be midwest markets.

any suggestions on how I should compare these 2 options?

Would anyone be willing to share some suggestions that I could use as a foundation?

As a foreign investor, I can get financing up to 80% for the purchase of real estate, so the biggest problem for a more serious project is down payment if you have a solution for down payment, please suggest me. 

When you sell your old property you exercise your option and purchase the new property.4.

I’ll also be sure to pick out everything I need to keep them under budget like you suggested! 

Two of your questions will be more situational and location based.We don’t ever haggle on pricing, although I would suggest being flexibleWe check credit, criminal history and everything that goes along with that, evictions, and income.

If they are, and assuming you living outside USA is only temporary, perhaps you do what Nathan Gesner suggests and find a property manager where your interests and theirs aligns? 

Any suggestions?

Just like the asking price, just because the owner suggests one interest rate or term doesn't mean you can't offer something different.