I'm having trouble getting over the slim margins, but it sounds like cash flow isn't necessarily king anymore.

Slow and steady still wins the race, and leverage is a double edged sword that can get you in real trouble if you don't respect it.

Looking to get into some smaller apartment buildings in the near future.As far as the difficulties of investing in Japan, I of course agree with everything said, but in my case I'm at near-native fluency and own and manage my own business separate from anything real estate related so even without permanent residency I've never had trouble getting a loan (except of course I can't get some govt backed ones like a primary residence mortgage) for business or investing.I'll try to get in touch with everyone local to よろしくお願いします。

I get that.I also now, that if you get yourself into trouble, there is always a way to get yourself OUT of trouble.A few of the options that I have came up with if there is a mortgage so far are these:  Take the deed because I have to and collect the rent until its foreclosed.  

I heard that this builder is in trouble on another project as well...This worries me.

Another common problem is poor due diligence—jumping into deals without verifying the borrower or collateral often leads to future regrets.I’ve also seen over-leveraged borrowers cause trouble, prioritizing other creditors over private lenders.

Curious to here if anyone has recent experiences to share, as I've heard they may be in financial trouble.  

There are a few decent areas, but most are run down and trouble. 

You won't have any trouble from there.

Oh the pink and beige house with the tall concrete fence?").