The beach has taken about a year and the jungle house will take about 4-5 years because we are paying off some seller financing with the revenue from the short term rentals.I would say that I can definitely make more money investing in real estate in the United States than in Costa Rica.

Currently, we manage approximately 40 short- and mid-term rentals, in addition to a few long-term properties.

If you're capable of getting funding from a bank, those terms are terrible.

I also suggest you post your listing to "Short Term Rental Listing Advice" on Facebook and let them give you more feedback as well.  

I would never do sub to for the purpose of holding long term rentals  ( at least personally) .

He's probably someone you don't want in your unit for the long term.

But I’m thinking of getting into STR investment and become more active.I’m a complete newbie to short-term rentals (STRs) and eager to wet my feet in this area.

But. that short of a hold period would be suspect by itself if ever audited.  

Hard money isn’t cheap, so bridging that with a seller carry might help you short-term, from what I’ve heared.

If you believe you will be financially ready to build a year from now, perhaps you enter into a lengthier contract where you can obtain all of your building approvals and then settle at a later date.