The main thing with a non-local lender is they might not fully understand the specific market dynamics of your area, which can sometimes affect appraisals or timelines.However, they might be able to provide lower rates or better terms than local lenders so it is worth looking into.

You’re able to learn the basics of a real estate investment with lower risk and build equity at the same time.

How do you protect your STR from bedbugs.As far as furnishings, I would go to either a high-end thrift store, or a lower end antique store.

Yes, I've been investing overseas for years and help many others doing so but investing internationally differs from country to country so asking about international and specifically in Bali.There can be fraud everywhere, including in the US, so you should always beware and the risk will be higher or lower, depending on the country.

Most leases you can purchase are generic in nature and do not equip you with very helpful tools to manage your property in the most effective and efficient manner, lowering costs, reducing liabilities, creating revenue centers, etc. 

San Antonio offers more relaxed rules, steady tourism, and possibly lower property costs.

However, if you decide to sell after holding the property for over a year, you could qualify for long-term capital gains tax, which is lower than ordinary income tax.

Consider lowering the rent.

I always look at current ARV and use that or lower for my sales price, never higher because I can't guarantee the market.

So, we've shifted gears for our real estate investing strategy to just purchasing a long-term rental.After joining this group and learning a lot, and given the housing prices in the Greater Seattle area, the lower rent-to-price ratios, bad landlord-tenant laws, and the astronomical prices, we are seriously considering investing out of state.