It did not cost me $0.01.  

When evaluating a property management company, it's important to look beyond just the management fee and consider the full scope of services and costs involved.For example, at our company, we charge a 10% monthly management fee, a $250 lease renewal fee (unless it’s a takeover tenant, which requires additional effort to establish a strong relationship - because usually people are changing pm companies for a reason), and the first month’s rent as a leasing fee.

Yes, I’ve got a mortgage on it now, but my cash flow went from only $1000/month to $2400/month and I picked up 3 more properties basically for free with no out of pocket cash to buy them. 

In my opinion, the US and the UAE have agreements to avoid double taxation, so there should not be any additional costs in Dubai.

Typically starting with a smaller rehab budget of $50K or less (maybe a max of $75K) and avoiding a 1 to 1(or higher) ratio of purchase to rehab costs is recommend when you are first starting out. 

The forms are online, and it costs $100 per filing. 

You got a screaming bargain that was so good that no one else wanted it from the provider side, even for free.

Would a cash-out refinance to free up equity and keep growing be a smart move, or should I focus on paying down my existing debts?

So this is creating more competition and more agreesive rent rates and/or concessions like 1 month free to get those vacancies filled.

I have found that they worked really well when it comes to getting better tenants and better rents, and having less hassle, less headaches, and then getting a higher sales price; without paying closing costs or realtor fees.