All this to say, my base case is that right now rates are the lowest they've been in almost a year and it's more of a gamble to wait and see what the Fed does than to take what we have now.

So in short, the past six months have been quite an adventure, left my day job, started a business, and moving to AR to start my own path as an architect-developer.

It's great that you're balancing your passion for real estate with family time and outdoor adventures.

I wish you the best in your real estate adventure!

You gambled your investment capital on an internet investment-promoter.

Everyone is gambling, and I keep advising my clients to please not compete with that level of moronic. 

Quote from @Ashley Gamble: We recently bought a property that we have found out within the first few weeks of owning it that is has VERY SERIOUS drainage and humidity issues and lots of previous water damage that the sellers did not disclose.

No different than gambling. 

Lastly, I don't know what your long term plans are, but having a house to return to in the States if your international adventures don't work as planned can be a good safety net for you!

I’m two months into my Lawton adventure.