Since it's been a little quiet this month, let me kick-start some discussion with a few questions:What would you say is the Tacoma area's economic status?

If only someone could find a way to build housing that the majority of the market is demanding (currently being supplied by older C and B class assets) they would solve a major economic/society issue and become enormously wealthy. 

Nope):1 - Learn how to analyze with real numbers2 - Learn what a plan is, and how to develop one for REI3 - Learn what is important to a REI...and then start thinking like one, instead of a homeowner.4 - Learn how Money Works5 - Learn how to analyze Markets (not economic...geographic) in order to find where the properties whose profiles match the criteria you need to execute the plan you developed.6 - Learn how to eliminate any emotions, both yours and the ones you think are driving forces for the buyers/renters that will be your clients7 - Learn how to eliminate any for of "rationalization" (most expensive word a REI can use) from your thoughts.8...and last, for now, learn how to describe yourself (when asked what you do for a living) as a "Successful Real Estate Investor". 

Guayaquil is expanding and it is consider the economic capital of Ecuador.

These areas are considered low economic areas in need of economic development.

I'm not an expert on credit, but I would like to know if it is possible for a group of individuals to leverage their credit collectively as a group without having to start an LLC etc?

It really depends on where we are in the RE cycle, what's ahead economically, and what your investment goals are.  

Looks like basic economics, supply and demand.The fact that your building is 100% occupied is great, and the fact that it stays 100% occupied with a waiting list is even better.

For long term economic forecasting, Armstrong Economics has a SaaS service called Socrates.

One thing I wanted to throw in there is considering reinvesting the profits into an Economic Opportunity Zone.