I would add to this one pound into you the good relationships you have with the contractors and agents in your area will be your best and most helpful relationships.

Maybe you saw this from the Tico Times already, but it lays out mostly depressing details on getting a mortgage in Costa Rica: http://www.ticotimes.net/realestate/25-mortgage-ti...Please post back here if you find anything!

@Mattin Hosh first, most cities in Metro Detroit have some type of rental property inspection every 2-3 years.It's not really a big deal 99% of the time - especially for owners who are NOT slumlords:)Also, a quick Google search will show that several states/cities are passing/considering similar legislation.One of the biggest mistakes we see newer investors making is NOT properly understanding Neighborhood/Property/Tenant Classes and naively assuming that any rental they buy will deliver Class A results.Read our copy & paste thoughts below and DM us if you'd like to dicuss more about the Detroit market:)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

with that said, yes, most of use leverage and yes, most of us have professional property managers. 

Each deal comes with a different set of surprises even for the most experienced operators.Take your time and don't rush it. 

I can only think that this grows as we move into the typical buy/sell season.I assume that your buyer funnel is full, and a lot of people have the want to buy with a constraint or two (rate mostly) of some sorts and you're working with them to execute their purchase at the right time while working around their constraint.

I’ve seen folks pivot their plans quickly if they discover one city has friendier permit processes than another.And yeah, the Phoenix area has some really down to earth investor meetups, from what I’ve heard, that can help you level up fast.What aspect of the business are you most excited to tackle first.. managing construction, or scouting out those under the radar leads?

@Phil SheltonYou would need a civil engineer to provide a drawing to get submitted to zoning and get a permit if it passes zoning is most common This also depends on the road - if it’s a state road forget it as it will take a year to get approved and cost a fortune - if it’s a local road process not as cumbersome but don’t expect this to happen quicklyIn some instances you may have to prepare sight distances etc to make sure it’s safe to add a curb cut

Don't pay any other fees.Fix-and-flip loans will typically last from 6-24 months, with 12 months probably being the most common.

Call the current and previous landlords.