Getting a real estate license is a different kettle of fish.

Before getting started, I’d recommend focusing on three key areas:Strategy Selection – Understand the different investment strategies (BRRRR, short-term rentals, etc.) and determine which aligns best with your goals.Market Research – Study the market you want to invest in, including property values, rental demand, and economic trends.Laying the Foundation – Take proactive steps now that will set you up for success later.

It's interesting to hear the different opinions and outlooks and how they differ from one lender to another. 

One says the interest he receives IS A DIFFERENT KIND OF INTEREST than the interest he pays?  

I recommend you search for "tenant application screening" to find a few different options and see which one will work best for you.Here's some generic screening advice.

I have done quite a few different things, one of the best to find out who is doing the most volume is go onto good and search for the "we buy houses companies" in the area you are looking to invest.

I've tried and vetted many different PMs.

Agree, I've seen many misspelling of names in the official records, or just different versions. 

Get Familiar with Financing: Educate yourself about different financing options available for commercial properties, including conventional loans, hard money lenders, or seller financing.

The problem is that I know a lot about the real estate strategies that I can do back in the US but Spain is a whole different ball game.