No SSN, Ghana Passports on file.We will be requiring full background checks and fresh leases for them (and all other tenants) to remain in the units after their current leases expire 12/31.Anyone have experience or recommendations on adequately screening them to ensure we aren't missing anything?

I use "Fidelity Title Passport Pro" but you have to know a Title Agent who is willing to give you access.

The smallest upfront fee was $1200 and the largest $10,000. 58 of the lenders required copies of our passport.14 lenders were in the criminal data base of Interpol; 28 were in the in the financial crimes data base of Nigeria and 4 were listed in the Interpol data base connecting them to Russian mobs!

They will check your passport before boarding the plane.

FYI - I have a USA passport so no issues with being an overseas investor.

Generally, reporting companies must provide four pieces of information about each beneficial owner:name;date of birth;address; andthe identifying number and issuer from either a non-expired U.S. driver’s license, a non-expired U.S. passport, or a non-expired identification document issued by a State (including a U.S. territory or possession), local government, or Indian tribe.

You may not be able to transfer / turn on water until after you have closed on your home.11You should do a “Final Walk Through” of the property you are purchasing within 24 hours before closing to confirm the property is in the same condition that it was in when you agreed to purchase the property and that all inspection required repairs have been completed.12On the day of closing, all signers will need to bring their driver’s license or Passport and a Cashiers Check in the amount you are required to bring to closing.

Now for the Panamanian trust I would establish it using my Republic of Dominica 2nd passport (visa free travel to 70 countries). 

Extremely interesting post...awesome investing somewhere else as a form of retirement (im looking at costa rica)...IF you invest as a foreign investor does the country give you any perks such as residency or a DR passport As for the post....would it be rented out to international travellers/vacationers or would it be rented by long term DR residents? 

Side note:  Mr Hughes bought a plane and is updating his passport...hmmm...what does that tell you???