It's not net negative if you are living for less than you would pay for rent...and PS, you wouldn't be earning appreciation or any cash flow on that either.

To beat 5.25% mortgage rate....the corresponding, offsetting stock market return would be at least double that...To answer your question requires (1) knowing what risk adjusted return you will be able to earn in the future (2) knowing what interest rates will do in the future.  

If they have to pay 12% to investors FIRST before they make any money (other than their 2% management fee), they have to consistently be earning more in order to be able to "keep the difference" or "excessive return."  

How can you make the business more profitable so you earn more?

It only makes sense to invest remote if you have a large economic delta between where you live and the income you earn and the market you invest.

Six weeks into their program, I earned just over $50K. 

Yes, Hong Kong certainly is an interesting place, a good place to earn money as well.

It might be a situation where you are digging a manageable hole that you can work and earn your way out of, but be honest with yourself.

Enjoy that well earned retirement. 

I use this for tax and insurance which all properties have)Expenses (general business like admin/legal and by unit for repairs, trash, utilities...)EBITDA (earnings before interest/taxes/depreciation/amortization.