In contrast the one with a bunch of deferred maintenance has been enough of a headache I don't want to buy number 3 (primarily because I am not as good at painting and handyman work as I thought and have much less free time to work on it than I thought). 

Also, as you highlighted the tenant base is highly reliable, with strong employment, security clearances etc.

I enjoyed the hard labor and comradery that I missed from my Navy days working in engineering.My question is, how do I go about getting more experience on paper without having to commit to an employer/contractor for a long-term position? 

This can be really helpful if you're planning to scale up your portfolio or if traditional financing methods don't work due to self-employment or limited traditional income.Bridge Loans – If you're leaning towards flipping a property or doing major renovations, a bridge loan can give you short-term financing to get the property ready for sale or refinance.

That's a great situation that you're in with your employer sending you out to test these markets over the next 18 months.I am from Pittsburgh and happy to answer any questions you have about the market here.

Currently, I invest through Betterment with a general investing plan and a Roth IRA, and I also contribute to my employers Roth 401k plan.

For example, a large employer may leave a small town eroding their tax base.

It would throw up red flags to any future landlord, lender, or employer who cares to check.

If the employment is in Columbus and the rental property in Cleveland, the income is apportioned.

I found the buying process really complex and long winded in contrast to buying in the UK and so set up Dream of Lisbon to help international buyers and investors with on the ground support in finding and buying properties in the Lisbon and Portugal as a whole.Would love to discuss the market, investment opportunities and speak to anyone interested in buying in Portugal.Thanks,Hugo