Having said that though, I also stumbled across this site the other day that contains some interesting stats about worldwide property prices in comparison to income (and other useful info).

Hi All-  Im from south florida. Interested in learning REI like most of people here. I have a very unique professional background . Im looking to connect with  successful  investors or business people in the industry ...

With Hawaii being the tourist destination that it is, the thought of vacation rental ownership seems like a smart investment.

I also like the idea of using it then selling it while I'm there - but I have these visions of me in a hawaiian shirt and straw hat standing on the corner handing out brochures to tourists the whole time trying to hawk them.

I would be interested in knowing which countries you know of that have more than 8% yield and affordable.As for the location, it is in Jomtien in a tourist attraction area.

@Vian Simpson: Jaco and Tamarindo areas are very popular tourist spots on the beach.  

Think like a tourist to understand the seasonality of it a little better.

They may cash flow right now after HOA and Property Management fees, but all it takes is one little economic hiccup and those tourists go bye-bye.

For the Vacation Rental market, you are in an ideal location to capture year-round guests who attend conventions at the convention center or visit the historical tourist attractions such as the Liberty Bell.

We are in Columbus and didn't think it was a tourist destination at all but we live in the best neighborhood and can walk to many bars and restaurants.