This is because they're much more expensive than other countries in the region and, unlike in some other countries in the region Costa Rica doesn't have the mass tourism needed to get you the rental income that would justify those prices.This being said, it shouldn't be hard for you to break even though since all you'd need to do for that is cover your costs.

Can try to reposition to Class B, but neighborhood may impede these efforts.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620 (approaching 22% probability of default), many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.

I suspect I will throw more money at a problem Airbnb has no interest in covering

Another note on construction cost, going vertical is very expensive now and would require have a great connect with a developer and a builder in the area.See what rents are in the area and run the numbers to ensure the rents will cover your costs and give you a solid return—using the 1% rule can help.

Thanks they didnt say anything about STR it would be awfulI was wondering how they make money now i knowI dont think the $10K would even cover damage!

We like the short-term rental idea because we could stay at the property ourselves when we want - summer break, spring/winter breaks, etc.Our budget will be right around $1M or less ideally, and we would like a short distance to the ocean.How likely is it that we could find a property as described above and have it cover or come close to covering the mortgage? 

Can try to reposition to Class B, but neighborhood may impede these efforts.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620 (approaching 22% probability of default), many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.

While real estate values do rise over time, if you can't cover your bills during the downturns to get you into better times to sell, you are likely to lose money.  

The rents pretty much never seem to cover the mortgage costs, even with low interest rates.

If I use a RMLO service I assume they cover the Dodd Frank and other consumer rules?