however, a patient house hacker is one of the more likely strategies to work. 

There are many buildings with systems reaching the end of their life - Galvanized hot water risers, leaking vent stacks, aging window systems, outdated elevator and fire safety equipment.

They are patient and able to talk me through any plans of repairs or maintenance.

Be patient.

The tenant threatens to get lawyers, my concern is their safety, but I can’t get any justification to make improvements to the property for security.

Thanks in advance for patiently answering my question.PS: I don't have a CPA, and I'm in the process of getting one, but I wanted to get a frame of reference so I can roughly compare notes with anything my future CPA would propose.

Home inspectors look for safety.  

•Safety and Growth: McAllen, for instance, has been ranked among the top 5 safest cities in the U.S. since 2020.

Lastly, I don't know what your long term plans are, but having a house to return to in the States if your international adventures don't work as planned can be a good safety net for you!

It taught me to be more patient but also to stand my ground when dealing with tenants who try to get over.