As everyone should see from the above posts, investing in real estate, especially foreclosure and tax sales, REQUIRES a working knowledge of legal aspects that can possibly affect the purchase.  

But for large multi-family, that amount hardly covers your legal fees for one transaction, let alone down payment, due diligence costs, lender fees, other closing costs, etc.

They aren't looking for 10% returns and they probably love the idea of getting some cash legally out of Canada.I got into Costa Rica because of the country (it's awesome), what's happening to real estate prices there and in the US (they are nuts here) and the amount of development that's happening around Potrero, the technology advancements in the STR industry, proximity to the beach etc.

This can lead to "renegotiation" demands at the closing:(Other Potential Issues to Consider:Being in the chain of title is also exposure to potential legal issues.Selling an assignment may be a violation of a state's real estate statutes.Wholesaling w/o a real estate broker's license may violate your state's statutes.I'm sure there are more...

I'd have them sign my own lease on renewal and I'd make sure I had enough information on them so I can go after them if a legal issue arises such as employer and other similar data. 

Myself I think if one wants to get into real estate in CA you get into the bizz you get licensed so you can legally collect fee's you put in the hard work like most wholesalers have to now..

For US government purposes, our legal residence is a family member's home where we stay when we are in the US.Thanks for the DSCR info.

Good news is our land is where all of the next-door houses are (free houses, I think legal issues). 

A "non-refundable deposit" is legally confusing.If they do request a showing, I send them this email:Hi John,Please read this entire email.How about a viewing on X at X pm?

Keeping your license and avoiding any legal issues is probably worth more than this one transaction.