The first thing I recommend is to build your CORE 4(Realtor, contractor, attorney, and property manager) on wherever you decide to invest.

And then reality kicks in - the construction was painful - finding decent contractors, inflation, scope creep - all the usual **** made worse by the fact that nothing is particularly easy in costa rica besides ordering cocktails.

@Jacques CaspiTo succeed in real estate investing, I’ve found it’s crucial to budget for unexpected expenses, focus on thorough tenant screening, and build strong relationships with contractors.

Contractors stated that he does surface level cosmetic fixes as fast as possible to pass inspections.

If you go to one meeting you can find your contractor, agent, property manager, attorney, and anyone else that you may need. 

A solid agent can help you calculate ARV, manage inspections and contractor connections— get quotes and coordinate handymen and vendors post close, provide shopping lists and software suggestions for management or STR furnishing, etc. 

OR is this something you would take to your favorite contractor and ask them to come up with a plan? 

Think of it as the rough sketch that helps you figure out where you want to swim: Omaha’s stable single-family rentals with decent cash flow and strong appreciation potential, the sizzling up-and-coming pockets around San Antonio where off-market deals still lurk if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves, or those tight-knit Chicago neighborhoods where a trusted investor-friendly agent can point you to contractors who won’t ghost you mid-reno.

If you need to have a contractor walk it down, go that route. 

As preivously stated above, I have a small storage space (around 200 sqft) that can be converted into an ADU (already have approved plans from LADBS) and am meeting with various contractors and teams.