While the arbitrage model didn’t work out as I’d hoped, it turned out to be a valuable learning experience.

@Michael Steele - I say understand your partners goals.

Also, connecting with local investors at meetups and events - super valuable!

And always remember evictions can cost typically 2X-5X than CFK's - But your time is the most valuable LOSS in this all!  

Or buy a fixer upper and work on renovating (valuable learning experience if damage not too extensive) during college years then sell and keep up to $250,000 tax free profit as your primary residence allows.

BP is valuable BECAUSE it works hard to expose people who try to conceal their vested interests.  

How can I position myself as a valuable asset in such collaborations?

House hacking and multifamily homes are great options.Just be sure to know your budget and consider networking with local investors for valuable insights.

Thank you for the valuable information @Mike Lambert  Aside from banks, is there other institutions we could get the refinance faster here in Portugal? 

Hide you money, drugs and valuables off site.If you do your own opens, do it for a couple of weekends.Once you have someone interested, you fill out a purchase & sale agreement, collect an EMD, open escrow, order title, verify ability to close with the buyer's lender.