Close to a cool little town, close to an area attraction, etc....Also do a search here and see how to screen guests, in addition to what the hosting sites do.... like no last minute bookings, no short stays....

Additionally, do you all generally use a smaller income criteria if the rent is inclusive of utilities? 

Does this completely prevent the tax lien holder of getting additional gains after foreclosing? 

Additionally, since my parents are nearing the retirement age, I'd like to prioritize low-debt, high-cashflow deals.

Learning from agents commonly working with investors is your next opportunity to find a mentor.To be honest, I wouldn't try to find a mentor from random investors on the internet.

Additional Info —Key Details:Location: Outside Santa Fe, NMProperty Size: 20 acres (valued at $80,000)Project: Two new STR unitsExisting Experience: Family has two fully-occupied LTRs nearby, generating $2,000/monthConstruction Approach: Self-contracted with licensed trades for electrical/plumbingCost Assumption: $80,000 per unit, plus ~20% for inflation (based on 5–8-year-old build costs)Financing: Using land equity as down payment on construction loan (expecting closing costs to be major expense)Request: Looking for feedback, potential pitfalls, and general guidance

Foreign nationals have the same rights to purchase real estate as German citizens, making it easy for Americans to invest in the German market without additional legal barriers.Furthermore, Germany has a transparent legal process for buying property, ensuring clarity and security throughout the transaction.

Be sure to actually contact the landlord for verification—fake references are more common than you’d think.In-Person Meeting: Meeting potential roommates in person is a great way to get a feel for compatibility.

Once you’ve built some confidence and systems, you can start exploring additional markets.I personally focus on 2 markets that are about 20 mile radius.Make sure the market(s) you choose align with your investing goals, whether that’s cash flow, appreciation, or both.

@John Lasher I didn't, but you're right that it is a common path.