I'm of the idea though that now is a great time for Americans investing internationally (because of our inflated US dollar).I know I'll be giving $10K to FIRB.  

You might try corporate housing by owner, or try getting in contact with some insurance companies for replacement housing, or traveling work-crews, etc. 

Company is called Comfort Capital.

This process is relatively simple and can be completed through a title company or real estate attorney.

Also you could start with local Plan-printing companies as they're always printing plan sets for architects and designers before they go to county and after the county comes back with changes.

They were a law firm who hunts class action suits to go against companies. 

In this option your agent would either get paid from you directly in your closing costs OR from the seller via seller concessions.like Russell said, if you are comfortable with the transaction and understand what you are signing and you don't need things explained and you have connections with inspections and title companies then go for it.

I did but each company I worked with has been bought or sold since then.

We are now appealing a denied claim with the insurance company.

Reason being, I hired a property management company (just now) and they're wonderful, they start officially in a couple days.