How to factor in the nature of maintenance -- the veteran DIY fixer is always going to spend less than the guy who doesn't know what a scope of work is relying on a property manager to hire preferred contractors who are kicking back to the PM, the incompetent DIYer is always going to spend more than the competent one, the guy fifteen states away with no boots on the group managing major rehabs remotely is always going to get the shaft.4.

I want to make it second nature when i'm analyzing and i think i have a long way to go. 

Real estate commissions, short to long term capital gains if you do not 1031,legal fees, etc.The exit cap rate usually depend on tenant mix just as much as location (nation, regional, mom and pop) in nature.  

If something is hard to understand just lean into it and network and study and talk with your family/friends and you will naturally learn.

I too am looking for alternative funding.

Would this be a smart investment despite all the natural disasters happening?

So a small 8" natural gas pipeline has been converted to a large diameter high pressure pipeline that is carrying a more volatile, explosive material which can't be detected by smell. 

Know your exit strategy going into the deal and best to give yourself a few alternatives.

You are lucky you live in Hong Kong.....go to ETrade, Schwab, Citibank, HSBC or one of the American banks there and open account...then they should be able to USD account either there or in US branch.An alternative is someone like Cathay Bank in USA. 

This isn't a 'natural monopoly' like a utility company or subway system, there's no reason NOT to have multiple parallel providers of the good or service.