Investment Info:Single-family residence fix & flip investment.

HELOCng a personal residence could leave them homeless in the event they fail at this.

Switzerland does impose some restrictions on foreign and non-residents buying property but you can still buy and several members of my family actually own property there.

When you buy a primary residence you are typically using a conventional conforming (fannie/freddie) type loan.

Paging @Garrett Brown our resident STR specialist - what say you about tips for lead photos on listings??

@Tove Fox - Residential Real Estate InvestingPros:Lower Entry Costs: Easier to get started with less capital required.High Demand: People always need homes, making demand relatively stable.Easier Financing: Mortgages are generally easier to secure with favorable terms.Simplicity: Easier to understand and manage, especially for beginners.Flexibility: You can use it as a personal residence or rent it out.Cons:Tenant Turnover: More frequent turnover leads to vacancy and more management.Lower Cash Flow: Income potential can be modest compared to commercial properties.Emotional Buyers: Residential prices can be influenced by emotions, leading to price volatility.Maintenance Burden: Landlords often deal with repairs and maintenance, which can be time-consuming.Commercial Real Estate InvestingPros:Higher Income Potential: Stronger cash flow and higher returns are common.Long-Term Leases: Tenants often sign longer leases (3-10 years), reducing vacancy risk.Professional Tenants: Business tenants tend to take better care of the property.Valuation Based on Income: Prices are based on the income the property generates, not market emotions.Shared Costs: Tenants often cover property expenses like taxes, insurance, and maintenance (via triple-net leases).Cons:High Entry Costs: Requires more capital or partnerships to get started.Complex Management: More expertise is needed; you may need a professional property manager.Economic Sensitivity: Commercial properties are more sensitive to economic conditions.Challenging Financing: Securing financing can be harder, with stricter terms and higher interest rates.Zoning and Legalities: More complex regulations compared to residential properties.Key Differences:Risk: Residential tends to be lower risk, while commercial offers higher rewards but with greater risk.Management: Residential is easier for DIY investors, while commercial properties usually require a team.Scalability: Commercial properties are easier to scale, offering more potential for significant cash flow increases.

Investment Info:Single-family residence fix & flip investment.

By being physically present, you can gain valuable insights into the property's operations, interact with residents, and assess the team's performance.

Cat odor is far more problematic than a small dog, but I would check landlord references to confirm how they've maintained their last residence.

Make sure you have filed for Homestead exemption at the very least (this can only be done if you the home is your primary residence, not an investment home).