Short answer is:1) figure out how much you can borrow and your price point2) decide where you want to buy3) decide what type of place you want (duplex, single family, condo, etc). 

Below is a snapshot of recorded documents from one (note #1) of the many investors who got slammed by the GR and FC.

If the tiles grouped together have a continuous hairline type crack in it there could be a problem with the installation of the substrate underneath the tiles, simply replacing the tiles isn't going to fix this.What made you decide to inspect a 3.5 year old roof?

It depends on the type of loan you are applying for.

I met some people there who were staying in the cheapest type of "rooms" and they basically had a little 2-bedroom apartment all for themselves.

You could potentially shore up the loan by adding additional collateral (even if it's in 2nd position behind bank loans) but it's still pretty risky when you aren't knowledgeable about this type of project.

I have a place in Costa Rica that's doing very well and looking for a full amenity type location next.  

Current long term tenants with good rent & equity appreciation What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

:I have never heard of real estate house ("company") or escrow agents accepting credit card as a type of payment when purchasing a property.

The good news is: I'm officially finished with the renovation as of this weekend, and will be able to list it mid-term and hopefully get to a BEAF (Break Even Appreciation Focus) type situation over the next few months.