Sometimes occupants still live there and eviction is not easy, and I have even heard a story once that the yakuza are involved in the construction and real estate business and exorted money from buyers through occupants in these properties. 

Anyone can live anywhere they want if they have the money, and sometimes houses are bought and then rented out without much background checking on the people moving in.

I could get the same or higher overall ROI by putting my money in an index fund which is 100% passive.Deal #2This seems like a good deal to me at the asking price.

I haven't had a full-time employment for a while but I have money saved up to buy a property or two.Is anyone here living abroad also or know anyone living abroad that is not physically buying properties in the USA but abroad?

Are you collecting properties or collecting money?

My remodel strategy is to use some of my own sweat equity and running subs to save enough money to upgrade the flooring, kitchen and baths slightly beyond the peers. 

We often use zoom showings, but they build on that mutual in-person experience.We don't encourage bottom-of-the-barrel neighborhoods, simply because with 60-120 year old properties capex tends to exceeed cash flow over time aka money pit.

Here's an ideal PM contract: The two keys are: The PM is incentivized to make you money, not charge high fees, and is contractually bound to provide reporting that you can understand in a timely manner. 

"Before borrowing money from a friend, decide which you need most".

You can save a lot on costs if you do many repairs yourself.Look into hard money lenders or private lenders for the initial purchase and rehab.Connect with wholesalers, agents specializing in investment properties, and other BRRRR investors to find deals and learn more.