Hey @Barry Taggart from my professional experience pushing a close isn't a big red flag-- especially if it is a good deal.

That's all you can do given your experience. $80k in equity isn't much in the grand scheme of things.

I manage around 400 rentals with 14 years of experience and have never been sued once.

Keep in mind that about 40% of the population rents.I agree with you that buying a run-down property requires experience, the biggest concern is that you don't get enough discount for the condition.

As I’ve just had a very bad experience with a contractor, is there a contractor contract template that someone would be willing to share? 

She updates my books twice a month.Try to find one who has real estate experience.

I am curious if there is anyone with experience in owning real estate in another country being a US working citizen and have some tips on how taxes operate if I were to list that property on Airbnb in a foreign country and so on (any other tips you can offer towards this)...

Ask how many units they manage and how much experience they have.

It's the land/location increasing in value - not the home itself, in my personal experience and opinion

What is your experience with Obie insuarnce and Safeside insurance ?