Finding solid contractors is the hardest part of the equation.

Tourism keeps short-term rentals booked, while long-term rentals offer solid returns at a lower price point with steady demand.

🎉 A $300/month positive cash flow is a solid start, especially after house hacking.

Let's cut to the chase:  "A tenant is obligated to follow HOA rules, as they are considered residents of the community and must abide by the same restrictions as homeowners, even though they do not own the property; the landlord is responsible for ensuring their tenants understand and comply with the HOA rules. 

And your net worth will thank you.If you still want to go ahead, you'd be better off buying a house than an apartment because, while the value of the building itself will go to 0, you'll still have the value of the land, bearing in mind that the land might actually lose value too given the depopulation and the yen depreciation.Sorry if I'm pooping a party but make sure you understand what you're getting into (which you're already doing by asking the forum) and then make the decision that's right for you according to your objectives.

However my understanding is that exceptions can be made if unexpected life events happen such as job relocation, eminent domain, marriage, divorce, changes to family size, deployment, imprisonment, bankruptcy etc. 

If you have ever learned something important by trial and error, then you can probably understand the frustration that you feel when you make a "rookie mistake" or a simple error that creates a big negative result.

Seller wants $160,000 cash out which leaves $50,000 in equity for the buyer.I had a taker from CA but he couldn't come up with the cash.I was not aware of anyone that understands that kind of deal.  

If they understand they need to leave and discuss honestly what they can do to make that happen then you are both working to the same end.

@Robert StephensonIt’s great that you’ve built solid equity in your current rental property— Here are a few options to consider:Cash-Out Refinance: You can refinance your rental property and pull out some of the equity to use as a down payment for another property.