He doesn't always use his own money, so yes he benefits from the form his 5 points, and then the actual investor whom gives him the cash wants to see his money earning interest, preferably for more than 2-4 months, hence to make it worth while for his investor to lend for such a short term he sees it necessary to up the rate.

.- Investing in low-income areas is strictly a preference thing.

However, the latter is probably a better definition for a property that no one has shown any substantive interest in, by other occupying, renting out, paying property taxes for the last year or two, or recently recording a transfer deed or mortgage that would suggest that they do have an active interest.I still prefer the term 'orphan' property that I coined for the "don't wanter" type houses.

I usually get permission (with a $75 gift certificate to our local Texas Roadhouse) to have an 1-2 hour open house (preferably on a Sunday afternoon).

Not to say that you can't be very successful basing investments around speculation/appreciation, but it's much harder to do, and most experienced investors prefer the other route.With that said, hopefully you will be able to provide us some new ideas and thoughts based on your plans and what you're learning about the international market.

I'm getting into more of a niche for abandoned properties and distressed properties.

All N/Ps in a community are tied together in various ways to serve the community, fill the niche.

But as I understand it all of these options (any tax preferred investment vehicle) restricts your access to any of that money until the age of restriction within that vehicle.  

I build in this niche.

I prefer 30 years to get lower payments and higher cash flow.