My objective: to purchase a SFR for rental / cash flow.

Some object to the personal info on the form and over the years had only a few who would not submit that data. 

Avoid shiny object syndrome, live below your means, have a plan. 

Practice those scripts on people, learn what objections are the most common and learn how to overcome them. 4) How would you guys plan your daily tasks?

I concur you should invest at least initally in you back yard, which is probably where you have the most intrinsic knoweledge and network.If you have a good network of folks you trust who are doing what you want to do with same investment objectives maybe you try something in that market.I have yet to find deals that compare to ones I've found in my backyard of Detroitive invested $1,000 for 2 family flat and now valued at 250kspent $32k and bought 9 2 family flats portfolio would be valued at $3M if all were renovated$10k and working on a $450-500k 3 family currently.If you have deals like this in your market and need a partner contact me and I'll jump on a flight. 

Even better with multiple pros, we could have more objective decision-making.

No system is perfect, so don't waste your time chasing after the next shiny object.

Don't listen to the sob stories, figure out an objective criteria and base your decision on that.  

Identify: What are your goals and objectives?

@Jeff D.Obviously it all depends on your objectives and the specifics of the contemplated investment.Generally though Panama has great opportunities.