Maybe she can buy food and pay the power bill. 

Then you are entitled to these discounts in Panama:Here is a summary of the benefits of the Panama retirement visa:One time Duty tax exemption for household goods up to a total of $10,000.Duty exemption for importing a new car every two years.50% off entertainment anywhere in the country (movies, concerts, sports)30% off bus, boat, and train fares25% off airline tickets ( originating in Panama - going anywhere)50% off hotel stays from Monday through Thursday30% off hotel stays from Friday through Sunday25% off at restaurants15% off at fast-food restaurants15% off hospital bills (if no insurance applies)10% off prescription medicines20% off medical consultations15% off dental and eye exams20% off professional and technical services50% reduction in closing costs for home loans25% discounts on utility bills15% off loans made in your name1% less on home mortgages for homes used for personal residenceA one-time exemption of duties (taxes) on the importation of household goods up to US$10,000 in total value.100% duty exemption on the importation or purchase of an automobile every 2 years.

The single best way to mitigate your down side risk is to buy at the very top of the food chain  IE A class with a sprinkle of B.. but I have had an A class home I owned totally trashed by a tenant as well.

Not the best food choice to meet up and network with someone for the first time.

Food for thought.Good luck!

Find a reason to evict tenant on day 1 (because if they are living with cockroaches they aren't worth much in the first place) and no amount of "you need to keep this place clean" letters is going to cure the problem, and no amount of poison will kill roaches that are attracted to the rubbish which is the food source.Then treat the place yourself with some good chemicals from your local pest place, and do that once a month for a couple of months.

I think he offered me everything in the book water, food, beer and he gave me a tip. 

Lots of outdoor activities, great food and friendly people. 

It was tough but I managed to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads. 

Jerry, sounds good. 1000 letters, whew, that's alot of letter writing, lol, but spending 3k on a marketing budget, compared to what you MAY net from a great deal/flip doesn't seem much when put into perspective...great food for thought guys, thanks