I also agree greatly with food costs being one of the places where you have the most ability to see great savings.

One of the ways they do this is by looking at your tax returns.Lenders know that the average person has the following expenses during a yearShelter, Food, entertainment, travel etc.purchasing a home requires you to pay the bank PITI(Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance) every month.They want to know that you have the income to afford all of this by looking at your tax return.With that said - You should be preparing your tax return correctly(not taking more expenses than you are entitled to and not underreporting expenses).

Dog/Cat Food Kick Plate integrated in kitchen cabinetsOpen to all feedback and comments - this is a journey, courtesy of BP this journey is even more engaging - making the leap - lets see what happens :) 

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.