Consider them practice runs.  

It slaps of predatory practice giving an option then retaining appreciation over ther term, again, that's not an option contract. 4.

@Patrick Plummer in a former life I practiced in US Tax court, I strongly suggest if you qualify for the solo 401k go that route, and roll your ira into the solo 401k it is much more flexible in real estate transactions, and the compliance cost and reporting requirements are much less.  

Laws, customs, standards of practice vary enough within our own country....going abroad with your money is just a large risk to take if you do not know what you are doing.

But why not add practical experience, too.Most colleges have class offerings flexible enough that you could still work part time in construction or a related real estate area (and I find employers often open to college students and working around their hours).

Lots of moving parts in your prospective opportunity.Obviously, you'll need to know the numbers and determine whether pursuing an Ohio property from A-Town makes any practical sense.Here's the rough format I use: PETIOProperty - need to know after repaired value and rough costs to repairEquity - need to determine all outstanding mortgages and liens of recordTitle - research record owner(s)Interest(s) - need to research, identify and contact all persons who have beneficial interest in Decedent's estate as heirsOpportunities - Determine best way to acquire or profit from the situation.

This would be a solid property in a good area consistent with my portfolio to date.

If it had been a water line, and since water lines are always under pressure when the water is on at the shut off valve, then the leak would have been consistent whether or not the bathroom had been used or not.

After receiving, the course of action seems very obvious and consistent when dealing with mold or similar type issues. 

They're pretty consistent so I assume they work.