These are much needed products with more active management and the revenue shows. 

I then recently moved into doing flips, JVing with other investors, and I’m ready to start flipping independently since I have gotten experience.I’m a big fan of the more local the better, given, they will know the smaller markets as well as the big in my city; however, I am open to lending opportunities farther out. 

In the time Jesse taught me how to connect with local businesses and to build a Rolodex of companies to book my property.

Lastly, I would imagine that with all of the small business ownership involved, there's probably a local bank that already has a UCC filed and is unlikely to play ball with a private lender who's trying to realize their collateral.

Regarding charges for damages, it depends on state & local laws AND court/judge tendancies.Most leases state tenants must return a property back to the owner/landlord in the same or better condition than when they took possession - normal wear & tear excepted.So, what is "normal wear & tear"?

I am looking to become more of an active investor with the goal of quitting our day jobs sooner than later.Any advice is welcomed. 

Then, talk with a local builder on options of build.

He's active in the forum so he might be commenting as well.Finally, I'm not sure that you should worry about dealing with currency fluctuations because you won't have to assuming you're cash flow positive.

Most of us work with foreign and local RE investors across multiple States. 

What kind of risk are you creating based on the nature of your real estate activities?