We’re all familiar with rentals, so I won’t go over the economics with you.

Economic, social and political stability of the country, natural risks, etcCurrency issuesHow would you get your rents while abroad ?

I think the trend will swing back from renting and group psychology about "rising real estate values" will kick in just as it did 10-15 years ago.Yes I think we should keep buying to get more pieces on the board (boats in the water to rise), but completely disregard any potential appreciation both in terms of our return calculations and psychologically (in other words, don't get caught up in the coming "real estate boom" psychology and buy marginal properties or cash flow negative properties expecting appreciation).That may mean doing fewer deals but it's a price I'm personally willing to pay.There are also some broader economic issues which could throw in some systemic risk and gum up the works, such as Russia-Ukraine, the Chinese economy, the European economy (and some of its weaker members like Greece), etc.So in my mind I think there are three possible scenarios: 1) 1/3 likely to have steady good growth in RE values (scenario of U.S. economy continuing to do reasonably well but little/tepid real wage growth), 2) 1/3 likely to have another boom (scenario of U.S. economy doing very well and finally having real wage growth for the first time in a long time), and 3) 1/3 likely to have the train get derailed by external factors such as the world economy, some kind of war, etc.In all of those scenarios it seems to me that good, cash flowing properties will be good to have.

When I do analysis for myself or my clients I like to see for location strong population growth, high median income levels ( national average is around 54k ) so I like 80k plus generally, low violent crime levels, strong economic county or city planning department, good absorption levels for existing retail inventory.If you drive an area and most all of the retail centers are at 50% no matter the age then the landlords will cannibalize each other in rents and you will have a long road to climb.

I need to know the best option and most economically viable one to put me in a position to have a great investment.

I had some issues with the owner's health but price and condition was a bit of an issue as well.

I second what the other guys have mentioned, Good, dependable, economical, contractors are very hard to find.  

 @Seth C. makes a great point about vacancy concessions - economic vacancy vs. true vacancy rates can be significantly different. 

Look to economics, determining your opportunity costs.

Some times if you a good down payment the owner may be willing to finance the balance to spread out possible capital gains on the property.Depending on what your doing with the building you may be able to get assistance if you are going to open a business and generate some jobs check with the economic development agency in the area.