Wholesale deal, it was extremely fast paced and had to move quickly on securing the HML and acquiring the funds needed to close.

My wife and I also entirely fund the rehab itself with our own cash.

Are borrowers who utilize these funds typically involved in flipping properties?

Yes, Funds are coming from a Spouse or family member depending on the bank/lender they may require a shared account letter and or a Gift letter.

However, this is my first real estate project ever, it's totally self-funded and it takes part in a foreign country, so obviously it's daunting and exciting at the same time.

Some of the strategies I've used in the past are:-comparable sales data nearby-take pictures to show damage or deteriorating conditions of the property-show low rental income or conditions if applicableAny advice would be appreciated.

Low, low, low! 

Permanent rate buy down is not that great IMO, especially in a high rate environment when a lot of people will refi within 1-2 years of owning the home if/when rates come down.Temporary rate buy downs are great right now - The seller funds a 2-1 temporary rate buy down. 

I think you are on the right track however its going to be necessary for you to have some "skin in the game" sooner rather than later - while it can be appealing and seemingly possible to build a significant real estate portfolio with all of "OPM" the reality is you are probably going to need to have some equity in these properties - 20% or so down from your own funds to keep building. 

However, is sounds like those either require previous build experience, or else no experience but they'll only fund about 65% of the construction costs.