I think it is all about perspective. if there are successful investors in CT (which I am sure there is) then the proof of concept is there its just about playing by the rules and finding your competitive advantage.

I am very new to the concept of wholesaling and have no real estate background.

I would start with a trusted and recommended real estate attorney in Costa Rica to discuss the concept they often use of a Corporation owning real estate in Costa Rica. 

We understand the basic concept of rental investments we are looking for homes and are pre qualified already with a high 4 to 5 % interest rate.

I think you've confused a couple of concepts here which all address first.  

Highly intelligent people usually have the hardest time grasping this concept.  

So unless you were expecting to cashflow more than $1,000 per month...the appreciation will outpace the cashflow.There's lots more to this of course but those are some basic concepts to understand. 

ALSO, THEY NATURALLY HAVE A HUGE MISUNDERSTOOD CONCEPTION OF WHOLESALING REAL ESTATE AND IGNORE ALL THE BENEFITS.

Areas are zoned for no overnight rentals and they trade at a significant discount, sometimes 50 percent less than the same house a block over that has zoning for STR. this is done through local municipality placing restrictions for residents to have a place to live, but the same concept is being applied here, just in this situation its a property owner that is placing the restriction.So depending on the location of the property and the situation, it’s possible the 100k is worth it.

I am new here, only several months into the concept of REI so I plan on house hacking in my new location.