For everyone questioning this notion I only wish I could break attorney-client confidentiality (which I cannot), because I could tell you one heart-wrenching story after another where the lifelong friendship (or family relationship) came to a halt - and equally painful, their tales of defamation and gossip within these lifelong networks of support. 

Adverse possession laws, ill husband, friendships, drama, freeloader? 

I have many good, close friendships with some of the people there.I have seriously considered investing in Costa Rica.

There isn't a friendship tie between them as far as I know, but I am not going to base my decision on these factors anyways.

I'm from the area too (live in Friendship Heights).

The friendship is worth it but I also wanted them to realize some of the cost.

So at 43yrs old, no skill set, and a family of 6, I started out working for different residential subcontractors whom I had built relationships/friendships with through helping them over the yrs with their "life issues".

Go to a closing/title company and protect your friendship above all else.

It's more my husband's friend so I'm not worried about ruining a friendship if they need to be evicted.

I am going down the good friend route but we have all recognised that we want a JV agreement in place essentially to maintain the friendship throughout the investment.