@Malcolm Brown it is great that you are thinking of the money to fund the deals you are going to get started with but understanding what a deal is, I think, should be the starting point. 

You’ll get a better return over the long-term by putting your money in the stock market.

Sometimes occupants still live there and eviction is not easy, and I have even heard a story once that the yakuza are involved in the construction and real estate business and exorted money from buyers through occupants in these properties. 

Anyone can live anywhere they want if they have the money, and sometimes houses are bought and then rented out without much background checking on the people moving in.

I could get the same or higher overall ROI by putting my money in an index fund which is 100% passive.Deal #2This seems like a good deal to me at the asking price.

I haven't had a full-time employment for a while but I have money saved up to buy a property or two.Is anyone here living abroad also or know anyone living abroad that is not physically buying properties in the USA but abroad?

My remodel strategy is to use some of my own sweat equity and running subs to save enough money to upgrade the flooring, kitchen and baths slightly beyond the peers. 

Are you collecting properties or collecting money?

Here's an ideal PM contract: The two keys are: The PM is incentivized to make you money, not charge high fees, and is contractually bound to provide reporting that you can understand in a timely manner. 

"Before borrowing money from a friend, decide which you need most".