But this plan is a bit speculative because my plan works with interest up to 8-9%. 

I also come from a project management background, so was well aware of the amazing feats that can be accomplished with a competent team.When it was time to invest, I scanned all markets I had any sort of access to, evaluated which other ones I could enter with reasonable safety by utilizing unfamiliar teams on the ground, then crossed that over with potential returns.I'm a pure cashflow investor, never like to speculate, so reliable monthly cashflow was criteria no. 1, followed closely by no. 2 - ease of management and low maintenance, then finally no. 3 - Affordability (which equals hedge and diversity), and last but not least, no. 4 - would I like to visit once or twice a year, at worst case, if things require my hands-on attendance.A combination of the four pointed at Japan, which is where I'm primarily invested (with smaller portions of our family portfolio in the US, Europe and Australia), although I'm only living there half the year at this point, thanks to good team utilization which means I don't need to go there unless I want to - this may change now that the yen's down and our son's nearing primary school age - which is the whole point of renting where you live and investing where the money and the environment works for you - to retain the flexibility and lifestyle benefits of being able to work and live anywhere we want at any given time.This is, of course, a long process of rationalization and calculation summarized in a nutshell - if I haven't bored you to death yet, and you want to hear more about the hows and whys of investing overseas, feel free to contact me. :)Best of luck in your chosen path, you seem to be considering all the right factors before embarking on it - I'm sure you'll enjoy the ride.

I do very little speculative investing.

I convinced myself to stay in stocks and for speculation, did short selling and option trades.

In addition, I don't see many institutional firms attempting to sell their inferior interest in the open market as it is problematic and bad press.All that makes me want to conclude this is more of a private firm or person specifically looking to take advantage of an unsuspecting buyer.There is a little speculation on the existing mortgage which is causing the hold up.  

- I can't speculate other than to research other houses in the area to get a feel for what the market will bear.

In the realm of real estate, the investments range from speculative land development, to foreclosure funds, to large commercial fix and flips, turnarounds, new construction, and even water rights.

My only concern is that I don't want to speculate in a market I'm not that familiar with yet and manage from out of state.

They're actually speculating and betting on appreciation.

This is a pure speculation play.