It's a very smart thing to ask this question well ahead of your need, but don't wait for the answer.

@Josh LeMastersThat sounds like a smart investment!

Rental Rates high seasonDaily range $125-$160 Weekly $850-$950Rental Rates low seasonDaily $105-$120Weekly $675-$800 Residential tower is one of the most sought-after residences in the beach area.The building is an icon and a staple in Panama’s beach communities– particularly amongst English-speaking expats and vacation homeowners.It’s known throughout Panama for its ideal location, breathtaking coastal views, resort-style amenities, and spacious high-quality apartments. amenities include: Direct beach accessRooftop pool and social area with panoramic beach and mountain viewsGround pool and social areaChildren’s poolFitness centerGame roomLow monthly maintenance feesCovered parking24-hour securityOther advantages: Home to an established community of English-speaking expatsA short walk to several excellent restaurants and a mini-supermarketAbout five minutes drive to the major supermarkets, banks, shopping, and more restaurantsJust over an hour from Panama City, largest city and national capitalDeveloper units have long since sold out, and people take advantage when a resale comes on the market.High resale value and reliable rental incomeThe Apartments iconic and high-demand development– occupying an exclusive and enviable waterfront position and filled with lavish amenities.The units, which sit on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th floor, each offer a prize-winning & unobstructed view of the Pacific, and a private balcony fully furnished, with modern tropical-chic décor that suits its beachfront ambience kitchenettes have also been providedNow for the numbers: average monthly rental: $2,200; property mgmt fee $115, condo maintenance fee: $68; Cable wifi $60; electric $60 mo, Rental mgmt fee: 20%; asking $185,000 USDMore detail in terms of Property insurance, taxes pending.

Shop it, for sure, but why limit yourself to local money? 

Why am I getting into the field, I hear you ask.Well, my parents are hitting retirement age and are having to work as hard as ever to sustain their lifestyles.Three kids on my mother's side and one on my father's means that I'm not holding out for a massive inheritence (though my mother has hinted that her life insurance pays out more than I would have expected...) and so, as with all things, I am learning to take control.I'm slowly coming full circle, have an interview for a job back in my old hometown and am remembering my dream as a 12 year old was to own hotels, coffee shops and houses.

Did you shop around before ordering from them? 

Your construction background is very impressive, I'm in the Music Factory area of Uptown Charlotte (not sure if you're familiar with the area yet) but if you ever want to get together for a beer/coffee and just talk shop, let me know I always love talking real estate!

No comp has a guest house- only work shops or none at all to compare."  

Shop around if they keep dragging their feet.  

Any advice on the smart thing to do would be greatly appreciated.