What is the zoning, if the property is zoned for single family but was converted to a duplex, you could face legal jeopardy.In sum there are plenty of legal and well built multifamily properties, I wouldn't risk it on a conversion to possibly save a few bucks in the short term.

I know the there would be lots of hidden risks (e.g. lien, legal issue, etc) when you a wholesale property from a wholesaler. 

Your issue is that you can't get a heloc.But I gotta tell you - to decrease legal density just to get a finance instrument seems incredibly short sighted. 

While we have not had big issues yet, it can also be restrictive and you are not your own boss so to say. 

Creatively, but legally, mind you.

Bottom line is you can jump through hoops to insure your HOA follows the proper procedure so they can legally enact the new regulations or you can move on when your tenants lease is up.

If I am a U.S. citizen living in the the U.S. and wanted to invest in the Philippines, what should I be aware of, as far as, taxes and legal documents?

If it is legal, marijuana production is a perfect use case.

I have used hard money in the past to fund my flips and I’m trying to avoid that if possible due to the initial cost of the loan (my hard money lender charges $1500 in fees at closing ($500 for appraisal + $1000 in “legal fees”, I’ve never gotten clarification on exactly what that is) Plus 2 points at closing.  

The formula(s) would look like:Potential Gross Income (PGI)  = full rents + any other income at 100% occupancyminus Vacancy & Collection Losses (8-10%) is typically usedequals your Effective Gross Income (EGI)Then you subtract your operating expenses (taxes, insurance, management & legal fees, repairs, utilities, lawn service, pest control, etc., and a reserve for capex) to get your Net Operating Income (NOI)From your calculated NOI, you can really start digging deep:Subtract your debt service from your NOI to get your cash flowDivide your NOI by the acquisition cost to get your cap rateTake your NOI, add the reserve for capex back in, then subtract your mortgage interest, to get your taxable incomeDivide your NOI by your debt service to get your debt coverage ratio (tells you how many times will your NOI will cover your debt/mortgage payment).