Post on Craigslist seems like another 'guru' but I cannot put my finger on it, he seems to be following Cherif method, not sure what to make of it.

We are active in Spain and personally bit by bit getting into Portugal as well.Quick question: is refinancing possible in Portugal (BRRRR method)?

Build a local team for cleaning and repairs to streamline operations.

More like  2X to 5X the cash out.. these are done with builder developers on their deals So put out 300k get 300k back in profit plus the interest rate. most small builders/ developers need to have a equity partner so you just do both you lend the money and are the equity partner.. pretty clean..

And given that, in a major city, there are hundreds of houses put on the market weekly, you need a method to efficiently screen properties to make sure they won't bleed money before you spend time analyzing, touring them ect. 

We have not disabled ours or converted to gas, but Tenant must sign a Fireplace Addendum stating if they use it, we require a higher renter's liability policy with us as additional insured, rules on wood, storage, use, safety, they pay for yearly professional cleaning each year they are there, etc.  

We actually keep a pantry pretty well stocked with basics:  tea, coffee, cleaning supplies & laundry stuff, cup of noodles, ramen, soup, oatmeal packets, microwave popcorn, spices, bottled water, lemonade mix/crystal light, etc.  

there are of course more creative strategies to reduce that up front outlay, or recoup your capital, like, say, the BRRRR method. but they are time and energy intensive and certainly not hands-off. 

Hauling it away is the bigger task, but cleaning up after a fire is probably even more work.

That project taught him that buyers in these well-established neighborhoods pay close attention to the details..things like making sure the ceiling lines are clean, storage is intuitive, and every inch feels purposeful rather than tacked on.For your project, thinking about the functionality of the added space is key.