I have a little bit of capital, and a lot of energy, and dedication.

I see that you are from Paraguay, do you know if Paraguay offers construction goods, such as Porcelain floors, laminate flooring, kitchens, bathroom fixtures, electrical assemblies, toilets, sinks, etc?

The shipping container is the most energy efficient idea out there.

As the owner, you are not giving up control, you are simply delegating the day to day tasks that can consume your time and energy.  

1) Sub-metering is not allowed for electric heated apartments (at least not allowed for the heaters), therefore the attic cannot be separated. 2) RUBS - Utility splitting option.

@David Krulac  gas has come down a bunch in Hawaii its not nearly what it used to be.. but you will find all sorts of electric cars these days..

HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roof/gutter/drainage, decks/railings/fences, etc.

I am building a home bigger then I normally would, in order to pocket the equity.Could use referrals to: consultants, engineers, foundation, excavating, drywall, cabinet, flooring, roofing, electrical, pretty much anyone good!

That means bringing all electrical up to code and it may be worth more than what you can sell the house for depending on the location.If they are pumping water out of the basement - it could be a simple matter of putting in a $6,000 "waterproofing solution" (installing drainage tiles pointing water to a sump pump) to a $12,000+ repair of putting in structural steel to support a collapsing basement wall due to hydrostatic cracking occurring on the foundation.I would tread lightly on this deal.  

They are all at least $200 under market rents, and I don't know yet how many new roofs, HVACs, if any, windows, electrical updates may be needed yet.