Well, I think we have all established that the 50% rule is the benchmark.

We are primarily focused on the Panama marketplace however, we are an aggressive company and we are watching Costa Rica for any or all opportunities.Panama, currently offers the investor the best bang for your buck Costa Rica on the other hand has a more established market due to its popularity over the years.

I am currently establishing myself as a wholesaler in real estate.

from the price differences and the fact that one of the houses in newly built, while the others are older, means that you are probably looking in an area that has a lot of different style and size houses. this neighborhood was probably built over the course of many years, rather than by one builder.you need to look at sq. ft. and use that as a function in your determining price. come up with a price per sq. ft. for your comps and apply it to your house. different builders would also indicated different materials used to build, establish a discount for houses that are wood frame rather than block.

Jason - Those buttons show up for members who have established accounts prior to our upgrade in January into a Social network.

Through cold-calling of realtors, financial advisors, etc.

Sounds like the vacation/second home directive from the IRS establishes what they consider 1031 minimum holding period for a qualifying property rather than holding two years or two tax years etc. etc.

As far as your question goes, I think your Grandparents might be best served seeking the advice of a financial advisor.

I'm looking to establish a relationship with a Houston area appraiser or two to help establish ARV when analyzing deals.

Establishing a house value with good comps is difficult in this market I think.