I'm not opposed to buying a four to start if I can find a PM in the area that will service that and then turn that into a 20+ 12 months down the road. 

I think the last one I did was about $30/hour as opposed to what my gas guy charges which is about $125/hour.

Real estate agents are not highly regulated in Costa Rica as opposed to North America.  

I do try to get a full size stove and ovens in any unit possible as opposed to the smaller apartment sized ones.

An agent is ON YOUR SIDE as opposed to the wholesalers and investors you mention who are in it to make as MUCH AS POSSIBLE FOR THEMSELVES!

If your tenants have an enjoyable experience with you, as opposed to hating you, you will go far if you are self-managing.

You might be able to find a lower price point per unit than I’m at but it’s a LOT MORE WORK to have low quality properties as opposed to nicer ones.

I have heard that, historically, midwest markets generally are considered cash-flow markets, as opposed to appreciation markets.

Each has their own priorities and they are often diametrically opposed:•Owners want to maximize rental income while minimizing expenses.

A more accurate way to describe it is "I received no income" - because you can have deals but still have no profit if your expenses are greater than your income.If you were actively looking for deals (and can document it) - as opposed to merely planning to start later - then you file Schedule C and claim business expanses such as marketing, driving, technology and so on.