Hundreds of times a day, probably, in this country.The whole point of the MLS is to expose a property to the widest possible universe of prospective buyers.  

There are a lot of factors that will come into play when the IRS considers whether someone is an employee or a contractor, and "who purchases the materials" is just one of them. 

That'll help you factor any foreseeable repairs into your budget. 

I believe I understand what the commenters are saying - don't factor in your living expenses because that may make a deal look more attractive, and you may pay more than you need to on a house...

The most important factor not volunteered in your question is: Do you or your partner have other assets of value?

There are two factors at play here. 

All I can think about is the "hassle factor" associated with having to furnish a property from another country. 

What are the risks and based on the numbers and other factors (described above), should I even do this project?

Do you think this factor can be a deal breaker when I am searching for potential rental properties? 

If you lost track the total is 4 one-bedroom apartments and 1 two-bedroom apartment.Things that went great: 1.I gained experience framing, wiring, dry-walling, and plumbing, on five apartment units. 2.Several members of my family and I had a place to live for twenty years. 3.Maintaining the property over couple decades made me a better carpenter by exposing some minor things I could have built better the first time.