Talk this over with a lawyer because under current state law, you will not be able to evict due to the cold.

One just need some interior paint and refinish the hardwood floors and it was ready to rent.

I’d be happy to share some resources and point you in the right direction!

I got a hold of the owner by looking up his information on the county website.

This travel expense is not a business expense related to the property you already own until you have identified the next property you want to buy (once identified, costs are added to the basis mentioned above).

Sad truth of our current legal system, but if you go through the eviction process and he loses all this stuff, you are in the clear. 

The work around was a Mexican bank was the owner and lease it to the foreigner.

Large deposits are nice, but very difficult to actually get access to escrow funds in the event of default.

Sounds like you're on the right track for areas to find deals.

Bullet 1 points to the folly of this thinking.