I think the best bet is if I can find a friend to talk me through the process and check I on my progress every few days.

Which is why I think it may be safer to do small town investing in diversified economies or within commuting distance to a larger city.

@Vincent Chen  If this is your first CRE investment in the US your best bet is to partner with a US citizen. 

Best bet is to meet locals and  ask questions and come see for yourself as to not be taken advantage of or make a mistake. 

I personally think that getting packed early and shifting all of your items out to a self storage unit while you sell your house might be a better bet.

This is probably the best bet considering your situation.

Already I would bet you are close to that number so let's add roofing siding plumbing electric... you get the picture. even if you were to do all of it yourself I doubt you would be so lucky.

In the interim, I feel much safer here, and while I am leaving a lot of money on the table I sleep very well at night.

I would not be willing to bet my portfolio on it, but I would say the area is "headed for a better direction". 10 years ago, I wouldn't have wanted to stand on that corner for 20 minutes talking with a colleague.

@Claude Robinson IIIMaybe you are looking for the appreciation in the future (I don't think this property is in Bay Area based on your listing price so I don't bet too much on appreciation), but just looking at the number, it is a terrible deal.