Other key strategies may include finding homes with a lake or forest view, or near the clubhouse, south- or west-facing pool, the list goes on.Happy to chat about some ideas and learn more!

However, if the $4k/month also includes utilities and other maintenance (i.e. gardening, pool service, etc.) then you'll have to factor that in as well. 

It's important that you have a solid team in place when investing out-of-state.

Cost me 5k, the upgrades were not unreasonable, and the electrical work included safety improvements.

Their website doesn't show their Lenders license number and I thought that that was supposed to appear on all advertising which includes a website.

Also, cross check the owner of record to make sure they are who they say they are (many people do give a friends number and say they're the landlord)  That's why it's so important to check

Has anyone had any luck in lowering their insurance premiums by providing the leases, that include a long list of safeguards, to their insurance company?

I understand the importance of a lease, but I think the actual risk of this happening is quite low.

When the equity gain from appreciation (only...not including mortgage paydown) equals the equity I paid for (the DP).2 - When the cumulative CF, equals what "my" cost was to buy the property (not the "total" cost,..."

It is important that you hire professionals who have experience working with foreign investors.