Plan for a smooth transition: Respect the notice period and prepare for any potential disputes.

So, I'd like to get ahead of the game and start working up a plan and a strong argument for it which I can use when the time comes. 

I had been starting to catch onto the way he was manipulating me at this point and I do think he noticed me noticing which was scary in of itself to be examined in such a way, like sitting across the table from a predator whos meal he had paid for with my money I was forking over to him for all these months.

I agree local banks and credit unions will be better if you're planning on growing your portfolio. 

Since you're a citizen but you live and work abroad you'd still qualify mostly for second homes occupancy or investor non owner occupancy (primary is hard to claim if your job requires you to be physically next to the office as an example so an underwriter isnt going to readily believe you unless you can get HR to write you a letter to state you're remotely capable of earning this income/job duties anywhere).Hopefully that helps let me know if you have further questions into mortgage planning.

They are planning the factory as I type.

I would like to work out a payment plan whereby they pay me while I have control of the rights to the mortgage then in 10 years I pay off the principal.

@Martti Eckert how do you plan to find reputable contractors that won't take advantage of you when they find out you're OOS?

You’ll want to get really familiar with local zoning laws, short-term rental rules, and landlord-tenant laws as they vary by town if you plan on going the STR route.Focus on Cash Flow Early On: You might be tempted to go for something that appreciates quickly, but in the early stages, it’s important to find properties that bring in cash flow.

My client plan is to demolish and do new construction within 1 year.