Dealing with unexpected issues like this can be stressful and disappointing… However I do not feel you did yourself or the property honor by allowing this information to scare you into feeling the property was worthless, or that as you relayed the mold could “ruin a foundation”… (foundations are ruined by much more signifiant factors and not that of mold) I feel you were intimidated here, my friend.

I'm from Mexico, so I'll try to embark on a mission to tropicalize some of the content, components and costs to this market.

Chris’ recent trip to IMN’s Build for Rent conference unexpectedly brought Chris back not only to his early real estate days, but also his high school days.

Mitch is spot on in terms of getting a realistic repair estimate (and don't forget to add a contingency because no matter how much experience you have there will always be something that comes up unexpected and adds time and cost) is key. 

At some point you need a new roof, plumbing, windows, HVAC, etc - setting aside 5% of rent may cover a new water heater, but very few components of a house last more than 50 years.It's 2024: books written in 2015 or 2018 are based on the market conditions in year 5 years before they were written.

Hard lessons:-unexpected things will happen at the worst time. starting a vacation in the BVIs and you get that dreaded tenant call. the window fell out or there is a heat issue. 

While the design a key component to getting people to book your property, the stay experience is key.  

Combine this with long term boom bust cycle, plus inflation, what happen today is not unexpected.

This then wraps back into the raising capital dilemma, as that is the major component that I'm missing.I know this was a post full of jarbled thoughts and questions but if anyone has even a shred of insight or advice, that would be much appreciated!

Do you get unexpected expenses/invoices?