You would need to ask contractors.You buy something already built and renovate, you get tenants in and start making money that much sooner.Yeah, so that's a great question!

Hi Pat,Thank you so much for your kind follow-up. 

Go to your local REIA and see if there are any subject matter experts in your area that teach classes or give presentations.Even when the statewide statutes are the same, they often get implemented in different ways locally, so the national courses tend to be just junk.If you are determined to spend money on a course see if you can buy off ebay or alibris or FB marketplace.Lots of misinformation on tax lien/deed investing.

(I don't drink coffee so I wouldn't have a clue) Especially from Boquete.  

On top of that insurance for the units went up and so did property taxes so what was once a very profitable commercial rental has turned into my worst performer. 

This is a great place to learn and to connect with people so take advantage of all the great resources.

So let's say there is no value increase, but you pocket an extra $1,100/mo in income.  

The house currently in question, the manager said he had an older couple apply, but they were on fixed income and wanted to sign a two or three year lease so they knew they wouldn't have to move or incur additional expenses.

Phoenix, AZ has been a great market for the past 10 years, but not so much in the past two years, as supply has really started to inhibit price and rent growth.

If so, then go for it.