It's an excellent way to fund solar system.

It sounds like you have an excellent foundation to achieve your goals of residential investment.Given your interests, I would strongly recommend these two books:@Brandon Turner's book: http://get.biggerpockets.com/nomoneydown/He digs into creative financing options and myriad ways to find great deals.

I do't have much to bring to the table, but I will say that I'm really good at Excel and analyzing numbers, and I will have some income to invest with (enough for about 1 deal a year at this point, but I realize that could accelerate). 

That's why I want to find a mentor who has been there and done it so I know I'm making the right choices.

Some (of both layers) are coming loose.I was considering floor choices.

Rental Rates high seasonDaily range $125-$160 Weekly $850-$950Rental Rates low seasonDaily $105-$120Weekly $675-$800 Residential tower is one of the most sought-after residences in the beach area.The building is an icon and a staple in Panama’s beach communities– particularly amongst English-speaking expats and vacation homeowners.It’s known throughout Panama for its ideal location, breathtaking coastal views, resort-style amenities, and spacious high-quality apartments. amenities include: Direct beach accessRooftop pool and social area with panoramic beach and mountain viewsGround pool and social areaChildren’s poolFitness centerGame roomLow monthly maintenance feesCovered parking24-hour securityOther advantages: Home to an established community of English-speaking expatsA short walk to several excellent restaurants and a mini-supermarketAbout five minutes drive to the major supermarkets, banks, shopping, and more restaurantsJust over an hour from Panama City, largest city and national capitalDeveloper units have long since sold out, and people take advantage when a resale comes on the market.High resale value and reliable rental incomeThe Apartments iconic and high-demand development– occupying an exclusive and enviable waterfront position and filled with lavish amenities.The units, which sit on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th floor, each offer a prize-winning & unobstructed view of the Pacific, and a private balcony fully furnished, with modern tropical-chic décor that suits its beachfront ambience kitchenettes have also been providedNow for the numbers: average monthly rental: $2,200; property mgmt fee $115, condo maintenance fee: $68; Cable wifi $60; electric $60 mo, Rental mgmt fee: 20%; asking $185,000 USDMore detail in terms of Property insurance, taxes pending.

Second choice would be #3 to rehab it if there is enough to save.2nd question - see what some similar properties have sold for of similar size and amenities and compare them to the price he is offering.  

J.Scott's books are excellent, and there is a wealth of information here that wasn't available when I started.  

Dying wouldn't be my first choice either.  

Then I'd go on to explain everything that affected my offer price (i.e. failed septic, none of the work inspected, estimated rehab cost, steep dirt driveway, distance from home, etc.) and I'll give him the choice of whether or not he wants me to send it over.