Hi Victoria,Yes, running a credit report on the buyer is highly recommended.

I respond to many posts here to help new investors, so I wanted to give out 5 tips that may help you on your journey if you are new.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I’ve read a number of posts online saying mortgages are possible as a US citizen in Panama.However, I visited some realtors in Bocas Del Toro and they said mortgages aren’t possible there or for foreigners. 

Taking that money out and anything that leads to more people using the equity from their homes and reduces the friction to that process is not good in the long run.As a NPL buyer who buys 1st position mortgages, we do watch stuff like this carefully as the moment these borrowers get high CLTV's any drop in pricing and change in economic conditions will lead to more foreclosures versus bankruptcies.

Recently Amgen a leading biotech company invested 365M to open a new manufacturing site in Columbus.

You will want an attorney and try and get it through federal court as district court will take 3+years (if you are near the city expect 5 years then several years to evict)Through federal court you may be able to get it done in 2-3 years.I strongly recommend you offer a nice cash for keys package.

Yes, you can safely assume that all numbers provided by the listing agent will be ... highly suspect! 

I am online daily looking for properties.  

Always try to double the project budget & time to prepare for the worst.Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?