Again, I am not familiar with these areas, but I assume it would be fairly easy for an investor, and certainly a realtor, to provide this information.But it looks like my bigger problem is becoming more creative in my forum post titles/body.  

If you want to be able to retire early, figure out what sort of income stream you need to be able to do that.

Such as a New Water Heater, Dish Washer, or Appliance of some sort.

Remember big developers pay big money every year to the City including development fee, property taxes and all sort of benefits behind.

@David MeltonThe Cleveland, Ohio area is popular with investors in this sort of situation.

When you say rural how many acres do you live on and is there a working farm of any sort on the property?

We sorted a US bank account a few years ago but at the time that particular bank wasn't keen on mortgages for people living overseas.  

I will address the issues separate as they sort of are in my eyes.1) The newly remodeled apartment can be pet free even if across the hall has one.

It will be our first property so its sort of a huge decision and we want to make the right one.

So it is sort of apples to oranges that way.