When investing in high cash-flow markets, I always recommend working with an investor friendly agent so you're able to gain the right insight on the different areas and the risks involved.

Are their listings detailed with good-quality photos?

I have done this before and now find the risk just to high.  

@Cole Bossert I think @Sarah Kensinger and others have touched on the biggest qualities, especially communication.

My husband is a high income W2 earner, and meeting active criteria would put some of our tax dollars back in our pocket.

But the answer for everyone may differ.Here are the personal attributes I see in those able to achieve a higher than market ROI, enough higher to be able to “scale”.1- Knowledge of real estate principles, real estate law and real estate finance2- Minimum 3 -5 years full time, or near full time experience directly related to real estate investing3- Ability to utilize technology for increased efficiency, capacity, and accuracy4- Excellent hired legal counsel and excellent hired marketing help5- Established method(s) of obtaining consistently high QUALITY deal flow6- Ability to manage and choose people who are NOT employees: Attorneys, Appraisers, Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Brokers, Title Companies, Surveyors, Marketing Specialists, Accountants, Contractors, Consultants, Property Managers7- A VERIFIABLE track record of success8- Ability to identify, analyze, and negotiate a deal that can be “worked” for “enhanced” ROI9- Some type of competitive advantage; for example for me it’s my ability to analyze and identify mortgage loans that are actually less risky than all other lenders believe (on the investing in debt side), and on the real property side it’s my ability to analyze”pull the trigger” with LESS information than other investors need,  combined with the ability to pay cash, or raise significant capital almost instantly as well as being able to obtain loans at the lowest prime customer bank rate with no recourse or personal liability.  

.- Strong Rental Potential: If reassigned, you can rent the property out in Germany high-demand rental market.- Tax Advantages: Germany offers tax deductions for property owners, which can help offset some costs.Key TakeawaysService members have a unique opportunity to buy property in Germany with minimal upfront costs.

I HIGHLY recommend you have a conversation with an attorney. 

This area was always a very high risk and should they rebuild?

But on this specific guy, I jumped on a call to explore the program and it was a high pressure sales call, it did not feel organic, not trustworthy and certainly did not feel the right fit.Why would someone spend 10k on a so niched-down space of real estate when they can get someone for the same amount to teach him/her everything?