My trip is essentially a vacation, but other than enjoying the unique touristy things each city has to offer, I really want to use the bulk of my time to explore markets and dip my toe in the water of investing, exploring different neighborhoods, looking at properties, talking to agents, investors, and whomever else can provide valuable insight on what I'd be venturing into when I'm eventually ready to buy.My intention with this post isn't really to turn this into a sort of journal with periodic updates, but mostly I was hoping that this post, and perhaps others in the future, could help me connect with some of you more experienced folks out there who may be willing to lend a helpful hand in anything at all real estate related. 

I'm exploring that option, since there's a hospital really close by. 

congratulations. you will learn alot as you go. take lessons and dont make the same mistakes twice. try to do do what you can and capable of before sourcing it out. network and get great maintenance folks for all trades as you will need them throughout your journey. learn how to market and rent out your property. explore short term rentals if there is a demand in your area. 10% aside is a good start can vary on how old the property is so things can change.

As for the other subject, whether they were explorer's, people escaping religious persecution or even entreprenuers, people CAME to this country for a variety of reasons.

I'm sure that as you explore the site you will find plenty of value.

That said, slums often describe an area or a neighborhood, not typically one unique property.

I think your ability to actually build homes within numbers that make sense is amazing and could allow you to form your own unique niche in your market that others don't have access/ability- if you can build cheaper than buying existing homes.

The US is unique in many ways to the rest of the world.

Unfortunately, I have limited RE experience, only one buy and hold property so far, not done rehabbing... and I have never explored wholesaling.

http://www.insurent.com/slpb_ll.shtmlquote from their website:" For landlords, the Insurent® Program is a unique no-cost method to increase occupancies, eliminate rent loss, and streamline the rental process for all parties where the prospective renter does not meet your minimum financial requirements, and needs to put up additional security, prepaid rent, or have a qualified co-signer at 75x-100x the monthly rent.The landlord accepts the Insurent® Program; the renter pays for the Insurent® Lease Guaranty.