I'm reading Long Distance Real Estate Investing, so hopefully that will give me most of the knowledge I need to cover investing into the States as a non-American. 

Hey @Theodore Bullock short answer is no.  

If you find something that fits your criteria make a very strong offer price wise and make a short inspection period to make the offer more enticing to the seller.  

Since I spend a lot of time in traffic, I have had plenty of time to listen to audio books, and one that has really inspired me is David Greene's "Long Distance Real-Estate Investing".Hoping to hear from others who have invested out-of-state without going the turnkey route, others who invest in Columbus, or anyone else who would like to network or share experiences! 

You would need short term financing for the build or the builder will have to for the entire bill until he gets the certificate of occupancy, at which time you could apply for financing.

It cashflows well as a seasonal and short term rental.

Late on a Sunday evening I saw a short sale pop up on Redfin of a house with no pictures in Palos Verdes Estates.  

We don't specify who pays the deposit or who pays the rent - if anything comes up short, everyone gets the boot.

Long story short...the person whose name was on the title was not cooperative and we have since had to take legal measures to do a quiet title action that wont be completed until mid August.

The only problem is if a flip it, i'll be subject to short term capital gains.