I'm not saying you need to learn all of the ins and outs of real estate but having a working knowledge of what you're investing in accompanied by strong legal docs drawn up by an attorney (not dowloaded for free) will go a long way. 

If you're looking for a good place for early retirement for example, that could be an option - cheap homes will also be accompanied by relatively lower cost of living compared to the big cities.Enjoy your time in Japan!

Unfortunately intelligently is most often accompanied by a slower methodical pace. 

@Dylan Tettemer When I first started out, I bird-dogged and wholesaled to other investors in order to build up cash.

Birds of a feather flock together!

The next thing to do is start to bird dog properties for those same people, if they give you a list of houses, run comps, call/knock/mail the owners to see if they will sell for a fair price.

It is has bird lived there and water was one causing the problem.

Thats funny Rich - kill two birds with one stone - get future divorce leads and take down a few cocktails!

Birds of a feather flock together!

(Low VOC Caulk only)(5) No loud music, use earpods only.(6) No personal use of toilet or sinks or tubs in unit.(7) Pour no solids or liquids down toilets, sinks or tubs.(8) Unit must be broom clean at end of job.It's possible trim and doors will last twice as long as wall paint.It's possible painters charge about the same for the trim and doors as the walls.Some painters spray, some brush some roller-- when painting tell adjoining units to close windows ahead of time to prevent dead birds, fish, other pets (or babies)--some primers (and cabinet paint) can be highly toxic and are not low VOC.Good Luck!