Those numbers probably sound crazy low from a California perspective - but the concept still translates.   

This allowed us to create an open concept floor plan & place new doors & windows throughout the house.

This allowed us to create an open concept floor plan & place new doors & windows throughout the house.

To add onto @Roberto SembianteThe concept of OPM (other people's money) has been around for a long time.

And the concept that the seller will deduct the 3% from the price because you are not using an agent is usually wrong.

Proof of Concept

No experience internationally but I am a big believer in the concept that all real estate being local.

The main concept should be that you will make the transition easy for them.

Everyone has their own cash-on-cash return hurdle, but no investors really want to shoulder negative cash flowing properties, even if there are strong prospects for generating cash flow in 25-30 years when the mortgage is paid off.Second, there is a concept in fixed income investing called a "laddered" strategy. 

I know DTI is important in the approval process (we didn't have that much thankfully).We are shooting for our first House Hack, mainly long term for our first with the goal of living in the duplex, while tenants paying most of our mortgage.Then STR after with Safe Living Space concept.