(doing so would increase your CoC return). ...if you could buy the property with an owner occupant mortgage at 5% or even 3.5% down, move into one of the units and live there for a year, that would completely change the financial model, and it might become a good deal--is that feasible?

If they are for services provided by the property manager like replacing a key or running a credit report, or a fee that covers a loss like a dishonored check fee, I can understand it going to the property manager.  

We are in the early stages but have completed the feasibility study with our architect and are heading into the pre-approval meeting with the city on Tuesday (12/13).

When you have the conversation - Have a discussion to see what the tax would be on an outright sale.You may have suspended passive losses that would eat up most of your gain.If the property was previously a personal residence, there may be some exclusion.If you do have a gain upon sale, have a conversation to see what options(if any) you have of deferring the gain and what the steps would be.

Other pets, like a turtle, that are predominantly in a cage and won't feasibly cause damage are fine.

Also, good investor insurance providers will also offer a loss of rents rider at no additional charge.

Loss potential- $50,0002. 

We root for each other and learn from our wins, losses, etc.

However, there are plenty of great freehold properties in Costa Rica so buying leasehold there makes no sense to me.I'd only buy that property if I absolutely have to have that one and if the enjoyment I get from it until the current term of the concession ends is greater than the pain I could get from the potential loss of my investment.I didn't mean to poop the party but, whatever you decide to do, it's good to be aware that that risk isn't non-existent, as your lawyer seems to be suggesting.

As it is our first apartment complex development, I would like to hire someone to do a feasibility study as a sanity check on our numbers.