When in reality, several international buyers and high net worth folks would have paid upwards of $5.4M

The lender called persistently (mostly low level interns), put pressure on us to get it refinance, threatened to double our payment to pay down the loan, required 90 day loan extensions (with fees).  

Down the road international real estate investing is my goal but I want to tackle my first project while living rent free with my parents.

Yes, you don't want to end up buying a dud that never cash flows but this is more of an appreciating market than a cash flow market so using Internal Rate of Return would be more suitable. 

Vacancy is low but international investors are starting to move into the city.

Originally posted by @Jason Branch:Believe it of not im thinking of taking the other route now and starting real estate, im not old but not young at 33, thinking of stock piling now and start with a cheap house I have a degree in International Studies and always wanted to work as a diplomat or for an intelligence agency.

Most of my clients that are international have purchased cash and then refinanced through commercial financing once the property is stabilized.  

I hope someday that my business is much more passive and allows me time to do this as I enjoy helping others succeed.I have also had people offer to help my business and work as an intern, similar to what J mentioned.

You should consider interning with a contractor.

Hearsay is not allowed in a court of law, and should be kept even further away from your planning and internal dialogue.