There are about 16 type written pages of civil code that pretty much makes anything short of a traditional transaction too risky.James, Could you expand on this a bit.

Probably at much better returns than you can get from the stock market or other traditional investments.After 5 years in this business I am just now starting to partner with other investors to buy commercial properties.

If comps, meaning recent (<90 days) comparable (ideally same floor plan, at least similar sq.ft., same beds and baths, similar location) sales are $149-167 I'd think a listing price under $149 would be in your best interest.

Either do a "traditional" lease option, and buy the house anytime within the two years, or have the seller owner finance the property.

The Realtor told me that's why I don't get many "deals", because I refuse to overpay I guess.Anyway when I got back from the meeting I went into the MLS and found at least 10 that were probably pretty comparable, without going and looking in them.

This is relatively low compared to other islands with a similar level of development where properties can sell for $500 - $750 per square foot.The good news for investors and absentee owners is that the rental income here is relatively high compared to the purchase costs of the property, especially for properties with great views and/or easy access to the beach, which can generate anywhere between US $2500 and US$6000 per month ( depending on the size of the property).

Have you checked the recent sales data in that area to determine how past sales compare to the price-range that you are comfortable with, or is it more or less likely that you will be able to obtain a property in the price-range you are looking for?

With an understanding of reasonable offer prices, market comparables, and contracts, as well as a decent (I think) network of investors, do you think it is reasonable to start making offers?

I am also about 500 meters from what they call the new "downtown" and investments overall have been exploding in my direct area (keep in mind this is a city of about 375 000 souls so it's definitely not NYC type of downtown but it's still a MAJOR change compared to what has happened in the last 20 years or so) I am curious as to what all these changes will bring me in terms of property appreciation?

Can't hurt to do both, point being is don't be sold on realtor hype - but the local realtors no doub thave great knowledge.Perhaps do it in the reverse order so that you have more petinent local questions to ask the realtor on the bus tour.Local REIA is a good suggestion as well.If by emerging you mean not in your traditional big metro hubs and areas that are growing in jobs and population, I tend to think and hear alot about Missouri, Colorado, Alabama, the Carolinas, and of course Texas (but when so many people are touting texas it makes me wonder if prices may be a bit inflated - perhaps it's just BPers that are privvy to the "Texas Train")Nothing like bringing life to an old thread..