No risk, no reward.

Consider the risk of them being the cause of the damage that results in a "reward" of $100. 

Reward if it all works out is low.  

I just do not think the risk is worth the reward. 2.

It is maddening that you are rewarding them for their defiant behavior, but the bottom line is this should just be a business decision for you.

Its more important than rate because while the 2.15% or 3.30% doesnt sound like much its very easily avoidable to structure the loan to absorb these costs with out adding them to the loan amount (financed) if you know what you're doing.Its a balance between risk and reward but if we know the game plan its easy to greatly reduce risk while upshoring lots of upside, especially for your VA loan.Anyone can get a VA loan done but the difference is getting it done with the most efficiency so that you can supercharge your finances. 

Even when I give them responses to these questions such as:"I know it's not easy, but if you don't take a risk, there is no reward""Well I plan on thoroughly screening my tenants to mitigate the risk""I will evict the tenant if they don't pay by following the processes set forth by local legislation" "I plan on having multiple exit strategies"It doesn't matter what you say to the nay-sayers, they still think you're crazy for even trying to get into it and that failure is a certainty. 

But as the market heats up, the rewards begin to overpower the risks...If you do decide to build, be very careful to research all of the costs and account for them in your proforma.

Beware the Maryland has some of the Highest taxes for income that I have ever seen.I know a high income individual who moved to Pennsylvania and telecommuted becauseof the tax burden Maryland puts on an individual.I am not knowledgeable about "Auckland" and if they fall under the US Federal Tax treaty laws but Maryland does NOT recognize or abide by the US Federal Tax treaty.Google "Maryland Income Tax Rate"  "Maryland Personal Property Tax" "Maryland Real Estate Tax" for target area  check to see if Maryland recognizesthe US Federal Foreign Tax treaty between the two countries.Then calculate your projected time requirements, potential tax implications, risk and reward for this investment.

Higher risk should be rewarded with higher cap rate (11%, 12% etc)