I came across this article from Kellogg Insight showing how online sports betting is eating into people’s savings.

Nationwide, new builds dominate short-term & medium-term rentals, while outdated long-term rentals (LTRs) struggle. Columbus is the perfect case study:
Most investment properties sold here were built in 1900-1950...

I'd be willing to bet that there are plenty of small time developers in your market who would be happy to trade knowledge, experience and equity for your experience and services. 

Quote from @Rene Hosman: I would agree, speaking with a LOCAL lender who understands the area would be your best bet if you're having a hard time finding comps then an appraiser is also likely to have a hard time  Thanks Rene, will give that a shot!

I'll bet you a cup of coffee no one has working keys.

I bet your property will do well.

Your best bet is to get some financing off of a property/real estate you have in the US, otherwise I would suggest friends and family or investors from your country.

Gino if I was betting that is what I would bet on.. also many students will put these in CC then try to get the CC card company to reverse it.. sometimes the CC card company will do that. 

Vacancy decontrol isn’t really a thing anymore—if a rent-controlled unit goes vacant, it usually just switches to rent stabilization instead of going fully market-rate.For the occupied ones, your best bet would be a buyout, but that depends on the tenants and if they’re even willing to negotiate.As for getting rid of rent control entirely, it’s tough.

Do you want to bet on yourself?