Our sweet spot for our depressed are is rent 28%-31% of income.

Did you keep some coverage in case of major lawsuits? 

Philly, like a lot of major US cities, is very block by block.

The big pros are the strong job market (lots of major employers), good population growth, and still-reasonable entry prices.

I know for sure that in my area of Texas (well outside of major metro areas), we've seen the cost to build new homes almost double in price. 

Maybe you saw this from the Tico Times already, but it lays out mostly depressing details on getting a mortgage in Costa Rica: http://www.ticotimes.net/realestate/25-mortgage-ti...Please post back here if you find anything!

It would be nice if you had a contact who was an actual mason not a marketer.  1930's construction is rare so maybe they cut some corners it was a global depression.  

One you have furniture right there ready to go but if you want to make some kind of major design change, then just let it go and get to work on the new look.

The city of Cairo and Alexander County as a whole are in a very depressed economic situation.

It would be a shame to rent it long term to someone who can lock in rent control at these depressed renal rates (and then never move out).