I know the area well and for east of the 805 freeway it is a tad bit high on the HOA but it isn't as high as you would find in say fashion valley as you noticed.

Why are Americans who work for a living taxed more than investors who live off of their investments?

Once I find the right deal I plan on doing it the old fashioned way; putting down 20% and getting a mortgage.I know that this community can offer a lot of support and wisdom when it comes to what I would like to do.

Just some good ole fashion deal hunting and learning how to make good offers and estimating rehab and after rehab value.

While investors have been trying to capitalize on this trend by buying up residential rental properties, 60 percent of Americans can’t afford a $1,200-a-month rent, he said.

Has anyone come across any American Companies that will lend to Americans who are looking to purchase investment properties in other countries.

Per online sources I also found this, "The average American mortgage refinance costs between 3 and 6 percent of the home loan's value.

You could also look for a broker to help you out- I have one insured through American Modern.  

Owning a house is part of the "American Dream" so people buy homes even if it doesn't make 100% financial sense to do so.

There was an episode on American Greed about Remington financial.. they were in business over 20 years their target was small commercial to bigger multi or commercial.. they charged 5 to 10k DD fee's estimated they brought in over 200 million in the 22 years they operated.. by the time the FBI was done with them.. they could not establish that they had made more than 11 loans in all those years.... long prison sentences. your instincts are fine and intact.