I wouldn't really mind buying in the states remotely as there are some protections and a basic assurance of quality.

Please share some numbers (or projected numbers for the apartment).

Getting the money due to the association from the deadbeat owners is basically impossible.  

Now they have to amend those original plans and possibly have the project delayed or shut down since it will affect your property.

Even the $240/yr basic seems absurd.

Just from renting rooms in your basement,   why is it so hard to find someone to fund the project, with those income numbers....

I totally agree in giving a name or phone number or even some free advice every once in awhile, but what the majority of people are asking for is to basically teach them everything the mentor knows if not just do it for them....all under the guise of "doing my part" and giving back.    

I also own (and rent out) a second property that has little equity but is in an area projected to appreciate by about 10% in the next year.

Basically, all you are doing is setting up an escrow account like a guardian of the funds. 

We're basically wanting to learn the ropes to serve ourselves when purchasing properties but would also like to be qualified enough to help friends out if they too are in need of purchasing property.Our big concern is that getting licensed will require my wife to have to work in an office setting for a certain period of time, which currently with the children is not an option.