I like the suggestion of establishing some ground rules for questions/consulting in addition to the return fee. 

I want to hit the ground running when I do get home in a few months and jump into this but like I said, when I'm home I have zero income coming in.

@Percy N. hey I got the property in Kensington from a relative of a friend who brought it to rehab but never got it off the ground .

It is made up of 4 organizations (VFW/VFW AUX etc) and the "Association" which runs the grounds, building, bar, rental hall etc.

One of my clients came from a foreign land... but he was educated  hired on at a top firm to do CPA work his wife as well they were classic DINK'S... but saved and saved and starting buying rentals for cash in the down market .. and learned it form the ground up..

Hello,so I recently got under contract the following property located in Southern Utah (well, we're still waiting for the bank to countersign, but they gave their verbal approval):- Fourplex built in 1996, 5400 sf total (so each unit about 1350 sf)- 2 stories - 2 units downstairs and 2 upstairs- Short Sale- Contract price: $51k- 3 units rented at average of $550/month (market rent, if fixed up: $600), 4th unit unhabitable- ARV if there wasn't a foundation issue (which needs to be disclosed to a future buyer) would be somewhere between $250 and $300k- Value of the land (about 0.25 acres): $10kThe property was apparently built on soil that is rich in gypsum, and the proper procedures were not followed at the time (the proper procedure is apparently to excavate the soil down to a certain depth, then replace it with new soil that does not contain gypsum).Poor drainage around the building caused water to get into the ground, which washed out the gypsum and the property started sinking.

Are you trying to hit the ground running and buy immediately, or rent for a while?

The key to long distance investing is to have "boots on the ground" in the city you pick that you trust.

I am located in Dallas if you guys need some feet on the ground and want me to check out stuff for you! 

Only hidden cost I've found where "ground rents".