I have the necessary knowledge and connections to invest in Costa Rica and yet I prefer to invest in other "neighbouring" countries like Mexico or the Dominican Republic because the returns on investment there are much higher there (and they're beautiful countries too).

I am interested in joining a network like this and would prefer folks around Tristate area like Delaware, PA, MD and NJ.

A friend and me want to find a duplex preferably so we can start by house hacking.

@Bob Reinhard, I would absolutely prefer paved; however, I didn't want to assume potential renters would have the same expectations.

Not sure how this would be able to be evaluated except the section of a PPM that looks at hypothetical investment.Rent Increase Assumption: this will be effected when putting off value add plays, maybe look at 0-1% now as opposed to 2-3%.Renovation per unit: was looking at 3-8 K per unit, maybe now looking at more like 3-5K per unit.Break Even Occupancy: was looking at 65-70%, now prefer to see closer to 50-60%Reversion Cap Rate: Previous was looking at 0.5-1.0 over initial, now looking more at 1.0-1.5xLoan to Value: Prior Criteria was <65-75%; now lloking more for 60-65%. 

For example, do you want something that is move in ready and may just need minor improvements; or would prefer to purchase a distressed property that needs some work, but could potentially yield a higher ROI.As Adam mentioned, getting your financing in order is a crucial first step as then you will know what you can afford to buy.

or anyone you prefer to do refinancing with?

I would recommend being prepared (comp rents) to approach it as potentially being a buy and hold situation, with the ideal outcome being your fix and flip if that is your preference. 

Typically, this has been the best choice for investors that love leverage and intend to build their wealth through leverage, which is not right or wrong just a matter of preference.

Then their is our blog, facebook posts, radio advertisements, associations and on and on and on.