Buying from an international seller?

[walt34]

But you only owe 15% of $20k, that’s it! That’s a lot for anyone.

What scenario are you picking if price per point is comparable, #1 or #2?

If the price is the same, I'd obviously go with the contract that is less hassle. But it wouldn't take much of a price difference for me to choose differently, unless I'm in a hurry - the risk of a few weeks' delay is real. I have to trust the title company with my $20k in any way, so I'd trust them to handle FIRPTA with negligible financial risk for me.