Over seas US investing

[Chaim Rosenstadt]

Hi

We live in the middle east, and for a few years, we have been wanting to invest in real estate in the US. We have no previous experience what so ever.

The local market is way over priced, with most properties costing many times the average yearly pay. The most "common"  "high return" is semi legal splitting of apartments into units, which gives 5-6 % a year (before expenses).

Now My wife is a US citizen, files her 1040 for a few year, and back in 2016 we tried getting a mortgage, but didn't have a long enough credit history to qualify. Now we are trying again, and looking for a complete deal since we don't have time to take care of everything our selves (6 kids, oldest 10).

What would people suggest? And what kind off financing? So far we have been offered an FHA loan, 20% down an interest rate ~5,625, but a bit unclear if we would qualify. One lender told us we need at least 4 active trade lines??!?

We looked at some investment clubs that offer a complete package (from finding a place, suggestions for lenders, local PM etc.). I realize it might not give as high return if we did it our selves, but it still looks like a preferable deal compared to the local markets.