Question 3: Is there a better way to protect property besides an LLC, such as a trust of some kind? 

google "all inclusive Deed of Trust" fantastic CA document we used all the way back in the early 80s If I'm not mistaken though a wrap would require the 2nd buyer to also agree to financing terms; which would be the same as me (the 1st buyer). 

be sure to stick to your 70% rule for the flip, know your numbers. run everything conservatively. overbudget for time and costs but 15-20% Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I'm going to reiterate what's already been mentioned above, but I'm going to actually give you examples of why it's relevant to you to find a U.S. tax professional.1 - You're going to need to file U.S. taxes once you have property down here, there's federal filings, state filings, and sometimes local filings too2 - Tons of tax treaties between the U.S. and Canada that are easy to miss and can cost you a lot of money (important one with rentals - effectively connected income - if the professional you talk to doesn't know what this is, run away)3 - The amount of days you spend in the U.S. needs to be tracked and if you go over a threshold, all of your worldwide income could be taxable by the U.S.4 - Selling real property means up to 15% of your sales proceeds might not be available to you for years (FIRPTA)5 - Lots of nuance at the state and local levels, which both want to take as much money from you as possibleMain takeaway here is that you should find a U.S. based tax person.

Make sure that you can find a sponsor that you trust.

@Anita Z.I recommend finding an accountant who specializes in real estate taxation, tax planning and financial planning.

I'm a newbie to real estate investing and am currently focused on intensely educating myself about all things real estate and how to get my first rental property deal.

When buying sub2 you get the deed in the trust name with you as trustee.

When transferring real estate as a gift, it does not receive a step-up basis, as it does when it has been inherited.

What trends are local real estate investors in the Greater Nashville area currently seeing or interested in?