I will not use the equity from my personal residence to invest in real estate, sure it can make more money but its just my level of risk tolerance.  

Quote from @Scott Tennell: For real estate investors who have worked with private money lenders, what strategies have you found most effective in structuring deals to ensure both parties are protected and the funding process runs smoothly? 

Just wondering, when you say you never put down more than 10% and other other benefits you describe, I'm assuming that's just for a house hack/primary residence?

Getting the foot in the door with a primary residence is a great way to start.

I agree 15 years is not a long time but what is occurring is jurisdictions then pass laws to protect the low cost housing.  

Exactly that’s why I’m trying to figure out a way to take ownership or protect my investment as I’m taking over payments and do not wanna leave it under their name as they can just come back and take it

The tenants in the 3 bedroom rental aren't in a protected class but I do not want to get in any kind of legal bind. 

And yes this is a 1 in 1000 situation but plenty of other disasters could happen and having the right insurance policy is huge to protecting down side risk. 

Do any of these services do a residency search outside this country?

I agree that Class C is definitely not the way to go unless you are just going to flip the properties to home buyers looking for a primary residence.