I am no expert by any means but I thought I would drop my opinion here. 1) Should I focus on duplex since they're most likely less expensive in my area in category A or B properties, or aim for more units?

Thankfully, you'll be able to get deductions based on the bilateral treaty for the avoidance of double taxation but that means that you'll always pay the maximum of the tax rates between the two countries for each category and some items might not be deductible.4.

There would potentially be some weight issues with the 2nd+ floors of some shopping malls, depending on what the potential tenant wants to store in the upstairs unit. 

@MIchael McCUe   I get it, it feels like an incredible weight that you could easily lift with bankruptcy.

What category would you recommend recording the cash deposited in? 

The agents seem to think multifamily parcels get snatched up quickly because the inventory in this category is low, but this property also has some deferred maintenance we are trying to decide if we should address before selling or attempt as-is and reflect that in the price. 

I like umbrella because there is no worry of being pierced for inadequate separation of finances, if sued you have a heavy weight in your corner who has all the consequences of a defeat, and because usually it is reasonably priced (mine today is not so reasonably priced but I believe it is mostly related to the risks of CA).I do understand that the probability of needing the umbrella policy is low.  

Mordechai ChaimovitzTwo-unit owner-occupied falls into an odd category, really any 2-4 unit with a nice owner's unit for that matter.

Indy can definitely fit both categories.....section 8 and small MF#3.

The revenue and expense categories line up with your Schedule E which makes it a breeze to prepare for filing your taxes and I like the reporting features, too.