If I had to leave a takeaway from this post before getting too far in it would be that whatever goals are had you have, we have these goals for a reason and typically it does not go exactly as planned but even if it doesn't go as planned, we can pick up where we left off and give it a fresh start.

If you’re serious about buying properties and doing real estate, then I would suggest working with the CPA that understands real estate even if the services cost more than your average H&R Block or some TurboTax program you can buy.

Even if you go "vertical", that tends to require an architect as well. 

Many have never even stepped foot in the US.

Will it even cash flow? 

The refund part is just to get you get committed to another deal that makes them even more  money than that refund.

I think this will even out your space in the house.

Finding someone who can offer me better balance is the primary motivator but I figured if someone is going to invest their own capital then they will take their responsibilities more seriously than someone who doesn't or even someone who merely raises from an outsider. 

I'm particularly passionate about emerging markets in the Multifamily domain.Outside of real estate, I enjoy time with family and friends.

Even if I were sued, I document everything and obey the law, so I won't be found guilty.