What if A brings downpayment and B will manage it and minimal rennovations are needed.

Hypothetically, if I found a property with strong rental demand, the income could cover loan payments, operating expenses, and generate a modest positive cash flow.While this example involves upfront risks, the idea would be to leverage my father’s expertise as a contractor to minimize renovation costs, boost the property’s value, and create a long-term asset that appreciates over time.

@Jack Cottrellyou said you "need properties that I can get at a good deal that cash flow and appreciate while minimizing the trouble commonly associated with real estate"well... yeah, everyone wants those properties. 

I have had no issues finding renters for our units and have have minimal turnover.

@Curtis Cutler Avoid cashing out your 401(k)/457 to minimize taxes and penalties, potentially up to 40%.

I’ve gone through purchases, sales, 1031 exchanges, remote inspections, and repairs, all handled smoothly with minimal involvement on my end.

However, if you minimize your vacancy exposure, you may find (just like I have witnessed for years) that it is a much easier and more beneficial strategy.

Starting small, like with a duplex, is a good way to get your feet wet and minimize risks.Good luck!

Minimal risk.

I've asked my clients a similar question and have developed tools for them to minimize this, but I find there are a few different types of clients.Manager managed - these folks have no issues as they simply upload their year end statement from their property manager, their 1098 mortgage statement and any other one-off expenses they may have paid for outside of the management company.