I would also add that most of the small multifamily I see in that area appear to be on the rougher side.

There is nothing inherently different about the process of working with Section 8 between SFH, small or large multifamily. 

Actually, an ever growing number of Americans are investing in Europe and they're welcomed with open arms.

Would need to know a bit more before giving a specific direction but it is usually best to hang on to your property and not sell whether you expand on it or rent it out and purchase a bigger property.  

Finally, network with other investors and start small to gain experience.

For the water metering- are you doing a sub meter like PUBS or are you putting in direct meters for every home?

It's hard to tell if Josh knows this and is just trying to blackmail me in an attempt to get me to try to work on his behalf in twisting the sellers arm to do what Josh wants.

Can someone point me in the right direction?

From a risk point of view, there is no real middle class and a very small upper class.

I moved all of her old retirement money into a self directed IRA/Solo 401K and started putting her money to work through real estate lends.