While brother to brother may not be prohibited as self dealing per se, it could be interpreted as a Quid Pro Quo deal to get around self dealing rules.

It doesn't have anything to do with real estate markets per se but it’s a good indication as to what the population is doing and whether the average income and job availability are growing or shrinking in a given area.

I love it here in SE Asia, but still have a desire to start investing in real-estate in the US.

These aren't investments per se.

There are a lot of SE Michigan people here on BP.

It should be a partnership as there will be no SE taxes to deal with and you will only be subject to Ordinary tax rates.

I also purchased an old Victorian in SE Indiana and am in the process of renovating/restoring it and converting it back into a two unit property.

This link to the IRS website will help you better understand what self-employment is:https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-se...

We have to decide on an actual date but here is the post and I look forward to meeting you there.https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/86/topics/104902-1st-official-se-michigan-bp-meetup---hosted-by-tom-a-and-aaron-yates

and I have been collaborating on a SE Michigan BP Meetup.