I think just selling the raw land and using that as start up cash to invest locally may be simplest.

J Scott first plan is the simplest.

But more typical and the simplest is to say if you put up X amount you get Y percentage of the deal.

Just heard a talk from someone who knew who they what talking about, and they said its simplest to go this route. 

You make your money on the spread between the two...and, you should have no money left in the deal (but still making money multiple ways) within hours.Got it  These are actually the simplest ones I've added.  

@Garlin Smith Given the info you've offered so far (that you own appreciated property in CA, including a primary and rental) and aren't looking to locate, and that you are looking for passive income (as opposed to making REI your new job right away), then turnkey is likely going to be the simplest option if you want passive RE income.

Don't know the amount of money involved, but while taking title and tearing up the note is the simplest, she has a forgiveness of debt for taxes and you have a payoff, as if the note were fully paid.

All good points as raised by @Roy N.The simplest way to do things without over-complicating matters wrt taxes,etc would be to just have him put everything in his fiancee's name.  

I'm missing a few of those necessary ingredients

With that being said, I've asked myself the question, what's the quickest and simplest way to have access to this data?