Deciding between an SFR or a BRRRR strategy can really depend on your risk tolerance and the type of cash flow you’re aiming for.The BRRRR method can be great for long-term equity building and maximizing your returns if you’re up for a more hands-on approach, especially in markets where property values allow for renovations that increase value.

if you aren't will to or don't want to go into those types of areas, but by all means the FHA or 5% down conventional 2-4 unit loan is gonna be the way to go in my opinion.We did a house hack as our first move into reale state investing and it was the best thing we ever did and continues to expand ints benefits to us every year, So I am a huge fan of the strategy. 

Apparently you can do it with a "Crédito Multifunções" but there are some restrictions implemented by the Bank of Portugal: If the property was acquired less than 2y ago: This type of loan is limited to 80%-Loan To Cost (from what I understood rehab costs are not included).If the property was acquired more than 2y ago: This type of loan can be used until a max of 80%-Loan to value not limited to the acquisition cost.Let me know if you had different feedback. 

All of those issues you listed could have even more major underlying issues and if there has been this type of neglience I could imagine what else was over looked behind the walls. 

External is usually where they want to approve the color of the house, types of materials, roofing, landscaping, driveway condition, etc.

Would like to hear from any investors that have been in this type of situation.

A better approach might be to find a REI Association in the area(s) and ask other investors for their recommendations - it's not uncommon to choose a different appraiser depending on the type of property (residential vs commercial MFH vs. office or industrial) and the objective of the appraisal.

More traditional, suburban "Class B" middle class type places.  

I'm not so much a DIY type when it comes to legal matters so I am looking for an experienced attorney who specializes in tax foreclosures - ideally in that county.

Probably the same companies who are peddling Wyoming LLC’s as an asset protection strategy….Just to be clear, there are instances where an intermediary management type LLC can provide protection but this and all other similar posts I read in BP are nowhere close to a fact pattern where that would exist.