Something more passive via a syndication could work for them, and otherwise they'd probably prefer something simple like a long term single family rental. 

Generally, there are some programs for foreign nationals that are 25% for a single family rental and 30% for a 2-4 unit.  

Single family usually doesn't make much sense from a rent/price ratio in A-B areas unless you are doing a rehab.

There are some locations to stay away from but almost every single sub market of KC has value and increasing rents.

Freddie Mac only offers financing for single properties they do not offer 'Portfolio loans" meaning bundle them all into one loan.

Anything single family will require very creative strategies in order to generate cashflow. 

Found out today the sewer line is in need of repair.This is an OLD single wide trailer.

If I would have bought a sustained portfolio with multiple units rather than starting with a single purchase I truly believe I would have lost a lot of money while my systems flailed rapidly attempting to catch up. 

Eventually I want to get into single family and multi family rentals.As far as effort or work on the fixers;  my brother in law is quite handy and my next door neighbor has said he would help in anything that is out of my scope of expertise. 

The cost of a sewer line is the same whether it is on a triplex or a single family home, but with a MFU you can spread the risk.