While the co-signers add some security, the family’s newness to the U.S. and uncertain job situation make them a higher risk overall. 

Great macroeconomics overall - population and job growth and major companies moving here.

Anyways, good job on being where you are, you are in an enviable position.

If it's on your credit, you are on the hook for it.However, it shouldn't effect the loan process too much, a simple Letter Of Explanation should be able to get the job done with the correct investor. 

Once you narrow it down, start with small jobs to test their reliability and quality before giving them bigger projects.Building a solid network takes time, but having dependable people on call is a lifesaver for your rentals.

For a growth market to be growing, you need a lot of job and population migration. 

(and recently Anduril which just announced another 1B+ and 4k jobs to Columbus Ohio).

I do not flip so I understand your reluctance to want to flip (it’s a job, taxes, selling costs, etc), but it seems like a much better flip than brrrr.  

Focus on areas near job hubs and good schools, as they attract reliable tenants.

For example Intel headquarters, Google, FB, Amazon, Nationwide, Honda, (recently Anduril announced another 4k jobs to Columbus).