The Section 8 process involves more paperwork and effort upfront, but it can be a good long term strategy if you're looking for stability.

Understanding cash flow and loan terms will help you manage payments.

You need to keep in mind that this should be a long term hold at least to a point when you wanna convert back to CAD that you are not losing on conversionWhen i started in 2012 it was like 1.05-1.07 

The combination of Germany's stable economy, well-regulated property market, relatively low interest rates, and the opportunity for long-term capital appreciation make it a compelling choice for U.S.

I'd love to move into another fixer upper for two years so we could flip tax free or live in for long enough to use our FHA loan.

Any surprises in terms/fees?

This could reduce your taxable income in those years.Your decision depends on your long-term strategy.

@Meghan Carson i'm considering long term rentals and am not opposed to turnkey.

If I were in your position, I would buy a duplex that has potential for value add, fix it up, live in one unit and rent out the other unit as a medium term rental or long term rental.

availability of multi-family 4. ability to write my own contracts(Go off market) 5. landlord tenant laws etc......and some others.If you plan to hold long term, think of what would be most important to this type of investing i.e All the best!