In Houston, you can either invest locally or explore strong Texas markets like San Antonio (affordable duplexes, strong job market), DFW suburbs (duplex-friendly zoning, growing economy), or Houston suburbs (Spring, Cypress, The Woodlands for good schools and tenant demand).

I found the key is to go into one of the local Secretary of States offices. 

Locally or on Bigger Pockets. 

House hacking locally is typically going to be the least risky way to get started, even if it is more expensive of a property.

We have a decent amount of cash to be able to invest so I'm trying to figure out what kinds of investment strategies local RE experts in Spain are doing.

@Diana Mulvihill A lot will depend on your local market and competition.

@Allie McAlister I'm looking to stay local to begin with.

You'll have a slight disadvantage compared to the local population, but nothing that should crush you.

My thought is to help him out by going in 50-50 partnership for many reasons: half down payment, half capex expense, strong co-signer on loan, me being local to investment property to take care of little things that need attentions (he will be out of state for his job/I will have PM), etc.  1. 

Since hard money eats into profits, consider private lenders, local banks, or partnerships for lower-cost funding.