The key is to demonstrate an intent to return to the US, and that you have not abandoned US residency (esp, filing taxes, and returning at a minimum every 6 months).

There are plenty of people on BP who have demonstrated success.

While sometimes even long-term investment props end up being sold fairly quickly after purchase, the IRS requires that you be able to demonstrate your intention to hold the property long-term when you bought it.

Those deals tend to be more easily found and would easily meet your 8% goal.As your post has demonstrated, there are a million ways to invest in real estate.

You must demonstrate a motivation to occupy.

With every question he asked them they were able to demonstrate that I had informed them well (plus I had it in writing from them). 

“China’s Evergrande Group customers and employees demonstrated this week as the world's largest developer faces soaring probabilities of default.

The first thing is: you need to have a proven strategy that makes money repeatedly (the answer for that is learn, do and network as much as you can till you are ready to grow bigger) - If you do not have one that could be scaled the answer is: join someone who is already successful (a mentor who can demonstrate and do Joint Ventures with you)2.

What if it’s a really high paying job… a million dollar job…  you want someone  who has lots of experience… has done the job for years and a demonstrated track record of getting the job done.  

The facts and the circumstances that demonstrate your intent are the rule.2.