Make real estate an investment, not a job. 

There are tons of real deal makers hanging out on this site willing to share & teach, NOT RECRUIT!

I want to make real estate investing as passive as possible so I have no interest in self management.

Even law and policy makers are learn-as-you-go.

Real Estate is playing the long game not a quick money maker.

This is just another example of someone without very good basic, business principles buying and selling junk to an equally poor decision maker.  

I want RE to be challenging, fun, not overly stressful, overcoming obstacles, and of course, a money maker for me.

May be great money makers, just too far away.I think you're right that there are political issues in the US just as in these other countries.

I understand everyone has a different situation and is their own decision maker, but perhaps hearing other's opinions may drive my decision in a certain path.I recently purchased a small (1000sqft) house as a rental.

If you're able to get a decision maker on the phone like a senior vice president, managing director, etc. then you'll have a much more constructive conversation.