As I'm not a resident or citizen of the US (I'm European and live in Europe), I can't seem to get good rates with the traditional mortgage providers and banks. 

Lots of European banks are charging customers a fee to leave their money in their banks which is another important part not to forget.

They key European markets may not make sense, but less familiar ones may hold opportunities.

Your options are stacking which will crowd the kitchen and a European style combo single unit which is expensive. 

I talked to the county clerk, who also called the commissioner; the church has never changed ownership and has never been officially filed with the county because they say it was built in the 1800’s (it is recorded by its name).

I have looked on my county commissioner auction past sale list and buyers are purchasing properties between 84-96% of appraised value.

Now that it has come to that...damn it.The event became emotional for my tenant, and they got up and walked out of the courtroom proceeding with the commissioner in-tow attempting to get them to turn around and settle the matter, without success.

Commissioner and the resulting TC Memo 2012-58 - in that case each spouse held properties in their own named, filed a joint return, only one was a qualified real estate professional, and all losses were allowed 

You can do a lot of your own due diligence by researching Texas' Securities Laws: http://www.ssb.state.tx.us/Texas_Securities_Act_and_Board_Rules/The_Texas_Securities_Act.phpAlthough I have not raised capital in Texas, the process is much similar in many states.As you already pointed out, you'll likely need to register with the commissioner and target only accredited investors.

I have been to Czechoslovakia, Poland, East Germany and other Eastern European areas, but not as a tourist.