Start herehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing Listen to the podcasts and get involved in the forum discussions by searching your preferred subject.

You will learn quickly that real estate investing is a broad subject and has many areas where you can specialize in.

So, these investors will need to establish a US entity that is subject to US taxation.  

Hello, I am going door knocking this weekend to find “Subject to” properties that I can take over their loan and do a Rent to Own or sell for quick cash or short sales that I can be the listing agent on (if they are too far underwater), and of course any regular listing.

I am just learning about the possibilities here so someone else would be better to expound on this option but one example is "subject to" agreements.

Does your friend think that  you are taking the property subject to the loan or is he recording a satisfaction? 

Get into it gradually, but bring the subject of selling off some larger holdings to people with interest.  

I've decided to place an offer for around $11,000 and subject to Joe pulling the proper permits and having the proper inspections completed by the town building inspector (and of course another couple escape clauses).

LOLIt will take more than you probably think, buying at significant lower prices may be subject to some transfer taxes in PA. 

I've read from a few reports that a phase one is just a bunch of research about land use of subject property and neighboring properties.