On paper returns, look excellent but when you put it into practice, you don't seem to get the same kinds of returns. 

Returns are great if you get a good area and build a solid team but thats going to take some leg work in picking the right people that see's your vision. 

I am interested in an investment where I would provide capital to ATM company for a return.

Without knowing any of your financial position of your work or side hustles it is hard to give you exact advice because you may be able to carry these homes until they are paid off and in that case they would provide solid returns, but there are likely better real estate investments out there.  

Why not buy more expensive assets so you have same returns with less doors?

I believe this approach provides the best cash-on-cash return when starting out.I began investing in Columbus in 2017, and I've engaged in both BRRRR strategies and turnkey investments.

I’m returning to the U.S. after spending a few years overseas, and I’m eager to start my journey in real estate investing.Once I’m back, I have a job lined up with a wholesaling company where I’ll be focusing on buying houses.

A few rentals along the way but realistic on returns 5 to 6% for solid A/B class is where we like to be.

This could be a huge problem, as the "the rent is too damn high" people will be extremely upset with huge surges in the cost of living, felt acutely in some major metros.3) 2027-2029 should see a return to a more normal inflation adjusted rent growth curve, with the caveat that if supply continues to remain relatively low, we could see national rent growth outpace inflation in these years as well, so long as interest rates remain high. 

My favorite was a hoarder house full of trash that took me six months to turn around, but it turned into a killer deal that earned me a 600% return.