Also, conventional lending will NOT allow you to get gift funds OR borrow unsecured funds to help fund a down payment on an investment property.

Common problem, no easy answer:(We try to allow our owner clients to arrange their own maintenance, but have learned the hard way there MUST be limitations:1) They can't hire our people!

The rent from the other units will allow your to purchase a more expensive property than you could on your own, which could help you build the value of your portfolio (and equity) faster. 

Second, for you as a taxpayer you need to evaluate if your tax situation (e.g. property type, tax profile, material participation, etc.) will allow you to leverage additional losses generate from cost seg to optimize your taxes. 

May allow you to get more rent vs the same house next door without a pool. 

However, we allow them to bring their own policy too.You should consider researching other options and see if there's someone else who can handle the PM. 

None of those types of loans allow LLCs, therefore, that lawyer is incorrect.

From what I read (last week when someone else asked a similar question), only foreigners who are permanent residences or some of those here on work visas are allowed to buy a home. 

We are in the top 10 fastest growing big cities right now, so families and singles are constantly flying in to check out the area.Raleigh allows short term rentals if you apply for a license.

Would cash-flow very little.Obviously, a combination of the above is possible (pre-sell all but a few units, nullifying the profits, and therefore taxation).My feeling is that the first option would allow me to use profits to build something bigger (e.g., acquire another plot).