Obviously regulations in the US are much less complicated, taxes lower, laws much more landlord-friendly and profit margins higher than in Germany.

Be aware of Maryland PHIFA law

don't know but Oregon is quite strict in fact you need a developers license to rehab and resell homes .. even if your only doing one a year.. you can only work on homes you owner occ if its to be resold to the public you need a GC license for a developers license..

I am strictly buy and hold; anything I buy today has to be really appealing-not going to gamble on any dogs or overpriced queens at this stage of the market-and certainly not counting on any appreciation for the next while.

I believe the law in CT states that there needs to be legal representation for properties that are owned by a company. 

I was just running this exact same question by my mother in law who has been a realtor for almost 20 years.

I'm essentially doing this now and have an in-law suite that I AirBnB for greater than a normal rent in my neighborhood.You should analyze the property and see what your PITI would be with 3.5% down and what you can realistically get for rent in the other unit(s).  

I’m happy to help you through the legal side of things, such as setting up the best entity structure for your goals, and the actual real estate nuances of the law.

My wife and I and her siblings all support my mother in law. 

-What are the rental laws in the area you are considering purchasing (make sure you fully understand)?