It's beneficial to have a partner of some kind who has a stake in the business in the area you are investing.

I don't think there is a person here that can truly answer this question for you for the simple fact that it is a personal choice.

I started with a duplex, but in hindsight the 4 units would have been a better choice.

FHA would be a good choice if you want to pay as little down as possible, but if you go conventional, you'll save some $$ b/c of lower rates and no mortgage insurance.

There are choices available.

They will give you an overall “tenant score” which might make your choices easier as they run everything thru their algorithms and so far they have been right with the folks they recommend for me. 

@Chris VanAckeren It is very difficult to pick bottoms and tops , As a Loan Officer with rates this low I think a prudent choice would be lock the rate . no one has a crystal ball and can predict rates but with the recent major fall off in 10 year treasury which is an indicator for 15 & 30 year mortgages , Today they started edging back up today.

A corporation is an ideal choice for an active real estate business e.g., flipping. 

-David I'd say turnkey is your best choice considering you are living abroad.

I agree with @Colleen F. that this is coming across like you are going to be critical of all their life choices.