Again, proving my identity is different than them keeping my ID on file.

My question is - if I wanted to take a loan out against that property to pay debt I owe in a different country and buy an investment property in a different country:1. would I be taxed on it? 

You will meet people from different walks of life that will give you different perspectives on real estate investing.

I have also never been in a position to have a substantially larger down payment in order to be considering a different REI strategy that house hacking. 

That could be one contractor depending on what is needed or several for different specialties like electric, plumbing, drywall, and so on.

Here are some common financing options:Traditional Mortgage: Obtain financing from banks with a down payment, paying off over time with interest.Hard Money Loans: Short-term loans with higher interest rates, often from private investors, suitable for quick acquisitions or credit-challenged investors.Private Money Lenders: Individuals or groups offering direct loans, with terms negotiated privately.Seller Financing: Buyers make payments directly to sellers over an agreed period, with terms negotiated between parties.Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): Borrow against existing property equity with a revolving credit line, typically offering flexibility.Real Estate Crowdfunding: Pool funds with other investors via online platforms for various real estate projects, offering diverse investment opportunities.1031 Exchange: Defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting sale proceeds into similar properties within a specific timeframe, useful for tax optimization.REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts): Invest indirectly in real estate through publicly traded companies, offering liquidity and diversification.Joint Ventures/Partnerships: Collaborate with other investors to share resources and risks, leveraging each other's strengths for larger projects.Subject To Financing: Buy a property subject to the existing mortgage that's in place on the property (doesn't get paid off when the property sells).Assumable Mortgage: Buy a property and assume the mortgage that the seller already has in place.Lease Option: Rent a property with the option to buy it prior to a later date.Debt Service Credit Ratio (DSCR): A loan approved based on the income potential of the propertyThese options cater to different investor needs, preferences, and financial situations, providing flexibility in real estate investment strategies.Thanks,

A 5X factor difference in just 10 years. 

Over the decades I have witnessed how his brain is wired differently and how easily he can "see" problems and with patience and skill fix them properly.

At a larger scale though I'd maybe feel differently.

I recall someone talking about sending multiple with different terms.