I like to build friendly relationships with other investors, and soon become one myself 

Consider me a friend in the charlotte market and let's grab coffee (there are many cute coffee shops here and I can tell you where to find the good texmex)

There is also a recent Bigger Pockets Podcast called " Is This the Most Beginner-Friendly Way to Start Investing? 

Sharing this idea in case others can comment on it.I agree, the US is more friendly about receiving investments from foreignors.You are planning to move back to Spain?

I’ve seen this issue in San Diego, where a friend of mine worked with a city planner to rezone a lot for duplexes and triplexes.

I rented out the additional bedrooms to friends and family, charging them well below market, and sold when it was time for my wife and I to start our own adventures.

There may be some lenders that might be a little more "borrower friendly", but I haven't found them (nor do I have the time to look for them).You might be able get better terms if you "house hack" by getting an FHA loan, but I don't generally work with those loans.

Wasn't for me.I'm not affiliated with the company, although their founder @Brandon Hall is a colleague and a friend of mine. 

Borrowed money from friends and family to pay cash for the property as the bank would not finance it until it had been remodeled, made livable, and brought up to code.

We live in different worlds my friend.