With the increased debt:income and leg work we are incurring, somehow 50/50 seems skewed in their favor....

They have tenant unions and most govt/courts tilt pretty heavily in favor of tenants. 

I wonder if you’re allowed to have “favorable review from previous landlord” as a requirement?

There are accountants and attorneys that will understand what is needed, and how to structure the entity that will allow you to invest in US syndications, and be treated more favorably from a tax perspective in your home country.Beyond those logistics issues, I believe syndications are a great investment for many investors, regardless of locale. 

It IS true that loan terms are typically not as favorable as 'cash loans' outside of Self Directed accounts, but if you can STILL get much better returns than say stocks after figuring higher interest and *potential* UDFI taxes, does that not still seem like a better way to do things?

Dan notes that I need to carefully consider the real estate tax consequences of selling given California's favorable Prop 13 rules. 

My landlord was new the year I moved in, after a little over a year he was fired for multiple reasons including sexual favors for rent,and has a case against him.

Still, I'm always looking locally for that house where the prices and rents, along with today's killer interest rates, line up in my favor.

One even said she would “only” charge us 18% as a favor; every PM agency charges roughly 25% or more.

I am not going to challenge the IRS for a less favorable position for a client, and am comfortable with my practice's approach and analysis.If anyone wants to do something different for their clients, that is their prerogative.