And you need every single one—if ONE of them refuses, this strategy fails.

I had also read that a single member LLC ( with foreign nationals) is disregarded in the US and subject only to personal income tax.

There are some allowances and tools, like single-premium immediate annuities to hang on to more of the money for your mom. 

For resale in a B - A class single family residential neighborhood, definitely. 

The guy who was interviewed did exactly what you are talking about...bought a couple of single family homes and rented out the rooms which helped him to be able to continue buying more rentals.

I am now about to close on a single family rental property in Philadelphia.

I am looking at single family homes, student rentals or duplexes at the moment. 

I currently own a single log truck and operate it myself the over head is to high.

I would go with single families or duplexes to begin with.Buy something that needs very little work or no work at all just to get a feel for it.

Direct mail is a good way but you're going to have to send thousands of mailers every single month.