So my real estate journey began with an older coworker asked me if I had any plans for the future or what kind of investments I was involved in.

I have done, been involved in, and/or brokered thousands of transactions over those 42 years. 

That would make the house into 2 rent-controlled units.If it was me, I'd rent out the entire house that includes the in-law to 1 party, 1 lease, which would make the house not rent controlled.

Here it is good luck: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521/topics/39...If you don't mind me asking why Spokane and what kind of REI do you want to get involved in. 

My husband and I are eager to get more involved in investing in real estate to help out local communities and build relationships with others in the real estate world.

With all the competition from DC, MD, PA, NY, DE they are doomed until they find a new business model not involving gambling.

Hey guys, Just a heads up...I backed away from pursuing the deal for several reasons but the brother as the realtor was a very minor part. I

Part of the payment is principal and part is interest. 

Hey @Nathan WiebeNever done that but maybe one possibility would be to have the US friend to be the mortgagor.He doesn't necessary need to be the owner and it doesn't mean that he is the one, in practice, who has to make the loan repayments.This setup involves a great degree of trust between the friend and the Canadian investor to the extend that it is questionable whether it is a good idea or not to set it up that way

This part is time consuming, but it's important.