They say rental income is Passive and therefore ineligible. 

2023 was the first year I started pulling rental income from my properties and it was eye-opening to me. 

Owning real estate is never going to be completely passive, and if you plan on leaving the country for a good portion of your life it's going to be even more difficult to properly manage these properties. 

I have filed my US taxes yearly since then and declared my foreign and only income each time to the IRS.

My budget is less than $200k, and I’m looking to live in one unit while renting out the other.I’m not particularly concerned about property appreciation; my main goal is to generate a steady income.

However, that was before Airbnb and those people were not claiming income.

But mortgate interest can offset rent income (I don't want to pay tax on rental income).

I put "paid" in quotes because we traded our last low income housing rental for it;)

[Insert bit of personalization about who I am, my family, and build trust, essentially humanizing the note].I understand that selling a property can be a significant decision, and may not be one you are considering, but if you are, I want to assure you that I approach this with respect and am eager to explore the possibility of finding something agreeable for the both of us.Here are a few reasons why seller financing (you not the bank) could be beneficial for you:- Steady Income: Seller financing offers you a reliable source of income, providing monthly payments without the hassle of managing the property directly.- Flexible Terms: We can discuss flexible payments that suit your needs, allowing you to customize the agreement according to your preferences.- Avoiding Hefty Tax Burdens: By spreading out the sale over time, you may mitigate the impact of capital gains taxes, making seller financing a tax-efficient option.- Legacy Planning: If you're concerned about leaving a lump sum to your heirs, seller financing allows you to pass on your wealth gradually, ensuring financial stability for your loved ones.- Minimal Hassle: Seller financing eliminates the need for bank involvement, reducing paperwork and streamlining the sales process.- Assured Sale: Choosing seller financing may attract a broader pool of potential buyers, beyond myself, increasing the likelihood of a successful sale.I believe that by working together, we can find a solution that benefits both of us.

The best strategies for any type of cash flow are coliving/rent by the room (would recommend Homeroom for a passive hands off turnkey type investment that still will produce income), multi-family 2-4 units where a rehab/value add is needed, or buying a property with an ADU/Guest house and treating each unit separate unit.