We’ve researched using a HML, but aren’t sure which would be smarter and have less impact on us financially as a newly-married couple, since personally, I wouldn’t be taking any risk or contributing to the purchase.

., anonymity of ownership, avoid doc stamps with encumbered real estate, avoid personal judgment liens from attaching to the real estate, buying at auction, keeping transfers private. 

You will likely have personal guarantees, but those are contingent liabilities to you and not show when you are applying for personal credit.

I know most of us have heard horror stories and/or have personal experience about criminals and unsavory characters taking over vacant properties then claiming squatters rights to avert the authorities. 

In order for all that to happen on an ongoing pace then you will need more than 1 person unless that 1 person is a zillionaire and can just never stop. 

He was a nice person in a bad position, but still, I didn't owe him anything. 

My parents recently questioned why I don't buy a house because they think that's what every smart person with money does.

I personally would stay out of this entirely, I'm the landlord and nothing more.

They insisted the house sitter was a good person and that it was the neighbor's house that had police activity.

SHOWINGS - I currently do showings in person, but would not be able to do this if I scaled.