Read a lot to start off start with non- real estate books like rich dad poor dad and the richest man in Babylon so you could understand the principles.

I am also a Notary Public.

I've done several buy/sell with owner financing, but never with a non US seller/owner. 

Assume you'll hear that the house is worth it when it isn't, tenants are good, management will handle everything, it will be easy for you, vacancy and non-payment will not be much of an issue, repairs won't cost that much.Some will be honest, some won't. 

Any experts out there with some insights on non-conforming, grandfathered, weird properties...that might not have similar comps, hence making it harder to find a loan, etc?

Does each one get any public transportation and bus stop locations. 

Simply put, historic registered buildings generally have no more value as an investment than non listed buildings. 

Using the QRP oans get you the second tier financing options, for example, a Roth IRA can buy real estate on leverage, however, will need a non-recourse loan which is often a fraction high-interest rate and lower LTV.

It seems like the places with high public development are getting hammered with property tax increases.

Loan docs are usually a deed, promissory note, deed of trust, lender's instructions to the title company, and attorney letter of non-representation.