Should we rather look into a different type of real estate investing such as flips to take advantage of the forced appreciation?

Welcome to Bigger Pockets.Talk to a CPA, not just any CPA (might not be knowledgeable enough on all the Real Estate advantages) but one that works with Real Estate even better one that Invests currently in Real Estate.Check out your local REI Club, and network with others for their advice on Tax benefitsYou can research 1031 Exchanges.

I would like to help valuate this note so the wife does not get taken advantage of. 

I would like to help valuate this note so the wife does not get taken advantage of.

The advantages of doing it your names and moving it are lower/stable rates, lower down payment, typically lower costs.

If you only want to do one house at a time I can see some advantage to fully funding your own flip.

Which, when you're house hacking, is more advantageous. 

Dual agency isn't bad, however, I do feel like it's slightly more advantageous to go with someone else, preferably in their same office.Good luck and feel free to pm me if you have any other questions!

I dont see any advantages to such.I am just a canadain who owns us real estate and have a high interest loan to purchase said real estate to offset any irs tax liability.

I wouldn't recommend getting a real estate agent license for your own investment activity.I think the main advantage is that you would be able to enter vacant properties without waiting for an agent to show them to you.Most of the training revolves around proper disclosures and equal opportunity.