Getting a Mortage for First Rental Property, and More

[Michael Florence]

Hi everyone!

I am new to this forum and to property investment and am interested in starting. I have been doing some preliminary research, and the real estate in Texas seems

pretty worth investing. What do you think? I am a US expat currently living in Asia and I do file my taxes with the IRS annually. I am self-employed, with reported income of thirty-something thousand.  Some questions have popped out of my head:

-Since I am self employed , does that make me harder to get a conventional mortage in any way? I have tax reports to show my income,  and my credit is in the 7 hundreds. how much is the loan amount I can get based on my income?

-since I live outside of the US would that cause a hurdle in getting a mortage in any way?

- my budget for the home is within 100k. Is there any way to get a good loan on more than 80%? 

-How long does the whole purchasing process take? Do I have to be in Texas the whole to meet in person, or can some things be partially done over the internet/phone? As I have a family to take care of, There is a limit to how long I can stay in Texas. 

-after the purchase, i am planning to use a property manager as I cannot be in Texas most of the time. Would there still be many cases where I would have to go to Texas in person to cooridare with the manager, or can all the things be done over internet/phone?

Sorry for so many questions!

Any one with opinions or have experience in investing in Texas is much appreciated. Thank so much!