You need to learn how to analyze property and determine if they are a good investment.Here's a guide that describes how to analyze a property.https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rental-property-cash-flow...

I am ready to talk to mortgage lenders and anyone who can help guide me on a financial plan to rebuild my credit and start a small savings to build up to my first house hack deal in Q4 this year in the Raleigh/ research triangle area. 

While daunting, your experiences engineering firm and attorney will be able to guide you through the project.  

Out of country requires a trip to US embassy.  

That's the opportunity.I also recommend engaging an 'investment focused' realtor (not the general residential ones) to guide you through the process and provide you with market intelligence. 

PS I finally had a Rueben ball last trip into Cleveland  gut bomb for sure :) Yea definitely some artery cloggers.

If you end up in Ohio and you end up in Cleveland you'll want to read The Ultimate Guide to Grading Cleveland Neighborhoods.

Before investing here I suggest you read The Ultimate Guide to Grading Cleveland Neighborhoods to get yourself an understanding on the market.

I think they contain solid information and will help lay a good foundation as a beginner (Haha, I'm completely new to real estate as well, btw)I'm also going to be reading the following books, and hopefully I can finish all by the end of this month:1) The ABCs of Property Management2) The Advanced Guide to Real Estate Investing3) Long-Distance Real Estate Investing How to Buy, Rehab, and Manage Out-of-State Rental Properties (this might be the most important one to me personally)4) The Book on Investing in Real Estate with No (and Low) Money DownIn addition to reading, I'm consuming crazy amounts of youtube videos, and I'recommend you do this as well.

Got back from our recent trip.