It's a riskier loan given you do not carry a social security, no US credit & no experience.Due to increased risk comes mitigation (Lower LTV & Higher Rates)

The shares are represented by certificates sold to investors for the purpose of maximizing value and lowering risks of pooling payments on fixed assets, which allows for increased liquidity, thus aiding the total market.

Fannie May is a good option for a lower downpayment.

I got the terms mixed with open mortgage (no penalty to pay off early, but higher interest rates) and closed (more typical mortgage with lower rates, but the penalties to pay off the mortgage)...that'll teach me not to post too early in the morning :)

I’m also making the property my primary residence to lower upfront costs, effectively turning it into a house hack.With this setup of me now occupying a room and not including utilities. 

Quote from @Dan Lucchesi: Quote from @John Underwood: Lower price and advertise in more placed.I even get an occasional booking from a perpetual free Craig's List ad. 

Now I have two vacancies and lower rents than when we started. 

The rates aren't great, but it will lower our immediate out of pocket expenses over the next 5 years so I am happy with it.  

I believe the appreciation has been great over the past couple of years and prices are lower than in major areas like Miami metroplex or Charlotte.

Thus, my taxes should be higher because of the income I generate.If I pay off the primary, I'll increase the amount I'm able to save monthly not having the mortgage, while also keeping the income generation lower on the rental because the mortgage remains open.Any thoughts would be appreciated!