BAM Capital is excellent in identifying opportunities with a high "yield on cost" which reflect their experience to operate Class-A properties at much lower costs. 

My plan is to live on the upper unit and rent a room out to a buddy and turn the lower unit into a midterm rental.

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.  

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)

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 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.

Fannie May is a good option for a lower downpayment.

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

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. 

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!