I have been on New Western's deal list as well as another bigger local company and everytime I underwrite these deals there is very very minimal left on the bone let alone contingency funds for going over budget on the flip...

I'm a real estate investor specializing in STR properties, a realtor, and I own a construction company.

With your experience and possible skillset, perhaps finding a company to sponsor you for a green card may be a better option? 

Over time, you may want to hire a property management company as tenants can be headaches at times. 

Does anyone have any tips or software tools to help give estimates on pricing and the potential occupancy of the rental?

My business and life partner and I own 5 properties, and we have a great property management company as part of our brokerage.

The macroeconomics are on fire here - population growth, job growth, and companies moving and developing here.

As a realtor, investor, and owner of a construction company in College Station, Texas, I understand the importance of having trustworthy and efficient workers.

If you don’t, maybe work with or for an existing company first for awhile?

Plus macroeconomics here in Columbus is booming right now because of developments from Intel, Meta, Amazon, Honda, and lots of major companies building out here.