I think it would be a good experience for me to get landlord experience in a mostly controlled environment aka I live there. 

@Drew GiltnerHey Drew, I saw your post and can definitely relate to the challenge many new investors have with analysis paralysis and getting started. 

The minimum down payment for a property in this price range would be roughly $27K.That said, you also need to account for bank closing costs, inspection costs, appraisal, attorney fee, and title costs.Your scenario may require a seller's concession to account for these additional expenses.Investing with $50K is totally possible in this market but your journey may be met by challenges i.e.

Challenges?

Challenges?

Hopefully that would be the case because a lot of syndications are not doing well due to the high interest rate environment.

Visa and FinancingYou're correct that securing a mortgage might be challenging without legal status or a W2 job.

Challenges?

Challenges?

Challenges?