I have found that they worked really well when it comes to getting better tenants and better rents, and having less hassle, less headaches, and then getting a higher sales price; without paying closing costs or realtor fees.

Well worth it IMHO given poor performance of RTO/seller financed zillow listings. 

I think the first question is do you want to be an active investor or a passive investor? 

It took a few days for me to be confirmed, so knock it out early. 

Metro Atlanta, generally speaking, respective markets 30 to 45 minutes from the City, will be tight on cash flow unless you implement a creative investment strategy, such as short-term rentals, medium-term rentals, or rent-by-the-room properties, or allocate at least 30% to 35% towards your downpayment if you intend to hold the property as a long-term rental. 

Any advice would be much appreciated!

If you haven't checked the market for homes with "inlaw suites" or whatever your market equivalent is that can be a way to get it done as well. 

For your first question: you can definitely be successful either way.

What did they say it would be?   

One thing to think about are the tax implications of being a Canadian paying US taxes.