I'd like to just get under some mentorship for a path that is proven and works in real estate.

I work with many investors from the West coast and many from outside the country.  

The promise of financial freedom, building wealth, and creating long-term security is enticing, but the path to get there isn’t always clear—especially when you’re just getting started.

(census.gov)Now I am not sure how underreported illegal immigration is but I am going to hazard a guess that people go where  people of similar backgrounds are so immigrants legal or not are likely to follow the patterns you see on this map as many look for connections from their home country.

The City of Chicago has recently streamlined its financial incentive programs for economic development within city limits. Historically, navigating the funding landscape was complex with differing program specific fun...

This is a great opportunity to cash flow and get you on the real estate investing path, if that is your goal.

Looks to me like we've got a case similar to that of Clayton Morris......All sizzle, no steak. well his profile looks like he is a major player in Cleveland it would be odd that your paths have not crossed.  

Beautiful Family and great share @Stephen SetzerThere is ZERO DOUBT you are on the right path and finding your way. 

If its a decent potential rental as an SF I would consider staying on the heavy pay down path until it would be nicely positively cash flowing if you moved into another tax advantaged primary.

Perhaps you could say I am an experienced property investor, but I have precisely zero experience purchasing real estate in your country.