“House - hacking” is what everyone says hat they’d do first if they could start over again, so ... you’re onto something - but there’s no short cuts - one foot in front of the other - study up and best of luck.

@Mads VelandIt is very possible to purchase real estate in the US with out setting foot here.

I own an 1,800 sq foot townhome.

We have 46 properties across 7 states and the rent per square foot is very dependent on the market. 

Lindsay Wyatt if you want my turnkey spreadsheet with foot notes.

I mean I am an accidential builder.. having foreclosed on builders in the crash and having to finish the projects... so I have some very special education you only get when it happens to you and you have to figure it out.. was not pleasant. and it cost million or so.. but I got out.. and then I realized Hey since as the lender I am taking all the risk I mine as well just do this myself.so here we are about 150 plus new builds later and things are pretty good.Now to be fair my rock star in Charleston build a home last year then calls me and says OOPS house is 1 foot to low we have to raise it.. that's a brand new 700k home that has to be raised a foot.. cost 30k..

Examples: New Lally columns and footings in the basement to replace temp. columns, 48 sheets of blue board and plaster in rooms that didn’t need any mechanical work but had bad horse hair plaster.  

My unit is a 2BR/1BA 800 square foot unit, am I setting myself up for significant pain in the future?

I’ll still be building equity with the help of a tenant, I’ll have my foot in the door and I’ll be saving 480/mo compared to my current circumstance. 

Another way to get your foot in the door and to see live rehabs is hitting the street.