Would your parents be interested in partnering on a duplex where you live in one side with a roommate and manage the other side rental? 

I wouldn't start investing in the US if you have no plans on coming back from living in China.

With that being said, do yourself a favor and do the research yourself on zoning, valuation and ACTUAL rent before talking to STR specialists who make a living on selling these =) Just my 2 cents...

Plus there is a lot to do here so it is hard to be bored living in NJ.

Quote from @Christina Weaver: Hi, @Steven Hamilton II  my husband and I live in California, a community property state.

You'd be surprised to learn that someone living in a rental or apartment, that has a family and is a successful small businessman, has the money and is willing to take that deal.

I'm in the greater Boston area and I wasn't able to fully live for free but I was spending about $700 on my unit.

I am 24 y/o and live in Fairfield County, CT looking to buy my first property...likely house hacking a multi-family.

Consider using an FHA loan to secure a 1–4 unit property with just 3.5% down and take advantage of tax benefits by living there for at least two years.

(For context, it's a 2700 sf 4 bd 3 bath house in an upscale Northern California suburb.)Kitchen A: Traditional, features a 48 in fridge, 36 in cooktop, window sink (no view), pantry.Kitchen B: Designer, features a 60 in fridge, 48 in range, large kitchen window (no view), sink facing living/dining room; unfortunately no pantryKitchen C: A Little Bit of Both, features a 48 in fridge, 48 in range, sink facing living/dining room, pantry, unfortunately there's no window.Total countertop space is roughly the same (22 ft)  in all three layouts.