You may want to specify that you are 51% and she is 49% so that any final decisions about the property rest with you.If you're going to handle all aspects of this property, I'm not sure 50/50 is fair even if you're both contributing the same amount of funds.

Generally speaking there are 2 main types of loans for investors: “Conventional” and “Portfolio”Conventional - I'll define these as loans that come from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (if you recognize those names).

How much they pay is defined by HUD calculations.

Check out some of things happening in Detroit in 2024:https://michiganchronicle.com/2024/01/03/major-developments-that-will-define-detroit-in-2024/Your first question shouldn't be WHERE to invest (that is #2 question), but HOW you will invest!

Define this perimeter.     

Ensure you have a property management strategy for when you return to Charlotte.Legal and Tax Considerations: Consulting with a tax advisor and a real estate attorney will help you navigate tax implications and ensure legal compliance in both your investment and rental activities.Short-term Investment and Return Plan: Since you plan to return to Charlotte after a year, consider the short-term nature of your investment and its implications on your overall strategy.In summary, your strategy has potential, but success hinges on careful planning and navigating the financial, legal, and logistical aspects of real estate investments.Good luck with everything,KC 

You may not need "2 years of work history" either depending on the detailsGenerally speaking there are 2 main types of loans for investors: “Conventional” and “Portfolio”Conventional - I'll define these as loans that come from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (if you recognize those names).

I would spend summers working at job sites so the construction aspect is not foreign to me.I am also a trained CFP, certified financial planner, so the numbers aspect is not confusing.I suppose the main challenge I have is actually buying a house.

On one side it's a business aspect, your roommates don't have to know who owns the property, or how much you pay.

Maybe you don't have that quite defined yet, and that's ok.