Now, use your job income to pay off the HELOC over three years ($90K plus interest).

A great way to get started if you currently have a W2 job is to buy a house hack like a duplex or a fourplex where you can move into one of the units and continue to rent/manage the other units.

It's an amazing market here with so much incoming growth due to population growth, job growth, and companies moving/developing here!

In neighborhoods that won't attract high credit score tenants, I've found that a stable job history with a MINIMUM of 1 year at current or previous job to be the best indicator of a great tenant. 

I am also a licensed EMT, and would love to provide housing for travel nurses, contractors, etc. in that realm since I can relate to them in previous jobs that I've had.I'm looking to invest in these states preferably: Georgia (1st choice - preferably near or south of ATL or in/near Savannah), Alabama, South or North Carolina, and Florida.

., job relocation).

While the co-signers add some security, the family’s newness to the U.S. and uncertain job situation make them a higher risk overall. 

I'm not sure about economy and job market here either. 

I think a better option is to get a job in property management.

That's your job. you should be inspecting the rental at least once a year and looking for things like this that could cause problems.I'm curious why your caulking is completely gone if this is "newer" construction.