Congrats on wanting to get started!

@Ketch Bays I started with the exact same amount of money.

Most real estate agents don't know much about what to look for on raw land (and then they call me because I am the one-eyed amongst the blind).

My guess is we will probably start to see more of this as its one thing for a deal to go bad another if the sponsor is negligent and did not do what they said they would. 

I liked the tenant, school is starting back etc, I told them they could pay first month and security deposit and I would let them have the rest of August for free.

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

My second house was under contract before it was even listed, but the combination of my GC disappearing and having to restart the permitting process for the carport in March right at the start of Corona lock downs dragged that out and eventually feel out of contract.

I'd pay it to start out.

i understand a true duplex might be a lot more expensive, but i think it's at least worth continuing to research and keeping an eye on.and sticking to my original point, OOS can be tough. 

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).