I’d recommend starting with local value-add deals to get a feel for the challenges of managing rehab projects.

Quote from @Ashley Mierez: I would search local meetups..

I will consider your suggestion's particularly the investigating of the local real estate market here (or as a minimum use it as a guide for if/when i return to the states as so to develop my research and planning skills).Appreciate your feedback.  

There are pros and cons to using DPA with your average conv/fha loans ( yes this is how you arrive at 0% down or 100% CLTV or combined loan to value financing).Conv and FHA lend up to 95-97% so that remaining 3-5% down is covered or partly covered by the remaining local DPA programs.

In Metro Detroit area, police will not remove these types of occupants (they are afraid of scamming landlord having police remove legal tenants), calling them a "civil matter" forcing landlord to start court eviction process.Here is some of the guidelines local police departments have put out regarding enforcement. • The requesting person is the property owner or authorized agent of the property owner. • The real property that is being occupied includes a residential dwelling.• An unauthorized person or persons have unlawfully entered and remain or continue to reside on the property owner's property.• The real property was not open to members of the public at the time the unauthorized person or persons entered. • The property owner has directed the unauthorized person to leave the property. • The unauthorized person or persons are not current or former tenants pursuant to a written or oral rental agreement authorized by the property owner. • The unauthorized person or persons are not immediate family members of the property owner. • There is no pending litigation related to the real property between the property owner and any known unauthorized person. 

Currently based out of Saskatoon and got into real estate investing locally last year.

I am hoping to find a single family home that I can "BRSTRHHRR" (buy, reno, Short term rent|House Hack, refinance, repeat) by creating a separate living space in a single family home that can be STRed (this is due to local restrictions in my town that prevent STR in multifamily properties). 

Have you looked on your local REIA websites to see what lenders sponsor the monthly events?

As someone who lives in Columbus and invests here locally, I would just buy it in your name.

Long time San Diego RE investor currently taking a hiatus from purchasing in the local market.