Start small - get yourself a househack, learn from your own experience of owning the rental property you live in, continue to educate yourself with reliable resources, and then worry about the next home.Having just one solid investment will put you ahead of most Americans than trying to find a way to buy 10 doors out of state in an area you don't even understand. 

@Sam Peterson You can utilize different online companies (web, phone apps, etc.) for this but if you're new to REI you could gain traction by making your own.

@Sam FaasI won't knock you for paying cash but just because you don't need flood insurance, does not mean it's a good idea to not have it.

Sam,I think I'd prefer to get in the game now, even if that means breaking even or a couple hundred dollars.

As interest rates in the US has skyrocketed and financing has become more available to Americans in certain locations overseas, that advantage isn't what it used to be, depending on what countries you're interested in.So here's how I'd go about it if I were you:1.

Look for the Certified Cost Segregation Professional (CCSP) designation, which means they’re certified by the American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals.

I will say that I came across White Haven due to both Sam and Ben being active here on BP, and Rise48 through Dave Thompson.

I was turned down by all of the companies that are often mentioned here (Proper, Steadily, Foremost, American Modern) and many others. 

Quote from @Sam Shueh: I relieve the contractor wallet and he just need to track his labor part. 

If you sell your property, you will likely have to pay back some of the taxes deferred from depreciation.Think of cost seg as an interest free loan from Uncle Sam - it comes due when you sell the property.My motto:Don't let industry jargon stop you from making smart financial moves!