Ultimately, an ACCEPTABLE cosigner may be needed.

Ultimately you can only hold it down so far and the government will eventually get their money. 

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

Of course, if the ultimate plan is to run it as an STR, then it has to be analyzed through that lens. 

My ultimate goal is to acquire a few properties and hopefully work towards a D7 visa.

However, the LAIC has the right to turn around and make sure that any costs paid by the LAIC that should have been handled by the property owner are reimbursed by the property owner—ultimately through the courts, if necessary."

Not sexy as Lexington but bank account is the ultimate measure of success

After a bit more research, I actually think renting a place will get me started faster and earn some experience doing Airbnb with a little less risk involved.Obviously I still need to be concerned about not violating a lease agreement by doing so and I would likely live on the property and lot or all the time.Ownership is still the ultimate goal, but this looks a faster party to self driven income.

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

They will have some questions and ultimately you can get pre qualified.