G'Day Alejandro,As a few have already mentioned, take a peak at Toledo also.In my opinion lower potential for long term appreciation but solid/"boring" cashflow.I prefer my portfolio to be "boring" but cashflowing lolLow entry points (Sub $100,000), high rents (Above the 1% rule).Blue collar working class decent folks that will stay and pay.Depending on the area but no derelict homes, yards well kept, cars with wheels and all tenants are employed.Plus, all are sophisticated enough to pay rent online so property management doesn't have to collect rents with bullet proof vests and shot guns lolI'm bias toward Toledo but it's worth considering.Wishing you much success

And they'll want you to pay off the loan pretty soon (and usually will you as the rate will probably be higher than banks) so there's that too.For this reason, we definitely prefer private lenders as they will (if you've built trust with them) often lend on the rehab too.

there's people out there who will fund downpayments for equity in the deal or a preferred return. hit up local meetups and facebook groups and have some conversations

I'm an independent agent here in AR and I write a lot of rental property, with ~6 preferred markets and if the properties have some issues, age, claim history etc.

IF you plan on going back someday, and this is the home you want to move back to, then renting it would be a good idea as long as you estimate that it will cover itself, or preferably, cash flow, which it appears that yours will at @ $2K or so per month (after expenses). 

While I haven’t chosen a specific niche yet, I’m leaning toward purchasing a multi-unit apartment where my 20-year-old son could live and help manage while we rent out the other units—essentially a form of house-hacking.So far, I’ve connected with a few real estate agents and gained MLS access, which has been a great starting point.

For several reasons (property taxes, politics), I would prefer to begin real estate investing somewhere other than locally. 

Sounds like you've found a reliable resource for SBLOC, but what you are describing almost sounds like preferred equity as well. 

Before you move out in two years, see what niche of tenants you like, and see if you can market accordingly.

Platforms like Avail can help if you prefer to self-manage but still require time for repairs.Tax-wise, repair costs may be deductible immediately, while major improvements must be depreciated over 27.5 years.