You will have to make sure all of the aspects of the project are pretty close to your budget or it could get a bit messy when it comes time to re-fi. 

I am most qualified to be FI.

My family is my main motivation for pursuing real estate as a means to achieve FI.  

After you pay for the electric, water, Wi-Fi, lawn care how much would you “net” while you were still self managing? 

Having a rental under your belt may not be required however I have heard it makes a lender more likely to take you seriously if you have some rental experience (though your experience would be extremely limited with just one property for less than a year)Feel free to hit me up as I was in your position just a year ago living in Germany and buying in Charleston, SC.  I

The amount you convert is added to your taxable income in the year you convert it…but after 5 years is considered Roth Basis and is can be withdrawn tax and penalty free after 5 years.So, what people do (especially common in the FI community) is convert a certain amount of money from their IRA to Roth every year so it will be available for distributions.

Really good points @Tanya F. I

To me, he hits a note that should resonate with the FI community.

I have been listening to the Bigger Pockets Money podcast with Scott Trench and Mindy Jensen, and I am interested in the idea of house hacking as a way to get on the path to Fi.

I am definitely here in the long run and this isn't the only thing I do to help myself move towards my FI goal.