The $200k financing would serve as a purpose to be a downpayment, or do you want the $200k to be the top limit of the investment?

Some banks and lenders will calculate your Heloc payment based on the Max limit even if you only have a small portion used due to preventive risk. 

These folks do not need to be licensed but there are limits on what they can and can't do, and they have to be salaried employees of the owner or report to a licensed property manager.

If you want to be truly passive while living abroad you could consider a DST transfer or syndication where you transition your properties to professional management and get paid as a limited partner and not have to worry about any sort of property management takes.

They offer a $10K repair fund to fix damages in addition to SD plus warranty for appliance repair etc.I have no say in whom they choose to move in, whether there are animals, limit on # of occupants etc. they reserve right to inspect property so i have no idea if they can tell me to remodel, paint etc.does this make sense i have a vacancy coming up in October (bad rental timing).

Living in one of the units is a great idea when starting out so you can limit your living expenses.

Also seems that most brands have limited options for dressers, and those they do have are more concerned with having a trendy MCM look than being functional. 

@Jeanette LandFrom my experience working with over 400 investors, growing your portfolio with limited capital is absolutely achievable with the right strategies.

The result could be limited, no rent growth or even rent decreases.

This strategy has worked out really good for us and allowed us to borrow limited income from other people for down payments.