I'll leverage accelerated depreciation for the tax benefit in the near-term. 

Otherwise, I'll try and do the research myself.

I’ll definitely reach out to a cross-border CPA and attorney and start small with a duplex.

Therefore, I don't have definite plans for how long I'll stay in Oregon, and consider the possibility of someday returning to the Austin area.

I’ll be splitting the rent 50/50.

I'll also add that Bonnie's group is a great resource with operators from 0-Bonnie.

I'll send you an connection request.

I don't remember the exact cost when I did it but I remember thinking it was cheaper than expected.I didn't see a comment mentioning that you should just include utilities in the rent and increase it based off that so I'll be that guy.

Because I'll be overseas for a few years, would investing into "section 8" properties or making a rental a "section 8" property be a good idea because of the guaranteed rental income?

But after an exchange - sign the purchase documents with one pen and pick up another pen to sign the refi docs :)Another strategy you could consider is reinvesting into multiple properties, where you purchase the first property cash (ensures some security and concentrates the equity) and the second property with a mortgage.