But I would rather rent it out so it could be our first/foundational rental property and we can continue to grow our portfolio.We've been looking to rent for a while now but with the local rent pricing it is just as expensive/affordable to purchase your own condo than to rent.

Focus on getting pre-approved, analyzing deals in both cities, and networking with local investors to refine your approach.

I'm also from Brazil and I'm local to Stamford.

I am a local agent, STR cohost, and STR operator in Salt lake and south salt lake.

Beyond trying to connect on this forum would recommend look in the BP Meet up section and checking out local DFW FB RE investor Facebook groups as well as Meetup.com and Eventbrite for local events. 

Local banks and smaller credit unions are most aggressive in this space.

Geographically locally where is your house in the landscaping?  

I'll just add a local perspective: North Atlanta ie city, Sandy Springs, or Alpharetta?

.✅ Hands-On Experience – If you plan to grow your real estate portfolio, managing tenants yourself can teach you valuable lessons about leases, maintenance, and local rental laws.✅ More Control – You’ll personally handle tenant screening, rent collection, and property upkeep, ensuring everything is done to your standards.✅ Stronger Tenant Relationships – Being involved directly allows you to build rapport with your tenants, which can lead to better communication and longer leases.Cons of Self-Managing❌ Time-Consuming – Dealing with maintenance requests, late-night emergencies, and tenant disputes can quickly become a second job.❌ Legal Risks – Chicago has strict landlord-tenant laws.

Also does your locality allow you to work on investment properties?