@Matt Wan Many lenders require wet signatures on at least the Promissory Note but if yours does not, as a US citizen you could do the entire signing anywhere on the planet with a good internet connection + mic + camera via Remote Online Notarization (RON) for less than $200.If wet signatures are required, the answer then depends upon what foreign country you are in.

How many people every year pour out there life savings to come for a vacation, just from TX, not even mentioning the US or rest of world. 

Yes, you still do online shopping and coordination and so on, but hitting 500 hours in this case becomes far more challenging.

In one of my markets assessments are performed every 3 years, and the cost of 3rd party appeals will cost 30% of 1 year savings. 

A good condo board should be saving money for larger projects as they are known in advance (eg every 25 years you need a new roof). 

Save up more money.

Should I just save that additional tuition money and put that towards my first investment? 

@Drake BackmanBigger Pockets is a great place to find a tax strategist specializing in real estate taxation.A good real estate tax strategist can save you thousands of dollars by leveraging entity selection and formation, tax deductions, cost segregations, bonus depreciation and tax planning.I recommend finding a tax  strategist specializing in real estate taxation, business taxation, financial planning and tax planning.Consider working with your tax strategist remotely to expand your options.I would also recommend looking for a tax strategist willing to work with you throughout the year.

Like Having a great base of index funds and a fully funded IRA before throwing savings into crypto or the newest AI quantum-powered dog walking business! 

With an SDIRA, you can invest in long-term rentals while preserving your retirement savings, but you must follow strict IRS rules:1.