(This is not going to last...LoL)I would prefer not to go back to a permanent employer if at all possible, although it would look better for financing.

I would see it more as something as you note that can give you a little bit of an "oomph" over the competition; I'd guess about 25% of our tenants (we have SFH) have some kind of raised bed garden that we allow, so long as it's not permanent. 

And that $100K is not a permanent asset.

Assuming you intend to keep this property long term your best option is a permanent fix to the problem.

I guess what I'm asking is, is there a way to succeed in notes/rental investing if you're from another country without having a visa/permanent residence status?

And currently, we are committed to allocating our marketing budget to more permanent adds. 

Check with a community bank look for a 5 year commercial loan then refi out with permanent financing when you qualify for same.

Schools are really not a major concern of mine, I am 24 right now and would not be living in this area permanently.

We are in the risk measurement / actuarial business when selecting tenants.The things they purchased represent permanence.

Stuff that's easily purchased that a service or handyman can install.So now you have a rehab you want to do what I can tell you that will actually be useful.The cost of construction is variable throughout the country but assuming you doing this is metropolitan area with licensed trades these would be my rules of thumb.I'm doing this per day, per man because that's how a lot of subs calculate their own costs.