If I were in your shoes, I would probably look to house hack, as that is the cheapest and easiest way to make two quick steps towards financial freedom. 

I have sold houses and have friends that have bought houses and I know their financials.

As for what type of properties you want to look for.. cashflow is King, especially given your financial situation.I honestly wouldn't look into investing long distance with your minimal income and minimal cash in hand.

Ignoring personal time involved, strictly financially, you're wrong about efficiency.

I currently have two cash flowing properties in Charlotte and I am currently looking for a third property.Like many of you my goal is financial freedom but it has been a slow process since I still work full time.I am looking to do a refi on one property so that I can purchase the third property.

I currently have two cash flowing properties in Charlotte and I am currently looking for a third property.Like many of you my goal is financial freedom but it has been a slow process since I still work full time.I am looking to do a refi on one property so that I can purchase the third property.

Books: Rich Dad Poor Dad, Think and Grow Rich,  How to win friends and influence people.Podcast: BPMentors: @Ben Leybovich, Tom Krol, Joe McCall for the US. 

I graduated with an architecture degree two years ago and thought that all I needed to do to become financially free was to get the best job possible that payed me well... dead wrong.

ZERO financial analysis background (also biggest cause for concern because if a syndicator is taking shortcuts here... you know where this is going)No property management experienceNo investment management experienceOn average, the only "experience" is flipping / wholesaling houses...

They will influence what strategy to use.