As far as the mixed use conversion goes, that depends.

I live in Pensacola and manage my own rentals here, I don't want to manage a property remotely though.  

Also have a niche market that I am targeting,  However, because I live in Long Beach, CA, I am very interested in developing relationships with other real estate investors, agents, brokers, and lenders in the area. 

From a tax perspective1. research if there is a treaty between the US and the country you live in2.

I just wanted to close this thread out by stating that I have received multiple emails and had an in depth conversation with current FIG investors, all of whom are very happy.  

-i think a great way to get started in real estate is a house hack or a live-in flip. 

I remodeled and lived in three different SFH since knowing her, and prices more than doubled in there neighborhood during that time. 

We bought a four-plex, lived in one unit and rented the other three.

But I also have 100k I can put 20%-25% down on investment properties I would not live in.

@Shane Kluiter Yes the multi family play or single family to multi conversion plays are very lucrative.