I hope you will find a realtor that specializes in investors and REOs asap that will show you on MLS the props that are availableIm not in the business as you know, but I know several props that already have tenants in place and investors that bought 6 +years ago are ready to sell...those are easy deals to run the projections on.Before you take any more time thinking about all thepossibilities...go ahead and get your loan qualifications done/ financing letter of approval Because you will have heartbreak if you find an incredible deal and you are not prepared to jump on it.( There sure are incredible deals even today in South charlotte but only for those investors prepared to take action.)  

That said, you should speak with a lawyer about what actions you can take at this point.  

I'm ready to take action now that I moved to the U.S.

If our strategy pans out, if we have 2-5 years of strong financials (high cash-flow properties), I don't think we'll have any issues getting a portfolio loan from any bank that offers them.

Also, don't put yourself in a financial situation where you feel as if you have to rent your unit ASAP. 4)- Plan, plan and plan some more.

i am a self-employed contractor looking for a way to i invest in rel estate to obtain financial freedom to be able to spend more time with my three year olds son 

@James Fulmer that is an awesome idea that I suggest to almost everyone getting started with investing.Welcome to BP, there is lots of info here that will educate you on selecting a duplex that meets your personal and financial needs.What part of NC will you be relocating to?

If she feels like she needs to take legal action I would like to point her to an attorney that has experience with dealing with apartment complexes. 

Your parents already own a home, and you currently live with them, you seem close to them and you know better than anyone else what their financial situation is like.

I did something similar, after a long career in something unrelated to real estate and only after I had some experience like you in acquiring rental properties, some property management experience, I realized that if I devoted more attention to it I could accelerate my growth, get financial freedom and be fine.