Cross Country Mortgage for the lender, Thumbprint Realty (myself) as the buyer's agent.

For example, I’m located in NJ but have clients all over the US and outside the country.

The two years of residence would tick back from when you lived in the home, which concluded in Sept 2021.The other piece to keep in mind, and again, I don't know where abroad you are living, but I would also consult a tax accountant familiar with the tax laws of that country, and the US tax treaty with that country, to confirm a gain wouldn't be inadvertently triggered for your country of residence. 

I own, operate, and live in the state of my LLC but I have clients all over the country/world. 

Welcome Welcome @Jamie Grossman - I am a biased Chicago investor, but know that success can be found in every market across the country! 

Alabama ranks 8th in the country for low cost of living.- No one particular industry takes over more than 18% of the job pool leaving plenty of diversification for a safer market to invest in.

Is there any value in flying to another part of the country, whether it be Pittsburgh or LA, to visit a project that I invested in? 

Bend - Very few places in the country with the density of luxury new construction properties being developed.Ashland - Micro Bend.

I am on the board at CFRI (Central Florida Realty Investors), the local chapter to the national REIA and one of the largest in the country. 

If that isn't feasible for his situation I'd recommend looking for rentals in the southern/middle part of the country where price points are much easier and the laws are landlord friendly.