I live in the Boston area, have 2 multi's & have a full time job ( self-employed) .So , Boston to Rhode Island , would be my travel (2 1/4 hours) .....don't mind periodically traveling to keep checking the property, in fact I prefer to do that.

A neighbor who has the same size duplex gets about $1800/month for one unit and does STR in the extra bedroom in her unit and is able to cover her mortgage completely.  

Employers had to demonstrate they had advertised positions locally and in the US in general, before they could make an offer to a foreigner.

Please see additional considerations below.If you are eligible to set up a self-employed Solo 401k (or have a 401k plan through an employer which accepts rollover contributions and allows for 401k participant loans), another alternative which would avoid taxes and penalties would be to transfer your funds to such a 401k plan and then take a 401k participant loan.  

Read some books and attend podcasts so you learn how to underwrite and size-up deals that will make you money.

I can be personally debt free and have my budget covered on one right size deal.   

The rest of my income (about 45k adjusted gross) comes from self employment.

Im less concerned with actual areas and just more interested in trying to figure out the best size of the property as I always hire property managers.

This can also include documentation of rent payments.Up to two years of tax returns, released to the lender via an authorization submitted by the buyer using IRS form 4506-T.Recent pay stubs and contact information for each borrower’s employer.

@Sean HarrisonIf you're self-employed, you might be eligible for a Solo 401k, which offers many benefits over a self-directed IRA: Compared to an IRA, Solo 401k contribution limits are roughly ten times higher.There is no custodial requirement for the 401k.You don't need the additional expense and administration of an LLC to have checkbook control.There is a built in-Roth component whereas IRAs are either traditional or Roth, not both.A spouse can also participate in the same Solo 401k plan.The Solo 401k has additional tax benefits over an IRA when investing into real estate using leverage.The penalties for prohibited transactions are less severe, though it's best not to utilize this benefit :)I'd recommend you reach out to a few providers who regularly post here on BP to get a better understanding of your options.