I have alot of work to do and just trying to set up some systems I would stay consistent with.  

What you need is a step by step system on how to run your business to keep it consistently bringing in deals and closing them!

This is the project link to gentrify the Rhode Island corridor -  Link - Almost 1,800 housing units  I purchased an REO from Bank of America for $199K, rehabbed the property for $23k to Buy-and-Hold for the long-term, it has appreciated to $310k in 15 months.

What ever you decide be sure to be consistent with all of your tenants so you can comply with fair housing laws.

Even as a Colombian it is not easy to get a mortgage and the interest rates are a ridiculous 9-10%- It is very difficult to consistently command decent rents.

Short term goals might be networking at X meetups per month or analyzing X deals per week.Eventually with consistent effort you should start seeing more opportunities and be moving toward your larger real estate goals. 

Absolutely .. carrying paper is a great way to move assets from non performing or under to steady consistent income stream with no tenant drama.  

I look for consistency of payments in the past year, and verified w2 income that matches 3x the rent.

This is consistent with the price history in Austin for several decades.That being said, the Austin market is not a great fit for my financial goals, because investors here are betting on backend returns, and foregoing cashflow.

What I love is the fast shipping, consistent stock and ability to download an excel spreadsheet if your purchases.