He's not an accredited investor so he can't deduct losses on personal income. 

Does this person have a business license?

I would personally rent if it is temporary so you don't mix a personal and investment decisions.

They can be fun but also time wasters as well I have only personally bought off auction.com 

Just a tip: make sure you go into it with an experienced brokerage who really know their way around.I’ve personally been helping international investors get into the Dubai scene and work with experienced local companies that handle everything from start to finish. 

I'm just trying to hear stories of what factors played a major role in deciding how to handle this.

I also am curious on how everyone would handle moving into a place where all of the rents are below market.

However, if you prefer to meet in person and not over zoom or some other digital means, that would be a consideration.

They require the person assuming the loan to live there. 

With the several paths that a real estate investor can take, I see a future of various possibilities where I learn how to profit personal my personal affinities, thus solving my issue of getting bored and losing drive and focus.Recently I went through a divorce.