I feel like I should follow suit.

Here is an example with numbers (an ideal best case scenario):ARV: $175Kpurchase price: $90Kclosing costs (including HM interest): $10Krehab: $25KAll-In cost: $90K+$10K+$20K = $125KHard money loan (70% of ARV): $122.5K Out of pocket: $2500Once the rehab is finished and the property is rented, refinance $122.5K into 30yr fixedEnd result: $52.K captured equity with $2500 out of pocket.The rent should be above $1300

Anything above 75% ltv and it jumps into the low to mid 4s. not bad but not ideal.

I ideally value a property at 8 x annual rent. 

Ideally, I can get enough income and equity from buy and hold properties from small multi unit properties, using BRRRR strategy, that I could use a large portion of the cash I have to build the community as a passion project, so to speak.

That is definitely something I'm open to, unfortunately, I have no idea when I will be moving back to the states, so rather than wait for that I'm looking for ways I can get invested within the next year or so ideally.

One is cash, and I have to chase her down every month, but she lives 2 minutes from my house, so I deal with it.Bookkeeping: I use quickbooks. 

I have great credit 750+ but am not sure if it is ideal to just pay cash or to get a loan.Anyone been in a similar position? 

Ideally for the best fannie/freddie the loan amount will be $1mm+.  

You just have to calculate that into your projections as a cost of doing business.I suppose, ideally, you could get your license and go through your own broker for the sales contract and legal support in purchasing your properties.