I have no personal experience with them but I am skeptical.

(Question 1)My friends expressed concerns about Steve potential retaliation, maybe in ways that I might not be able to directly identify him for (e.g. causing damage to appliances in the common area and I would have no way of knowing who did it.)

No reason to get ahead of yourself early on.

If you have no US credit, lenders will want to verify to credit trade lines from your country of origin for the past 2 years.

No worries I’ll keep your contact in case I start looking further south. 

I'm sure he's expecting me to come back and negotiate something more but we are both very new at this and I have no idea what would be an appropriate value for the risk and the time my money would be tied up in this. 

Options may include traditional mortgages, private lenders, partnerships, or even self-directed IRAs.Calculate all potential costs including property acquisition, renovations, property management fees, taxes, and maintenance.Property Selection and Due Diligence:Use your local team to scout properties that match your investment criteria.Conduct thorough due diligence including property inspections, financial analysis, and reviewing rent comparables (rental rates in the area).Make Offers and Negotiate:Submit offers based on your research and due diligence.Negotiate terms that are favorable to your investment goals, taking into account potential repairs or improvements needed.Close the Deal:Once your offer is accepted, work with your local team to complete all necessary paperwork and close the transaction.Ensure all legal aspects are handled properly, including title searches and property inspections.Manage Property Remotely:Hire a reputable property management company to handle day-to-day operations such as tenant screenings, rent collection, maintenance, and emergency repairs.Establish clear communication channels and expectations with your property manager.Monitor and Adjust:Regularly review your investment performance and financial metrics (cash flow, occupancy rates, expenses).Stay informed about market trends and adjust your strategy as needed to optimize returns or mitigate risks.Long-Term Strategy and Growth:Evaluate opportunities for portfolio expansion or diversification in the same or different markets.Continuously educate yourself on real estate investing best practices and market dynamics to make informed decisions.By following these steps diligently and leveraging local expertise, you can effectively navigate the complexities of out-of-state real estate investing and build a successful portfolio over time. 

Current House - Hacker on a Triplex,  still a DINK (Double Income No Kids.. for now) purchased off the MLS during COVID.

I have no W-2 income and have been advised to consider DSCR no-ratio loans, but current rates are in the low 9% range, which seems high.

Is it going to change your report, no.