Based on the prices I can find on Zillow/realtor.com, the numbers seem to come out better for me with a 3x2 condo, considering that I can actually afford a 20% down payment on a condo compared to a 5% FHA I'd have to take out for a multifamily.

I work in Seattle and there aren't many job options for me in Bham.

Its about an hour drive for me and probably for you too but thought I would mention it. 

I get back to Japan Oct 31st, so anytime after that, outside of Sunday’s work best for me too.

A home would have to have all cap ex items taken care of very recently for me to only account 5% for it. 

Yes...if that's the deal...it would be a no-go for me for sure.

Here is my process I have thought out for now, please feel free to critique/provide improvements based on experience:Learn through BiggerPockets, David Greene, Gary Keller -- I personally want to avoid getting too deep into this phase, get the basics and run with itCreate a system on analyzing a property - I have my own parameters that work for me and have put them on an excel sheet - I have what I call 'quantitative' and 'qualitative' tabs that give me a 300 degree viewGet pre-approved as I am learningNext comes the Research phase (learning and researching are going together) - this is taking time.  

I've been a lurker for awhile now so it's only right for me to start contributing!

It has been working for me more so than local buyers.

Some form of stocks?