I don't know what options to look into but if you point me in the right direction to research I will.

If you like single family investing, you will have a lot of solid options there.

John - I believe the appraiser will typically defer to "closer" properties relative to others as along as the sales are within 6-12 months.

A couple of options for you to consider: 1) Just let this first house-hack ride, and stack cash.

That's super small in the commercial world so that might be your ONLY option.  

Agree with Jacob that Facebook could be a great option.

We typically will use them in our own portfolio before referring them to our clients.

Loans are typically amortized meaning the percentage of interest paid compared to principle paydown is highest at the first month. 

If I do go the property management route - can i get a limited service option (say in which I find the tenant, collect rent, handle most maitnenance issues) and they primarily are liasoning with my vendors during US business hours and handle any urgent maintenance issues?

Sounds like a typical paying tenant.