I still have a little while until I save up the down payment and educate myself yet and I’ll take all the help I can get in order to get through my first deal. 

I remember as a one off property bids came in at 10k a door for reno but this investor could do it for 7k a door because of the volume he did saving on labor and materials.

This leaves us with $ 170 a month, at the time not saving for any expenses.

The time you save in not searching turns to all the aforementioned and your opportunity to pick and choose how you involve yourself in each deal; thus partnering on the great stuff and wholesaling the good.Even 2% ownership in a com or multifam deal long term could be a great start to a passive income that allows you even more freedoms (choice).ALL of the value is in the deal.

Without income and savings you are going no where.

Hell, I already live abroad and I'm investing here to save the money to come back.

But you would save on the listing commission, which I assume is your goal?

@Josiah McGinnis the tenant sounds reasonable although he will never make his money back in saved water costs from his toilet scheme.

If someone can save you from a headache then the questions was worth it. 

It will take some time for you to learn all you need to know and to save the needed cash to proceed.