I would suggest defining your criteria for what you want to achieve on your first investment property, and then taking action! 

Need a concise plan of action and not sure what to do first!

Many consumers are rate-obsessed, and do not pay attention to their mortgage balance, to closing costs, etc, and in response to that consumer 'demand,' my industry and the folks in it often 'supply' a lower rate than might be optimal. 

But that takes a little time and practice; otherwise, you'll be like a chicken with your head cut off....running around making a mess of everything and ending up....well, in a very bad spot.Your goal(s) will determine your methodology, and your methodology will determine what actions you should be doing today, tomorrow, a week or a month from now. 

If cash flow is the most important thing, then locally here is likely not your best course of action.

I told her we may rent the first year, and she suggested being near downtown where the action is for that year, and then can always move further out when buying.

Why is the actions of China different than the official information?

@John Neff a spreadsheet to run numbers is all you need. 99% of RE books are rah-rah rants to motivate potential buyers into action or authors/ghostwriters rewriting what other successful authors have written many years ago.

Reddit can be time consuming so there is that to consider.

If they are truly squatters they you file a "Wrongful Detainer" action.