I’m not confident this approach fits the best with how my life is panning out though but I’m open to learning more.  

@John Kim @Travis Biziorek is 100% correct.S8 really isn't difficult, but it's not the answer to everything that the self-proclaimed "gurus" make it out to be.With S8 tenants, you're just trading one set of challenges versus direct paying tenants.When we advertise a rental, we take the best tenant we can find, immaterial of their source of rental funds.You want to be careful investing in the City of Detroit because there are a lot of "crooks" trying to sell you Class D properties dressed up to look like Class C or B.Connect with us or Travis for more info!

Other ways of using SDIRAs could be to invest in syndications, performing  or non-performing debt, precious metals, raw land, precious metals, mobile home parks, self-storage facilities and more. 

With one property you can self manage even from a distance.   

Yeah for sure, I meant to say that buying in the U.S. you might be able to self manage if you want but international you probably don't have the option but I didn't express that super well.

I concur with @John Underwood the right property with right management (right self-management) will do fine. 

There is a mortgage so that also adds to the amount desired, though my inexperienced self still feels it would sell for a pretty penny once fixed up.

If we do a Self Storage development we expect a 400% COC return.  

Self-Serving Bias.

The alternative is to set up a self-directed IRA, or better, a truly self-directed Solo 401k plan, invest in alternative assets, and then do the conversion.