It looks like OPM (other people's money) will be your best bet.

Best bet in any market where you are looking to invest is to find an investor friendly real estate agent that operates in that area that can be your eyes, ears, and boots on the ground for you.

To avoid a large DP with traditional financing, would hard money be my best bet to get started? 

I think a first deal going with a lower risk to learn the ropes is maybe the best bet.

Prior to letting them move into the property yes you absolutely MUST perform a background check.

Be sure to perform a full tenant screening (credit, criminal, and eviction) on your next tenants and save the hassle.

I pay for this service at no additional cost to my buyers.The option can not be exercised if an eviction takes place per my "breach of contract" clause which states:If the Tenant/Buyer shall fail to keep and perform any of the covenants, agreements, or provisions of this Lease/Option, or If the Tenant/Buyer shall abandon the property; it shall be lawful for the Landlord/Seller to repossess, and enjoy the same as if this Lease/Option had not been made, and thereupon this Lease/Option and everything herein contained on the part of the Landlord/Seller to be done and performed shall cease, determine and be utterly void.The tenant/buyer is clear about their maintenance responsibility as future owners of the property per the clause in the lease that states:The Tenant/Buyer accepts the property “as is" on the date of execution of this Lease/Option The Tenant/Buyer shall henceforth be responsible for all maintenance and repair upon said property, both interior and exterior.

*The cost of repairs and maintenance in excess of Five Hundred and no/100 Dollars ($500.00) shall be shared equally by Owner and Tenant, provided that Owner has approved of each expenditure in writing prior to the commencement of any work on the premises, and provided that the work is performed by a reputable contractor.tenant law in the State of:

If you're looking for long-term rentals, your best bet is to hit some areas more towards the southern part of the state. 

I imagine this is a process I have to refine, because these are literally people 25-32 years old with no personal track records, coming from outside the USA in droves, and they don't require traditional documents in order to perform duties.I am going to assume their passports/visas are legit.