I’m also starting to attend local meetups this week, posting on forums, and telling my network about the business to get my name out there. 

The main monthly meeting is held in Raleigh and it would be a good group for you to get plugged into to get more local contacts and learn more.

If the location fits your lifestyle you will find someone to help you invest either local to where you move or not. 

Work with a professional 3rd party PM who already manages dozens or hundreds of S8 units and is on a 1st name basis with the local case works/housing authority folks.

To find out whether home hacking is feasible, do a complete analysis of the local real estate market, taking into account trends, rental costs, and property values.

Even for US Citizens, many US banks won't do loans with investors from out of the state (they want local tie).  

I am interested in meeting local investors in the area or attending meetups to continue my introduction and know folks with experience such that I can learn, JV or just be a spectator eager to learn.Thanks,Nick

If not, an easy way to find one would be to look up people who recently bought houses in cash, or search for those firms online if there are any locally.

It's the next stage, after your cut your teeth in your local area.Generally, less talk and getting ready (which are both fun but do not pay bills) and more rolling up your sleeves and doing the work.

As for charging extra rent, check with state local landlord tenant laws as could be violating fair housing if charging more just because more members in family.