I could consider renting out to I'm still early in the process and very open to feedback.

Jut received this response  while applying for lead Clearance rebates in the City of Cleveland.To ensure there are sufficient funds to process applications in the pipeline, we will accept applications until February 3.

My credit is good but not mature enough for loans to be approved for this process also.I see this industry changing my life, as well as the lives of my family members.

But all in all, I don't think the loan process is all that different from a normal purchase.

Quote from @Jason Wray: Jared,The process you need to follow is get a "Pre-Approval" from a mortgage Banker or Loan officer.

I can't really seem to figure out a process of how to do this safely and efficiently (showings/screenings/background checks) when out of state investing. 

They should be able to answer your questions on projected returns, local demand, the acquisition process, tenant screening, and more.Lastly, I suggest using the search feature and setting up keywords to get the most out of your experience on BiggerPockets.

.- HUD loans have slightly better terms than agency loans but require a longer approval process of around 6 months.

From someone who has never invested in real estate and haven’t lived in the United States for such a long time, this process is of course intimidating and feels like Phoenix isn’t the “greatest” place for the type of investing strategy I would like to commit to. 

The extra advantage is that some markets have reliable off-market opportunities, which means less competition and more control over your first investment.It’s a great way to start building a foundation, test the process, and scale without the stress of high purchase prices or relying solely on local boots-on-the-ground.