R1 - can R1 buy real estate as investment property?

[samfolder]

I am in the us with a R1 visa as minister for a church. At the same time my interests go towards buying real estate, as investment.

I want to put my income that comes from church salary to a small real estate for investment.

My question is:
Can I invest in real estate as an investor?

Will being an investor affect the process of getting a green card?

Thanks in advance for your help.