Unfortunately the product I'm looking to build is a large logistical undertaking as well as a technical one, and I have great (and American!) co-founders that can help with the funding and hiring.

While I see the merit in the first half of your post - I'm still looking for outside investment, and I'm unsure a seed/angel investor would be willing to put a bet on an international company. As well as that "working" for a for-profit entity, even if it is back home - I believe is violation of status.

Tricky problem :-(