Unique circumstances breed unique opportunities, right?

[Jake James Starkie]

Hello everyone or anyone potentially no one. This is my first post here and I'm selfishly looking for advice. First let me inform you of my 'unique circumstance'.  I am a UK expat working in Russia and soon moving to Qatar as a high school teacher. I recently married with my beautiful (Russian) wife Aliya. Now for the 'unique opportunities', due to the communist history and extreme weather, 99% of the population live in aparmtent blocks. Most apartments are around 40 - 60 thousand (gbp). 

So my basic concept or 'business' plan at the moment is this: invest in the smaller cheaper apartments here in Kazan, Russia. Where annual appreciation of aparments is roughly 10-20%. Then taking the profit to invest in buy to let schemes back in the UK. 1 apartment once fully paid could provide the capital to make a 20% deposit down on two family homes in a UK buy to let scheme. 

Phewww. Long worded I know and I apologise for being green as grass, I'm as new as they come to the game but feel I have a good opportunity here.  I'd appreciate any advice or words of encouragement!! Am I on to something? Or am I, as the kids say, 'a total noob' 

Thanks guys!

Jake