Taking the first step, within an odd circumstance...please help!

[Corey Edmonds]

Currently I am working in the Middle East as a government contractor with  aspirations of diving into the many areas of real estate investing very soon.  While I understand that my presence is needed for a large majority of the transactions and progress as an investor, I am wondering how I can begin building my portfolio from my current location.  My overall goals include wholesaling as well as buy & hold properties and the occasional "flip".  Thanks