Hello Lucas,
Another strategy you could consider would be passive investing in real estate till you are ready to actively own and manage. Take a look at a DST, Delaware Statuary Trust.
A DST is a hands-off, institutional grade real estate investment (apartments, self storage, commercial, medical office, etc), that allows the investor the option to diversify into multiple markets around the country. They can 1031 into $50-125M projects with as little as $100,000. Professionals with decades of experience and proven track records do all the heavy lifting. Investors have to be accredited.
Typically Investors complete a 1031 exchange out of active ownership/management into a DST because they are looking to defer capital gains and stay in real estate to build their wealth but are tired dealing with tenants, trash and toilets.
In your situation, if you are an accredited investor, you could invest while living overseas easily. While you are invested in the DST you could potentially earn monthly cash distributions, gain potential appreciation on the property and takie advantage of tax benefits (depreciation). A DST is typically a 5 to 7 year hold, at which point you could 1031 exchange into your own investment property. There are some drawback to DSTs as well. If you would like further information send an email anytime.