Most Germans rent, not because they can't afford to buy, but because it is sometimes more convenient, and it is more socially acceptable to do so than in the US.

Another place to look for STRs could be large college towns with a passion for college sports. 

And never ever buy if the numbers don't work; leave emotion at the sports stadium :)Once you have sufficient cash, you can get the BRRRR train rolling and cycle that cash in & out of buy-and-hold properties and refinancing.

And also consider a market that can support major sports teams that have a loyal following, like a hockey team, basketball team, football team, tourist attractions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

My wife Tatiana is Polish/German and just recently passed the AZ Real Estate Sales exam and is going through the process of settling in with a broker.

Real estate is a contact sport and you need to be very organized.

With sports, it doesn't seem possible that things will change too much.

Fayetteville has a larger military population ~55,000 vs ~39,000, Fort Bragg also sports the largest % of military population interwoven with civilians last I checked it was roughly 55% living off post.

It sounds like you were always a goal setter, & your sports background will be an asset to you in your real estate career.

It is a nice fishing, kayaking all sports lake, but I think the renters will give us bad reviews because of the lakefront area.