The result is we have low inventory and remote workers with lots of cash (no vacations for the past year and ready to leave the big city), artificially pushing up prices.

@Anish Tolia you’ve now used unicorns and politics to make an intelligible argument.

Analytically, one of the major reasons was the artificially low supply levels, as people are not moving as much in the era of covid. 

A big part of me wishes I would have had the same direction and financial intelligence I do now, I perhaps could have devoted that time and money that went into school into starting my business, learning a trade/skill that pays well, or joining the service and gaining benefits when I get out as you stated.So perhaps you can take the advice of other comments and apply it to your situation.

I have heard there is no longer a limit, but am so disconnected from the VA loan that I can't speak intelligently on it. 

Both for recruiting and learning local customs and landlord tenant laws.You seem like a committed, intelligent individual wish you the best on this and keep us posted.

Most other precious metals are produced at far greater rate than the demand because of the artificially high prices.

Of course my assessments went up 47%, but that is due to the added value created from rehabbing the properties.Chicago property taxes are too low (compared to both our historic spending level and taxes of other counties in the metro area) and have been held artificially low for decades due to politics.

Especially for intelligent people like yourself, school isn't necessarily about learning the content, it's about learning how to work with others, negotiate difficult social issues and to provide others with information and products in the way they want to see them.

THEN, they invest that intelligently in real estate.