The seller had a military contractor job with security clearance.

Since you're a citizen but you live and work abroad you'd still qualify mostly for second homes occupancy or investor non owner occupancy (primary is hard to claim if your job requires you to be physically next to the office as an example so an underwriter isnt going to readily believe you unless you can get HR to write you a letter to state you're remotely capable of earning this income/job duties anywhere).Hopefully that helps let me know if you have further questions into mortgage planning.

It was vital that the house be in close proximity to the one who knew how to do the repairs, because of the technology of our current time theoretically Id be able to monitor and track progress with a trust worthy foreman whos on the job, performing repairs, managing subs, and moving the needle.

How is population and job growth?

I learned enough (in summary) what they needed to do their job in getting my funding to make it easier on myself.

Management treats line employees quite poorly and lying is just part of the job.

Your job is to serve your client, not to "make" the deal.

The influx of tech jobs, manufacturing, mining, and Californians there is a strong population and combined with limited to no multifamily new construction we expect a severe housing shortage.

Quote from @Jonathan Grzeszczyk: Soon I am taking a job with a wholesaling company on the acquisition side of the deal. 

Jobs are always a good indicator of growth areas especially good high paying jobs.