Two reasons, it is one of the best price to rent ratios in the country and it is the market I know best. 

Its in a smaller town with quiet country roads.

Im in the same boat mate - some of the metrics and principles from the US texts will carryover but at the end of day, we're different countries with different economics, restrictions, opportunities etc.

You went through boot camp, deployed, and served your country for that va loan.

First step is turning your life around then you can consider possibly investing once fully educated.Keep in mind real estate investing is not a path to getting out of debt it is for those that actually have money to invest and are looking at a long term growth of wealth.

US population is still growing due to immigration and even in other countries where population is stagnating or declining (Europe, Japan)  housing prices and rents haven't dropped dramatically to my knowledge. 

I have been wanting to invest in real estate back home but due to the political state of our country I am no longer wanting to do so. 

I  Live in Oregon city and I’m in the process of searching for an online course to obtain my real estate license and from there, of course, finding the right path to pursue training/mentorship. 

It's a different path than ALL of my classmates are taking, so it's great to hear that it's a viable path with direct benefits to your RE investing goals. 

Steve,I wanted to give you another path for the Insurance .