I’m a young guy from Belgium looking to invest/move to the states.The market seems to be more fun out there with more possibilities than Belgium or any other country in Europe I would be interested in. 

If you're going the wholesaling path then I'd speak to @Marina Sudwho is a successful wholesaler. 

And yes you can use the proceeds for anything you want not just real estate (although there may be some impact on your ability to deduct the interest depending on what you buy).Is this a great country or what!!!

There are really many different paths you can take with investing.

The demand has had a response in supply and Houston currently ranks #2 in the country for approval of multi family properties.

I did live in the house for 3 years before moving across the country.

I think it much depends on what are your short and long term perspectives.Let's see if I can put up a reasonable answer, and I also take it as an exercise for myself to clear up my ideas.If you invest for retirement and the goal is (as for much of us) having a passive income and maybe retire earlier, I think that the hardcore of our investments should be made in the same currency of the country we want to retire.

Real estate prices are going up across the country. 

JOE'S GOLDEN NUGGET #2: Buzz words to find motivated sellers Buzz words to find motivated sellers include: multiple price reductions, vacant, back on market, as-is, seller to do no repairs, cash only sale, estate sale, probate sale, bank owned, REO, foreclosure, Fannie Mae, Home Path, Freddie Mac, Home Steps, HUD, etc.

I know because it happened to me when we bought the middle of a huge resort complex and they sued and were able to prove the country that year screwed up on the notifications.