We did use New American Funding for the refinance.

Millions of Americans have embraced the work-from-home lifestyle.

By the end of April, more than 30 million Americans had filed for unemployment, 23 million were at risk for evictions, and the numbers kept rising.

I suggest doing some google searching or simply read this article (https://thediwire.com/biden-pr...) detailing the end of 1031 is not theory, nor talking point, heresy or conspiracy, it is a key component of the incoming administrations tax plan "The Biden Plan for Mobilizing American Talent and Heart to Create a 21st Century Caregiving and Education Workforce", that has a $775 BILLION cost to it, making it necessary to create funding for, such as raising capital gains and eliminating capital gains tax measures such as 1031. 

I actually am supposed to be leaving for Germany at the end of April to play pro American football for the Dresden Monarchs.

As a result, as an American you could buy properties in these countries dirt cheap and profit handsomely as their currencies continue to recover against the USD while real estate prices expressed in their local currency continue to rise as a result of their growing middle class.Still, for an American newbie, I'd agree it's less risky to start by investing in the US, if only for the fact that you generally need the education and the right contacts to successfully invest internationally.

Starting in February and for the next year we are having the Monday night meeting at the German American Society.

This affects most Americans because the common person has their retirement savings in the stock market.On the flip side, the added tax revenue will be allocated to expanding social programs.

It will not only eliminate / drastically reduce the average American's biggest expense (housing), but position you to save exponentially faster. 

Sometimes there are discounts for being a union member (or having a spouse who is), or belonging to certain organizations (American Medical Assoc., AAA, AARP, etc), but you won't just hear about them, you have to ask.