Europe is probably more of a pipe dream at this point, but still on my list of goals.
I'd say it is liable to remain a pipe dream, and rightfully so: the laws are complex (EU rules are layered on top of country-specific statutes), acquiring finance is difficult, the value of the property you buy will to be tethered to the outcome of the Eurozone crisis, and once management fees and local taxes are factored in, it isn't clear how much profit potential even exists anyway -- except perhaps in the distressed peripheral countries, though they may simply keep falling rather than recover in full.
I will soon own a rental property there, but merely due to an Act of Zeus (God is overrated) creating a convergence of factors such that it was worth it rather than proper overseas investment acumen. It just doesn't seem a worthwhile proposition for most pure outsiders.
Interestingly, Central and South America supposedly contain great opportunities for real estate investment, though I don't know about you, but I have approximately zero interest in spending any time in these regions.
2. It may have been better for me to use "learned" after visiting. The amount of knowledge you gain and sights you see ( I did private walking tours) and the subsequent reading on these subjects after visiting gave me a feeling of being more educated. So no, it didn't help me solve any math problems, but I definately gained a wealth of knowledge by going, and as you said, "cultured".
Yes, that sounds more reasonable.
Have you ever been, or do you live there now?
I lived in the Mediterranean for over a year and have traveled to the majority of the prototypical tourist destinations on the continent, albeit for a short period of time per location (breadth rather than depth).
