Your only option is to go where you can find work. You must have a salary in order to pay your mortgage.

So get the work situation straightened out and look at property near enough to your job to commute in a reasonable time frame.

Often, first houses aren't nearly as nice as you would like. You start small and work your way up until you can get that dream house.

I am going to politely disagree with D H. I think this is an excellent tiem to buy in the USA. Not only have prices dropped, but sellers are feeling very insecure, so they are willing to consider low offers. If you get the right price now, you are still covered if prices go down more. Also, prices will not stay down. There is already pent-up demand, and real estate is always a cycle. Once it hits the low point, it turns around and heads upwards again.