I didn't have your first issue (actually maxed a few Sim's memories) but am 'bugged' by your second issue.
I have tried purchasing various vacation homes in France several times now and have even just tried purchasing a lot but, like you, it doesn't register once I return home and the money is refunded. At first I thought it had something to do with the property I purchased
. I even stayed in the home for several days before returning from my vacation but that didn't help.
I traveled to Egypt with the same family and bought a vacation home there and that home does show up in my owned properties and is available when I return to that country.
I still need to check China, but have to make it to level 3 with my family first.
As a side note, I have a family that owns several homes in each country and I loaded up that game last night. All homes and properties were still accounted for. I didn't travel with them to the various countries as I didn't know if I would lose the home(s) when I returned from vacation or not - I didn't want to take the chance.