How would I invest in foreign real estate?

[Malcolm James]

Hi all!

My name is Malcolm and I’ve just started looking into real estate investing, I have spent a fair bit of time learning and practicing analyzing deals.

The main concern is I am from Canada and looking to invest in America. I’m looking to move to America in the future and did some research about investing from Canada into America but I couldn’t find nothing fruitful.

I have taken some steps toward building credit with a Canadian bank that can transfer my credit over but I only started recently.

Any help on the topic would be awesome!

[Paul Britton]

Hello Malcolm

I bought a property in the last four months in Ohio from northern Canada. Read David Greene's book on Long Distance Real Estate Investing (Imperative).  If I were to do it again this is what I would do first:

1. Decide your strategy, market etc
2. Set Up your corporate structure

3. Speak with a cross border tax specialist

4. Get Lending ready. There are many lenders that work with Canadians investing in the USA. (Hardest part about investing cross border)

5. Find a deal finder (Agent most likely) There are many who work with out of state and country investors and offer one stop shops. The Fire Team in the Greater Detroit Area and Raefco in Columbus are excellent examples of this service. Turn Key Investing companies operate like this as well. Rent to Retirement is an excellent example and company. 

6. Once Lending and Team is in place start making offers

Good Luck!