US expat in Asia. Where to begin rental real estate investment? U.S. or Asia?

[Joe Y.]

Hi BP community, 

I am a longtime US expat living in Asia for over a decade. I've for the past months been studying REI with eye towards rental properties.

My struggle, however, is my relatively unique situation living in Korea, and where I should look to start, i.e. Korea or an Asian market, or long distance rentals in the U.S. 

Beyond actual market conditions/analysis, Ive thought thru some of the more personal pros/cons, but would appreciate advice? Especially for those who have been/are in situations similar to mine? A beginning investor living outside the U.S. looking to get started. 

Korea (pros/cons) 

- where I currently live so easier/more tangible to research, manage properties

- while my Korean is ok, and I can utilize translation tools etc, bilingual agents, the language barrier would remain a challenge when it comes to navigating the Korean real estate world

- tax, mortgage, etc complexities

USA (pros/cons)

- much easier to understand as my native country, but at the same time as I havent lived in the US for several years, behind on market trends, etc. Also, i would be starting as a long distance investor. 

- easier tax, contracting, etc due to the English language vs Korean lang factor though i know mortgages/financing for a non U.S. resident would take work though as i understand possible

Thank you!