Investing While Teaching Abroad

[Kyle Teague]

Hello Community,

I was hoping to get a little feedback on REI while teaching abroad. I have done a little research in the forums and have found very little on investing while being an international teacher. My hope was to find someone who could share a few tips on which investment strategy would be best for my situation.

Currently I am overseas about 11 months out of the year. I have the ability to live in an expense free environment, where I basically am only paying for my travel. After investing in retirement, brokerage, and savings accounts, I am left with about 20K each year. I am debt free and looking for ways to invest. The most appealing strategy is REI. Am I wrong? I could always place the extra cash into some low risk index funds and continue the stress free life I am living, but part of me wants to try something new.

My main concern is that I am restricted from managing my own properties.  What does this limit me to?  What does this open me up to?  Does the 50% rule apply to me, or am I at 60% because of the additional cost incurred through traveling from out of country?  Am I better off with a buy and  hold or can I still ponder with the idea of a multiplex?  

Hopefully someone stumbles across this post and can help.  It would be much appreciated.  

Kyle