Moving to Japan with the Military...

[Taylor Clark]

Hi guys! Ive been listening to the podcast for several weeks but just created my account today. I have done some research into investing out of state but it still feels very intimidating and now I have military orders to move to Japan for a few years. Does anyone know the logistics of investing out of country? Im not even sure where to begin trying to learn what tax issues or the problems I may face, not to mention the fact I currently only own one property and my experience is nil. As they say on the podcast "You don't know what you don't know". If anyone has tips or can point me in the right direction to learn more that would be incredibly helpful! Thanks in advance!

[Alan Sue]

Hi Taylor!

It's very possible! Even not military(me) it is still very doable, but a little more difficult. The biggest advantage you will likely have is the ability to use the military's services for notary, that is ironically one of the big hurdles in my opinion doing real estate in the US from Japan. 
Building a team you trust, or using a turnkey provider is a good way to get your feet in the door and gain some experience. I have gone both routes. I live in Yokohama if you ever want to grab a coffee or anything, depending where you are going to be. There are several BP'ers over Japan, and I think there was an Okinawa meetup trying to be in the works. 

Like the previous replies too, now is the time to learn and figure out which niche you want to focus on and go after.