Looking for other US expats investing in US real estate

[Aisha Young]

Hey all,

I am brand new to the community, so nice to meet you all.

I am currently living in Australia with my partner, and bought our first house here a few months back. The property is for capital growth, but it seems that the cash-flow properties in the US are many factors more lucrative than down under. I have not quite decided where I will be living in retirement, but it can't hurt to have some US income as the dollar is usually strong. What is slowing me down is living far away, and the fear of not seeing what is going on there when selecting and managing an investment property. I have read the BP book on long distance real estate investing, and I even contemplated buying my first house in a different state, but we ended up buying a primary place of residence here.

It would be great to talk to some people who also live abroad and hear how they got started, where to start (choosing a state while avoiding state taxes, what resources to use, if they visit the area they are investing in first, etc.). Is there a group for expats?

[Linda Weygant]

I am currently living in Portugal and left my portfolio in the Denver metro area under management.  Honestly, it can be nail-biting sometimes.  I got a text from a tenant with the word FLOOD in it and about came out of my skin.  Called the property manager and he let me know that yes, there was a leak under the sink that had dribbled onto the floor and it was under control.  So those kinds of things happen.  

It's a tough situation to be in.  But you're right - it's all about the property management.