Canadian investors in US Real Estate market

[Vid Vin]

Hello BP community, 

Any Canadians out there who have invested in US Real Estate. What was your plan to manage the property especially when you are not living in that area/ country. I am looking at areas in the border states. Any recommendations for realtors, financers and property management companies who helped you get into and get your first property. Any other suggestions are welcomed. 

[Mike Terry]

Quote from @Vid Vin:

Hello BP community, 

Any Canadians out there who have invested in US Real Estate. What was your plan to manage the property especially when you are not living in that area/ country. I am looking at areas in the border states. Any recommendations for realtors, financers and property management companies who helped you get into and get your first property. Any other suggestions are welcomed. 

Hi Vid,

Welcome to BP! I am a Canadian living and working in the US for the past 30 plus years. I have a rental portfolio in South Georgia and have been flipping houses in Southwest Florida. It has been a great an profitable ride. Suggestions I would make starting out a cross border tax advisor accountant is invaluable. I successfully operate a small portfolio (3 duplexes and three single families) out of state and a good property manager is essential. If you have significant resources you can start on your own, if not partnering with someone who brings some local knowledge can accelerate and stabilize your journey. Geographically, Michigan, New York and Ohio are great states to invest in with low barriers to entry. I would start looking at listings and familiarize yourself with these markets. I want to be somewhat hands on so I would pick markets that are driveable for you and visit frequently. Find some REI meet ups to continue to network with investors. Investing in the US will smooth out some currency volatility if you are in it long enough. I bought my first US investment property in 2010with CAD when the loonie was close to par, this can compound your profits. Obviously right now is a lower valuation, but there is always ways to take advantage of the currency spread. Good luck with your adventure. It will have ups and downs, you will make mistakes, but I have found real estate investing to be a rewarding endeavor. Best of luck.