US Real Estate Investing While Abroad

[RJ Harden]

My wife and I are American but live & work in Hong Kong and expect to be here for at least a few more years. We are considering investing in housing real estate near the Dallas area where I am originally from and where my father has had a fair amount of success over the last few years.

I was curious whether others who live abroad or have been in similar situations have any insights or best practices investing while abroad. I can foresee some particular issues which others might not have to face - for example:

1. Are there complexities securing financing when your income is earned abroad in a non-USD currency? My wife and I have well enough in a US-based bank for a down payment, and additional funds in a non-USD account, but our current income is not in USD.

2. Do we need to make a trip to see the house in person before deciding on it? Or is online research, appropriate research and due-diligence, and a proper inspection sufficient to be comfortable making the investment?

3. Are there emergencies which could come up that would require our immediate attention that a property management company would not take care of? Given that it's a 13 hour time difference we'd really need to rely on such a company overseeing all immediate, day-to-day issues once a tenant is in place.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!