Cross Border investing and partnership.

[Marc Jolicoeur]

Hi folks,

I am a US citizen and a novice RE Investor but my parents are Canadians living in Canada. I would like to gather some basic information from Canadians who are investing in the US because I would like to have my parents join me as partners in my RE business.

My style of RE investing is Buy-and-Hold for cash flow. Of course we will consult with attorneys and cross border accountants before we set anything up, but I am looking to get the basic concepts here.

- How can my parents invest in US Real Estate? Do they need to set up a business or trust in the US or in Canada, or both?
- Can they be partners in my US-based LLC?
- My parents are mostly retired and have lower income. They do have assets they can invest. Are there strategies they should consider to help reduce their overall tax obligation?
- What are the best ways to get money transferred from Canada to the US? Is there paperwork to file?
- What are the best ways to transfer monthly income from the US to Canada?
- What are the considerations for estate planning? (I am one of two siblings)

Again, not understanding the basics ,we would like some general ideas of what we need to think about before we engage in any deal. I am sure some of you Canadians have most of this figured out. How would it work differently if you had a US partner?

Marc