Investing Internationally and Domestically

[Ronald Ceballos]

Good Day All!

First off, I am new to both this site, and investing. I have some ambitions that some might consider lofty, but I've finally snapped out of the rat race mentality, and did so at the ripe age of 39... So yeah, not really sitting on a mountain of time. I suppose my "awakening" happened when I took a certain job where I was able to live abroad and make good money. While out there, I did a ridiculous amount of travel, and it became nearly an addiction of mine. I spent all my free time thinking of where I wanted to go next. Additionally, I also had a family who was able to take advantage of this setup (1 wife, 2 kids 5 and 6). All that came to an end, and we are back in the USA living in Florida.... but it changed me. I realized what I wanted out of life, and it wasnt the rat race.

So, I come back to the USA in a market that is very competitive, and I buy a home. Now I am starting to realize how much money there is to be made with a combination of hard work and education. For myself, I am an Electrical Engineer, and my wife is an Elementary School Teacher. We have the potential for another outing abroad, and fully intend to do so. With my wifes schedule, I feel we are set up for some great rental property opportunity. So with that being said, I am looking at doing the following in parallel:

1. Developing a rental portfolio within my local community (Panama City, FL) and start building that up at a rate of maybe 1 property a year

2. I am looking to make some investments overseas in places like Italy, Spain, Portugal, etc. Living abroad made me realize how much money can be made via short term (airbnb, etc) rentals. Added bonus, I get to have a vacation home in italy.... Whats not to love?

That being said, does anyone here have any experience with overseas investing? Surprisingly, places like Italy are significantly less expensive than here in the USA. To me it felt like an obvious choice for someone who isnt afraid of branching out into the world, and has knowledge in navigating foreign legal systems. But alas, I am a beginner... So I was hoping to find someone who might have more knowledge on this specific topic.

Does anyone have any good insight?

Best,

Ron