Foreigner looking into investing in the United States

[Clinton Bolton]

Hi Everyone

Been a long time follower on everything bigger pockets, but first time posting on here. Sorry for the long post but thought I'd put it all out there to save the time in having to ask me questions, but I sure ill forget something so ask away if you do have any questions.

little info about me:

I'm British Citizen but born in South Africa.

I have a few investment properties in countries that I'm citizen of just single family homes and apartments. So have somewhat of an understanding in property investing but not as professional like you guys on here. Especially with all the strategies you can go about as there are so many strategies you can do in the United States which a lot of countries you can't do because they do not allow it, there's a lot of restriction on what you can do in other countries.

That is why I have my interests in investing in the United States.

I am not a US citizen nor a green card holder and do not have a SSN.

I do have a bank account in the United States.

I have an incredible paying job, zero debt and zero expenses, medical, accommodation, food, transport and travel is all covered by my employer, so I'm very fortunate to be completely debt free. 

I've looked a lot in Florida as I have lived there on and off for many years so know the area pretty well, but I've looked into Texas and Michigan also. As I have traveled extensively to these states before, so kinda know the areas too but it has been some years since I have been back. I'm open to investing in any other states which anyone can recommend that they know is good to invest in.

Im interested in the house hacking idea with buying duplexes/ triplexes and also in single family homes. After years of searching and then giving up and then finding some motivation to try again, getting back onto google search and researching for lenders that would lend to foreigners. I finally found a company in Florida that would lend to me, only in Florida but there's a catch I can only purchase in certain counties in Florida which is annoying but I'm just glad I found someone finally. Im still wanting thought to purchase in other states like I mentioned before such as Texas and Michigan and any other states that professionals recommend. Obviously I need to find a bank that would lend to me, if anyone knows of banks or companies that will lend to foreigners at reasonable interest rates I say this because I have found some companies that would lend but want to charge 11% interest or more.

Another question I have is that is there any strategy to negotiating the purchase price even when its a sellers market right now. I have been looking into properties in Florida which is booming as we all know its crazy to see. But when coming to negotiating there's no negotiating, buyers are purchasing homes above the asking price it is crazy to watch. Is this now how it's going to have to be till the housing bubble pops? am I going to have to pay more for the property than what the seller is asking for to seal the deal before someone else takes it away from me? or is there a strategy to getting it below market value what the seller is asking for?

Hope you have a wonderful week and thank you for your time in reading this post. Look forward to hearing from you guys.

Kind regards

Clinton