Finance options for Australian citizen investing in USA

[Greg Johnson]

Hi all,

As the title suggests, I'm starting to research the US property market with ambitions of purchasing an apartment block. I've got a couple of million dollars worth of property in Australia which has and should continue to treat me well on the capital gains front, but I'm chasing cash flow assets now and - from my initial research - it seems like there might be some better money to be had on this front in the US of A, where I also have some business interests.

I lack knowledge in the lending area, however, when it comes to the US banking system, and that's where I'm hoping to draw upon your knowledge, experience and advice.

Straight off the bat, I'm guessing my options will be reduced, interest rates and loan-to-value ratios higher as a foreign citizen. All that is fine, I'm just looking to fill in the blanks from there on - which lenders to look at, likely interest rates (ball park) and if they'd touch me at all.

I have about $450,000 cash for the sake of this exercise, so I was thinking 40% lend could have me looking at assets up to $750,000. Is this achievable?

My US company is a partnership, so I don't really want the business to be going as a guarantee against anything. Preferably the loan would be secured solely against the asset, which given the size of the deposit/down-payment feels like it should be achiveable. 

Please help pick this apart and add to my knowledge - it is indeed appreciated.

Cheers,

Greg