Expat coming back to US with no w-2 job or home of my own.

[Zachary D.]

First, I want to thank everyone contributing to BiggerPockets. I've learned a lot over the past couple of years while reading and listening to the podcasts.

I am coming back to Texas from Japan in September of this year (2017) and I won't have a w-2 job right away, or for a few months possibly. I am changing fields and don't have much money. I'll be living with family, but because my wife will be joining me from Japan soon, I don't think we can live there for long. 

To get to the point...I want to avoid wasting  2 years and 20,000 dollars on rent and live in an investment property ( house hack ).

I am considering structuring a series of personal loans, approaching a portfolio lender, or maybe even a hard money lender to get a 2-4 unit building to live in while renting out. Partnerships may also be worth exploring.

Almost anything seems better than dumping money into an apartment.

I am also open to small commercial buildings if it would relieve my lack of w-2 problem.

Can anyone offer a sober perspective on my situation?

[Jon Lee]

Hi @Zachary D.....A couple of things to keep in mind.  Most of your portfolio lenders out there are the same companies that lend hard money so that means that their are products they offer that could suit your needs.  If you have excellent credit, you could have the ability to access loans that you don't need a W-2 for. 

You will also need other funds to cover the difference between the LTV and purchase price of the home if you can't get a large enough discount on the property.

Explore the portfolio lenders out there...talk to the local reps so you know what to expect.

Best of luck to you.