Foreigner investing in US

[Paul Jovaisa]

Hi. I’m a real estate investor from Norway, looking to set my foot in to US market. Anyone from international investors can share their experience? I have questions:

How do i buy house without social number?

I read that it’s possible for foreigners to get ITIN number.

Is there any tax on funds you transferring to US from Europe?

Is it difficult to open bank account?

[Eamonn McElroy]

Many international investors underestimate (or don't even take into consideration) the elevated compliance costs associated with doing business across borders.

You may want to determine what those professional fees may be, both for a US legal and tax professionals and professionals in your country of residence, and make sure your ROI model can absorb them before you proceed.

Sometimes it's better to invest in your home country if you don't have the economies of scale to absorb all costs.

This is the number one mistake I see international investors making when venturing into US real estate and businesses.  The fees will eat you alive if you don't have scale.  And if you don't have competent advice, the penalties and interest from the IRS will be worse.  Many foreign investors find this out too late.

If you're going to invest directly in real estate (not in a syndication), I wouldn't recommend investing in the US unless you're going to move in at least 250k USD of capital, 500k would be better.  Just my opinion, for what it's worth.

Best of luck.