New Member from Japan

[Kristin Shitara]

Hello, I live in Japan with my Japanese husband and two children. I am from America. My husband and I first started thinking of investing in real estate over 10 years ago when we first got married. I'm embarrassed to say we haven't started. We have read many books and I even attended a seminar at a AZREIA where I was basically told we would have too much trouble getting financing through American banks because my husband is a foreigner and my salary is kept really low (we own our own company which is an English school) for Japanese tax reasons. I got frustrated and stopped moving forward, but the dream has not died!

Our plan is to invest in buy and hold rental properties. We would like to start with multifamily and move up to small apartment buildings. Our family goal is to be mobile. Our plan is to hire teacher/office manager to replace us in our school and possibly get some passive income from the profits of our school. It is small so after paying the employees, there might not be much. So the bulk of our passive income will come from real estate. We want to make enough to be free to move back and forth between the two countries and eventually retire and live off of the passive income.

I found the BP podcast about 10 days ago and I think I have listened to most of them. I just read a line from the Millionaire Real Estate Investor that said when the student is ready to learn the teacher will appear. I feel like BP did that for me. My husband and I debated about signing up for the Rich Dad coaching but it is such a chunk of money, we didn't. I'm so glad now! I really hope I can connect with someone who has experience being an expat and getting financing to invest in real estate in America. As soon as I can I will jump over to the forum and start asking questions. I am very excited to join the community. I feel like it might be the support I have been needing to make the leap. It has already been extremely motivating. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Kristin Shitara

[Matt E.]

Hi Walter,

I've been meaning to go back and read all of your posts. Keyword: Japan. I'm interested in at least learning about investing in Japan--thinking about it in the long term. I'm paying rent in Tokyo. I've had thoughts of buying a 3LDK and renting out two rooms. For now, I'm starting off back in my hometown (where there definitely aren't any earthquakes). I'm purchasing my first multi-family in the middle of June. It's my summer project and a way grow some roots back home. Giving it a try to see what can be done from overseas.