Newbie Living in China but Looking to Invest in Canada or U.S.

[Chris Fortner]

Hello BP Members,

I'm currently living and working in Macao, China, but am originally from the Greater Toronto Area (Oshawa, Ontario, Canada). I've been working overseas for 5 years and now that I have paid off my student debt I have been trying to figure out what to do with the money I am saving. I started investing in some index funds (is it sacrilege to admit that in this forum?), but I have now decided to focus on investing in real estate. I've been listening to the BiggerPockets podcasts and have also been reading some real estate and investment books (mostly based on the recommendations at the end of the podcasts).

As a non-resident of Canada, I would be eager for any advice from other non-residents that have invested in Canadian real estate. In particular I am looking at opportunities in Ontario or further East (I have a friend that has had success with some properties in Moncton and Fredericton). I would also be interested in any advice for individuals from Canada (or other countries) investing in real estate in the U.S. 

Thanks in advance for any responses. I'm looking forward to learning from, and contributing to, the BiggerPockets forums.

All the best,

Chris