Baltimore, MD · Member since 2016 · 35 posts · 8 votes
Hello I'm on active duty orders for the military in Japan. The only problem being stationed there is because of my status I can't buy and own property as military personnel. But I wanted to buy property in the states or another country. I wanted to know the best way to do that if I can't travel and actually see the property.
We were stationed in England, and bought our first house there. I wouldn't advise that in Japan, because of their declining demographics. We used money we saved up as a mil-to-mil couple, did the 10% savings account while we were deployed, set aside money in mutual funds to grow it, used re-enlistment bonus funds, tax-free and hostile fire pay, etc. to put down payments on houses.
Back in 2012, we bought three properties back in the US while we were overseas, two with a turnkey operator and one in which I built the team myself. I haven't been inside any of those three properties and they continue to cash flow nicely. Feel free to PM me with any questions.
Hello I'm on active duty orders for the military in Japan. The only problem being stationed there is because of my status I can't buy and own property as military personnel. But I wanted to buy property in the states or another country. I wanted to know the best way to do that if I can't travel and actually see the property.
Hello Shepard,
Yes, out of the county investing does have its challenges. I have seen many people from out of the country invest in the United States. It is possible, just different.
Turnkeys or management companies might be a good solution. Make sure to do your research before contacting anyone in the market you want to get into. You want to make sure they are an actual Turnkey provider.
@Shepard Solomon Turnkey companies are definitely one way to go, and be sure to get the property inspected by a third party inspector. It is hard to choose an area to invest in, and a turnkey operator you trust without at least visiting the area and company before buying your first property there. You are definitely taking on additional risk. If you have a really trusted friend or family in any of the markets that are good to buy in right now, that would be one way to mitigate the risks you take by not visiting first yourself. In addition, I have found as a turnkey buyer that once I've built a trusted relationship with the company and they have proven themselves and I know their work, that I feel comfortable buying additional properties without seeing them first.
Hello I'm on active duty orders for the military in Japan. The only problem being stationed there is because of my status I can't buy and own property as military personnel. But I wanted to buy property in the states or another country. I wanted to know the best way to do that if I can't travel and actually see the property.
Hi Shepard-
Great question and thank you for your service!
Yes, I have an excellent resource you may want to consider for effectively doing exactly what you have outlined. Its a simple and short read, I encourage you to check it out and then move forward with a comprehensive plan/checklist for exactly what you are seeking. Rule #1 Keep it Simple! :)