All Forum Posts by: Priti Donnelly

@James Fox, welcome to BP!

To get started, the first question is to determine if your goal is based on capital appreciation or cash flow. If your strategy is to buy and eventually sell at a higher value, then, you may want to invest in the U.S., U.K. Singapore or Australia where property values are rising. Capital appreciation can be a lucrative, but speculative investment.

If your strategy is to benefit from immediate cash flow of high yielding properties (7% to 12%), then another option is Japan, but outside of Tokyo. This option is far more affordable and less speculative.

Once you have established your personal goals and direction, you’ll be able to decide where to invest and then focus on the next phase, which is the process of investing in that market.

Hope that helps and good luck!

Hi Jae,

Nice to meet you on BP.  The dollar can certainly take you far by investing in properties overseas. That being said, one of the most common concerns is how to invest if you don’t speak the language or know the process. This is especially true in Japan where English is generally not spoken.

I don’t know much about investing in Mexico, but I will share my expertise with you on Japan. Most overseas investors choose Japan for a cash flow investment. For example, tenanted apartments can be purchased for as low as $25,000, all costs included with yield as high as 12%, in some cases, net pre-tax. Another factor that attracts investors to Japan properties is the trustworthy culture by way of stable tenants and integrity of professional services. You don’t have to worry about being cheated by insurance companies or banks. Also, you will hardly ever encounter tenant situations with payment issues, evictions, damages, etc.

It’s also alluring to see Japan prices in bigger cities steadily rising. But, the downside is that the increase in price is speculative and may not continue for the long term. That’s why most foreign investors choose Japan for cash flow rather than appreciation.

In a place where English is not spoken and you are unsure of the process, ideally, you need to work with a professional in the industry who can represent you in Japan as if you were there, who can speak English and Japanese to act as an extension of yourself for both the purchase, and to manage your property matters. Also be sure to ask for references.

Hope that helps and good luck with your search.

Hi @Keegan Mattick nice to meet you. You've come to the right place for both local and overseas discussions on various subjects of real estate investing. Love to talk shop and happy to help where I can.

Hi @Mike Oliveira nice to meet you. I'm from Ontario as well, in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. My focus is primarily in overseas properties, namely, Japan because the dollar goes a long way. But, the thrill of real estate success is the same no matter where you are. Good luck!

Hi @Account Closed,

Nice to meet you and congratulations on your upcoming real estate license and the success of your flips. It sounds like you are looking for opportunities in the U.S. As another option, have you considered investing in properties overseas. Opportunities are much more affordable than the U.S. and lucrative, and not as complicated as you might think. If you’d like to know more, I’m happy to help.

Hi @Saeed Ahmed Syed

Are you looking for properties in the U.S.? If it is overseas you are interested in as well, we manage properties for foreign investors in Japan. Our focus is on properties with yield between 6% to 12%, so, not Tokyo and Osaka, but attractive cities, nonetheless, with rental income. As far as management, we represent investors as if they spoke the language fluently. And we handle both the purchase as well as management - rental collection, bill payments, property management related matters, etc.

If I can assist in any way or if you want more information do let me know.

Hi @Orit Nahum,

Nice to meet you on Bigger Pockets. Trust is of utmost importance when investing overseas. Here are some things you can consider:

First, is your real estate agent available to you? Does she provide you with constant and ongoing communication? When you ask her for information, does she provide the answers to you in a timely fashion?

Next, is she transparent about her services? Will she keep you informed on all stages of the purchase process? ,

Some of the questions you could ask are the frequency of the balance sheet detailing income and expenses with a detailed explanation for the accounting, as well how the property will be managed.

Finally, will she provide client references?

These are just some of the things to consider with professionals working with you when investing overseas. Hope that helps. 

Out of interest, what type of yield would you generate? If foreign investing is of any interest, popular right now around the world are properties in Japan because of the depreciated yen. They are between $25,000 to $50,000 with a yield of 6% to 11%. A great way to earn monthly income. 

Hi @Tyran Luzzi and nice to meet you on Bigger Pockets. 

There are a variety of topics on this forum from people around the world. It doesn't hurt to be on here to ask questions and explore. You can search the topic or place of interest to you and I'm sure it will pull up a number of discussions. 

Lots of value to be found. Good luck!

Thanks @Pyrrha Rivers. I'll pass the message on to Ziv.