Investment Info:Single-family residence fix & flip investment.

Save...it takes a lot more money than most new investors believe (don't drink the Kool-aid that you can get in cheap) and residing outside the US will be seen as a substantial risk to most lenders which will limit your financing options. 

A buddy of mine talked to his tax guy who told him these “Distributions” aren’t currently taxable right now and simply adjust the basis downwards (almost like a return of principal), but when the principal actually DOES get returned (generally about 5 years out in this case), that the difference between the amount returned and this downward adjusted basis is taxable at capital gains rates - if held longer than 1 year, generally 15% tax.  

And consulting with a local attorney to ensure compliance with state-specific real estate laws, plus making sure you have the necessary permits, is a smart move.As you start, also look into state-specific rules regarding contractors and renovations, especially if you plan to flip in different states from where you reside.

Stop hanging out with your deadbeat buddies who spend all day drinking, talking sports, and otherwise wasting away.

Why are they leaving their prior residence?

In 2022 I also sold my money pot personal residences for $961,000 and purchased it for $154,000 in 1999. $500,000 was tax free due to being married.  

Investment Info:Single-family residence buy & hold investment in The Villages.

HELOCng a personal residence could leave them homeless in the event they fail at this.

As to the buddy I mentioned in Washington state it was the same scenario; he converted tax-free up to their standard deduction but above that he kept within the lowest tax bracket and paid the smallest amount of tax possible.Thank you @Basit Siddiqi for calling me out on this and giving me a chance to address my mistake; it's important people have the correct information.