Regardless of which state you organize the LLC in, if you're doing business in California (which based on the fact pattern laid out above you would be), you'd be required to register with the California Secretary of State as a foreign LLC and pay annual filing fees. 

Seattle is crazy expensive due to Amazon and foreign investment.

My favourites are the multi families or duplexes rented for $300 a door!

If you're looking at US real estate, here's a list of foreign national lenders....

I am based in Barcelona Spain and help foreign investors to buy real estate in the city.

@Evan DerheimKeep in mind you will need to register the LLC in CA which has an annual minimum franchise tax if $800 plus WA state as a foreign LLC.

Account Closed I am a Realtor and fellow investor working with foreign investors in the Dallas/Ft.

Hi there,New here and to the RE investment world.My question:If I buy a property in a different state (say Indiana)/use an Umbrella insurance policy instead of Indiana LLC, and I reside in CA, can I forgo the Foreign LLC cost ($800), or am I still considered doing business in CA? 

I was bidding on one here in Portland were we could build 45 homes.. and it had to be a life estate but we lock in todays price.. and of course we actually have appreciation in our market I know that can be a foreign concept in other markets.. and it depends on how much liquidity you have and what your balance sheet looks like..

I don't know if as foreign you are able to get a morgage but I can ask some local banks and come back to you with an answer.