We're based in Calgary, where there’s a lot of pre-construction happening, and we’re aiming to buy a pre-con property as our primary residence.As a first-time homebuyer, I’m weighing two options: 1.

BUT...if you're American and can still get loans in the US (the silver lining of having to still file US income taxes while living abroad), then why not use leverage?   

Fannie/Freddie (Conventional) loans aren't just about rate and transfer taxes. 

This isn’t/wasn’t a loophole - just tax policy. 

but keep in mind CA has higher taxes and reg fees and I’m not doing more than 1-2 flips (short timeframe flips)  a year and many years do 0 flipsDo most flippers put flips into LLC Or in personal name (sole proprietor)  in CA (where you must pay $800 yearly plus accounting and other fees $300to $600+ yearly to maintain LLC) Pros for personal name-save on taxes accounting.

- Also depends on a variety of factors. 

Really depends on what they are looking for as well as long term plans.

I am in one of the higher tax brackets and could be saving around 40k~ a year on taxes with this.

@Jared Smith it depends is pretty spot on!!!  

These are done between the buyer (you) and Seller.The situation that is most common to find these properties are in a foreclosure proceeding, or pre-foreclosure.