Simple calculation - average rental period for the area and "good tenant" profile (in our case, for instance, in Japan, its 4-5 years in the singles' units we like most), take 25% off that time for unexpected downturns (or more if your area is notoriously unstable), and work out the percentage 1/2 or 1 month rent income is of that period (in our case more like 1-2 months).I think, in the vast majority of cases, and particularly if you work out how many empty months bad screening or management can cost you, you'll see there's no doubt as to the financial gain potential a good PM or tenant placer can be worth.And that's without even taking into account the personal toll of time and resources spent when you do it all yourself...

What do you think about this article:http://business.theage.com.au/japans-hunger-becomes-a-dire-warning-for-other-nations/20080420-27ey.htmlI've been hearing of limits being placed on rice purchases in parts of California, and friends in the food industry say that their companies (the major food producers) expect prices to climb tens of percent this year alone.Thoughts?

That happened in Japan and it will happen to the United States starting - NOW!

Or that the economy really tanks and prices continue to decline.In Japan, prices hit their peak about 1982.

Japan?

In many countries, this is already happening - much of Europe, Russia, Japan.

I've been to PR (which I don't really consider international), a few places in Japan, and Manila so far, although there are plenty of other places the company covers.

So I currently live in Japan, and will be here for another 8 months.

These people can point you to good worthwhile professionals who can be your core 4.I bought my first property while in Japan with only my core people to guide me.

I have done some research into investing out of state but it still feels very intimidating and now I have military orders to move to Japan for a few years.