Quote from @Rory Darcy: Hi guys my name is rory, pretty new to this im an out of state investor residing in new york, looking to invest in wisconsin and illinois, currently looking to build my portfolio around multi family duplexes or single family residencies, would be great to connect with like minded investors or agents who can lend a hand.Rookie investors should not invest out of state.

Residency StatusWhile stationed in Germany, you qualify as a resident, which makes securing a mortgage easier.Even if you're not a resident, many German banks will lend to non-German citizens who can demonstrate financial stability.2.

The rates vary throughout the State because of the different millage rates and tax districts, but in Richland County for instance, the taxes essentially triple once it goes from legal resident to non legal residence. 

I am pretty sure you can not do a 1031 and use the proceeds to do anything to a primary residence.

Looking to find duplex or something along those lines to reside in and then eventually move upward.

With your primary residence, things can be pretty straight forward in terms of splitting mortgage interest, real estate taxes etc. on your returns.If you go into a rental property, there are a lot of considerations to think about.

There are solutions though.

I guess I could do some work-arounds -- maybe reserve one unit in the first purchase for use as an AirBnb, and reserve my own time in it when needed - instead of claiming it as a primary.Are either of you (or anyone) familiar with a finance product/loan that will allow me to purchase under $150,000 (w/ strong credit) and do much of my own work and live-in a portion as a primary residence?  

I wish I had another work around for you, but I actually stopped using my business CC all together just to avoid the PITA "hacks" they offered as solutions. 

So the deal ends up falling out or they take forever to find solutions.