Or Amero, DGC or whatever the prevailing currency is. 

In an unknowable future, I'd rather have an asset than a currency.

Very tough....normally requires cash and no leverage.Many places don't allow foreigners to hold land, only condos.ROI often is horrible and prices don't seem to go up where there is lots and lots and lots of space to build another building next door or down the street.For some in Asia with local currency, they buy to store wealth. 

Check out AGILITY FOREX the  exchange rate is very low compared to banks.

I used to deal with overseas buyers but unless they have their ducks in a row and already know about entity creation, additional tax withholding, currency exchange rates, and how to get their money over here from there  then it's a no go.

Or betting on currency exchange rates. 

HELOCs in most other countries don't exist.One thing to think about too is currency risk.....so many companies right now reporting lower earnings do to big swings in exchange rates.There is probably opportunity somewhere, but your odds of success probably go up exponentially if you know the country well, know the area you're investing in well, have some knowledge of property law and landlord/tenant law, and know the language well.   

For ex with 100k down you could swipe in a pick up a 10 unit in Milwaukee that looks good on paper, but no local investor would touch. 

For ex, lets say I wanted to borrow money from my 401k for down payment and I take out a loan for the remainder.

Dawn A.It must be the week for finding currency ...