I would suggest the first thing to do is get connected to a lender that can fund your projects across the country so you know you are pre approved and have no delays in the purchase process.

Starting to research Uruguay to invest and as a 3rd country to live in.  

Which is fine, especially for non-American expats who can't get loans in their home countries.  

I have heard similar things from colleagues around the country

Seems to happen way too much regarding forced sales, regardless of the part of the country.

Some of our clients in MN have several properties and live in another country, so it is possible.On the investment side, the deferred maintenance (roof, flooring) will eat away at your equity/appreciation; but, you have a property that cash flows.

When the rent rates stabilize, I suspect they'll bring it back.I wouldn't try it in a location like Portland, but 99% of the country would be fine with a policy like this as long as it is disclosed and applied equally.

Self storage and country subdivision lots.  

I work with investors from other countries and there are foreign national loans available.

They should still have alerted you if they changed it, but doubtful they need your permission.Anyone can sue anyone in this country, but how much are you willing to spend to chase this?