If investing locally isn't feasible then out of state investing is a great way to get the ball rolling.

I am pretty handy and have done plenty of restoration work myself and not afraid to put in some elbow grease. looking into real estate to get the wealth ball rolling but feel a little uneasy given the current state of the economy. what would you do in my shoes?! 

well if I ever make it to the Smokies to see what the draw is  I will rent a condo then :)  I am just guess but I suspect folks that go there want to be in the woods and hear the birds and maybe some local mtn views etc.. or some sort of privacy they never get at home out east were there is not very much public lands close to where they live in the big city. ????

And if still in Spain, how long until it's in US and is shipping additional or is price landed? 

@Travis Gutting, the fact of the matter is: $100k in today's market is by and large going to land you in a "rough part of town", a MAJOR renovation, or into rural areas.Granted, I don't know every market, but Cincinnati (my market) and Louisville are not too dissimilar.  

Unless it includes price of land in an expensive area. 

I think I have calculated the appropriate numbers, but this our first new-build adventure and I would appreciate more experienced eyes on this analysis.We are considering purchasing land in Packwood, WA and building an upscale modern 3/2 1500 sq ft A-Frame cabin.

Another example of this is Newark, extremely strict laws making land lording a second job.When finding the right area to invest, towns with more lenient land lording laws and proximity to public transportation tend to be a receipt for success.  

Hey Andrew, I'm a land broker who sells land to both boutique builders and to the national merchant homebuilders. 

Picture this: 3 pools and hot tubs, a dynamic game room, a versatile venue, pickle-ball courts, outdoor theater, mini-golf, and more.