Hi Charles, I'm also based in Honolulu with young kids and in a similar situation to you, have also thought about buying an investment property in Japan that we could use part-time and rent out at other times.

Based on my calculations, even with a low down payment, I can achieve positive cash flow (with aggressive enough house hacking).

Based on your post and other comments, it sounds like your rehab is extensive enough that the property isn't habitable.

Here's a good breakdown of your options for tax collecting starting Feb 1 based on the new regulations.

If you don't have a US-based bank account, I would get one as that's a requirement by most lenders.

👋My name is Anthony, and I’m an investor based in East Hartford, Connecticut.

I would start with them.I am not based in LA, so I don't know your exact laws, but I think I can still provide some initial direction for you to find answers, and maybe offer an idea to research.  

Please no politics here, just looking for guidance on what may happen based on your insights so I can manage my bsusiness. 

@Mark Sullivan I'm based out of Rhode Island so not sure if my providers lend where you are located.Biggest thing here, I would look for a portfolio lender.

If you do decide on MN, did a similar analysis as you a few months back in St Paul with rent-to-price ratios based on median price and median rents for each neighborhood in St Paul.