Hi Nikhil, I'm not expert on this kind of market but wanted to flag how bad the situation has now become regarding tax and rental properties if you are subject to UK tax.

Or, am I just gambling with the appraisal fee and hoping for the best? 

I have no worries about gambling my time over the higher probability it will close. 

And even if you do, there is always a level of "gambling" involved when dealing with these properties.Disclaimer: While I’m an attorney licensed to practice in PA, I’m not your attorney.

@Armin Trepic my advice would be two fold. 1) Having a knowledge of the stock investing, I am assuming you have a risk tolerance level as well as ability to think long term (investing not gambling) .

Have to hunt or take a bit of a gamble.

I want to diversify the places where we have investments and we have portuguese clients looking to do the same.We're now entering the UK and France markets but I would like to know more about the US.1) Is it easy for a foreigner to come to the USA and invest in Real Estate?

They may take the listing to have a sign in the yard and some exposure, but every newspaper ad/minute spent is a gamble for them.

Clear you debt before you start GAMBLING on investing money you do not have.

Life's a gamble.