Unless new companies create replacement jobs in the city requiring similar skills and pay comparable wages, your tenants may be forced to take lower-paying service sector jobs.

This has driven up the property taxes there. 

Remember you are exempt from excise franchise tax if you file an exempt form.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

As U.S. citizens residing in Europe, we are required by the local tax code to hold the property in our personal name.

Is it tax smart? 

@Brad Kanouse Using Traditional IRA funds for an investment property typically incurs income tax and a 10% penalty if you’re under 59½, as investment properties don’t qualify for tax exemptions.

Where to get the most recent and accurate data for things like:Unemployment dataPopulation growthJob diversity and top employers in the areaVacancy rates (eg huduser.org)Property taxes and jnsurance costsI saw bp pro and reventure and a bunch of other websites provide some of this data, but i wonder how accurate and recent it is.

I'd recommend starting with the lower hanging fruit than a large basement reno - if your comps are close but don't quite get you to your number.Finishing the basement (with proper egress) could push you over the top, but confirm with an appraiser first to ensure it counts.

Putting 10%+ down with a different lender and getting lower points and interest is 100% better.

I am looking to purchase real estate for both investment purpose as well as to offset as much tax liability as possible.