There are also other ways to use money from an IRA without tax penalties such as for a primary residence or medical expense. just know what you're getting into and the best ways to avoid the tax.

@Jonathan Greene I'm not sure what you mean by "most will not cash flow as an out-of-country investor" as it might suggest that the cash-flow of a given property has something to do with the nationality or residence of the owner but, in any case, you're absolutely correct that, historically, the net rental yields of LTRs in US cash-flow markets like the Mid-West have been typically higher than in the average European market, although that wouldn't be the case for many other US markets like California or New York.

I’m trying to get a heloc or cash out refi on a primary residence duplex.l under FHA.I have great credit but modest incomeWife has bad credit with better income therefore I don’t believe we will qualify for heloc.Our plan was to get heloc to use as a down payment on another house hack or general investment property.So far our mortgage company said they could do the cash out refi which would raise our mortgage from $800 to $1200 (current rate is 3.62) and the rate would go to 6.6To pull out hopefully 30-35k maxMy concern is if I do the cash out.

Quote from @Erwin McClain: I had rental properties out of state but I have been renting rooms in my primary residence for over 10 years since my 2 boys have moved out.

Investment Info:Single-family residence buy & hold investment.

Hi @Sean Leahy - good direction, I've never considered this but now that I think about, whenever I've had some random rental/sale listings I've been approached by brokers who said they represent folks that are part of the insurance company's claim management process (e.g. their house burnt down due to an accident). 

This revitalization lifts the spirit of community residents and it raises property values including your own.

.: Quote from @Robin Simon: Do you own your primary residence overseas or have you owned a primary residence prior to going abroad? 

Investment Info:Single-family residence buy & hold investment.

I handle hundreds of insurance claims, resident compensation, crime, and pricing… so I am very familiar with the system and reasons behind policies.