I am looking to invest in smaller multi-families, refinance, and then eventually do a 1031 exchange for larger multi-families.

For those who don't know the French market, it's nothing like the US market and ROIs are much much lowers if any...I also recently aquired a set of 20 garages which offer a better ROI than apartments or houses and splits the risk of unpaid rent in exchange for more management... but I have a retired Dad :)In the past couple months, I have been in contact with a few companies and individuals specializing in investing in the US for foreigners, some looking more dodgy than others but overall seeming to be doing OK...

Believe me, if I had the opportunity to opt out of social security in exchange for not having that damn nine digit number that makes us open books, I'd gladly jump at the chance.

Would be entirely open to assisting/working with any experienced investors that can use some Free help in exchange for education.

Code pt. 1450, govern the business of real estate brokerage in Illinois.The Act, as amended, defines a real estate “broker” as an individual, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, or registered limited liability partnership other than a real estate salesperson or leasing agent who, whether in person or through any media or technology, for another and for compensation, or with intention or expectation of receiving compensation, either directly or indirectly:(1) Sells, exchanges, purchases, rents, or leases real estate.(2) Offers to sell, exchange, purchase, rent, or lease real estate.(3) Negotiates, offers, attempts, or agrees to negotiate the sale, exchange, purchase, rental, or leasing of real estate.(4) Lists, offers, attempts, or agrees to list real estate for sale, lease, or exchange.(5) Buys, sells, offers to buy or sell, or otherwise deals in options on real estate or improvements thereon.(6) Supervises the collection, offer, attempt, or agreement to collect rent for the use of real estate.(7) Advertises or represents himself or herself as being engaged in the business of buying, selling, exchanging, renting, or leasing real estate.(8) Assists or directs in procuring or referring of leads or prospects, intended to result in the sale, exchange, lease, or rental of real estate.(9) Assists or directs in the negotiation of any transaction intended to result in the sale, exchange, lease, or rental of real estate.(10) Opens real estate to the public for marketing purposes.(11) Sells, leases, or offers for sale or lease real estate at auction.

One of your best sources in North America would be Ken Lothian at Thermotec Fibreglass in Carp, Ontario (just outside Ottawa) ... who knows, with the 25-28% currency exchange in your favour, they might not bee too terribly expensive.You can get windows that are wood or a wood/aluminium blend.

Typically you would view a property, then if you are dealing with the seller directly you might come to some basic verbal terms and exchange contact info.

If the OP's family income for 2015 will be under approx. $90K, they should look into buying off their state exchange.  

The Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”) requires all public securities offerings to be fully registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

@Casey Maeda - I sent you a PM, lets exchange notes.I also wanted to thank everyone who has weighed in and helped me, I know this is very delayed, but better late then never... right?