And what would be the responsibilities of that agent in the foreign state if my business is elsewhere?

And, it must be verifiable- actual bank statements (local or foreign) showing regular deposits or savings balance, very recent paystubs, income tax return or letter of reference from CPA firm for self employed.Evictions, NO!

I am going to joint venture with a foreign investor on an apartment complex in the U.S.

In the state of PA, there is already common law (read - judicial decision) that made the landlord responsible for the entire electric bill when a "foreign load" was discovered.

Typically, if you buy a property in another state and do not register as a Foreign Entity, you give up your right to bring lawsuits in that state if issues arise

Long distance real estate investing seems kind of foreign to me.Thanks for your help and time!

As you can imagine its a different price point, many investors from out of State and foreign buyers now jumping in.Its all about cash flow for many investors.... for me..... its about both.   

With commercial retail you can get passive at the 1.5 million dollar level.Small balance multifamily in CA you get a bunch of foreign investors from overseas who are getting negative, zero, or 1 to 2% returns in the countries they live.

Doesn't matter that you don't own a property there the go around is then to file FOREIGN registration in the state that you own the property in to link and comply with the state you own the property in, you can do this after the fact. 

I also heard that Montreal will take the overflow of foreign investors that no longer want to invest in Toronto or Vancouver...due to new tax laws or the overpriced market...take your pick.