Welcome to BP @Frank Closer You'll find a lot of active members here on BP from the greater DC area.DC is very tenant friendly you may want to buy nearby but outside of the city.

I love the activity!

Non US citizens have meager institutional options when seeking to finance investment real estate here in the US.Which leads me to wonder why more foreign investors don't actively seek out (or seek to create) deals financed by the seller.

@Brandon Hall is the expert in this field and an active participant in the forum might help shed some light on this. 

These will be classified as passive losses, so you can't write it off against active income you may personally have.

I am not new to Bigger Pockets, but I've recently decided to become active, as I believe there's a lot to be learned from the experienced members on this site.

I would say keep hitting up your local REAs and learn from those that are active in the areas you are looking for.

IRS says it's inventory, in a business activity, not a long term investment.....subject to ordinary income tax, including both sides of SS/Med (15.3%).

Chinese investors have gotten very active in Collin County. 

., he gets it).Oh, and he's active on BiggerPockets, which is a huge plus in my books.Best of luck to you!