There are also additional rules if you are doing a 1031 tax deferred exchange.

My last couple buys were through 1031 Exchanges (look it up in the glossary if that's new to you -- pretty cool concept though not necessarily the simplest!)

I loved what you said about exchanging comfortability for profitability.

Here's mine:To Spend my time, knowledge, and energy on my passions in exchange for fulfillment, wealth, and purpose.

Add to that the fact that you don't need to worry about a detrimental exchange rate changes.

I found to her to have been helpful only when I had purchased new homes from her group, when I considered selling my homes or 1031 exchanges.  

Capital Gains are assessed on gains, so you'll not be taxed on the costs of improvements or costs of sale, as that would not be a gain.You may still be able to exchange this property, but you'll gain the needed clarity by speaking with an exchange company.

Problem is it seems no banks are willing to provide buy-to-let mortgages to foreigners.

You may have to start small build equity and work your way up whether its 1031 exchange or just accumulating more assets..

@Turo Tales depends on your stratgey, however, to defer taxes, you could do a 1035 exchange and reinvest.