I recently took a trip to Miami to explore the property market and came away with some useful tips for anyone considering investing in the US.

Firstly, I would advise that you visit the area in person before making any purchases. While online pictures can give you an idea of what to expect, seeing the properties for yourself will give you a much better understanding of their true condition and value. The cost of your trip can be deducted from your taxes, and it is a small price to pay to avoid making a bad investment.

During my trip, I came across many stories of cheap properties that looked great on paper but turned out to be much less desirable in reality. In some cases, the photos were outdated or misleading, and the properties were in poor condition. In other instances, the houses were located in lower-income neighborhoods with high levels of noise and crime.

Despite these challenges, I did find one property that was worth investing in. It was a single-family home listed for $450,000, but I managed to negotiate the price down to $420,000. After having it inspected, I discovered that it required some minor renovations such as new flooring and fresh paint, but overall it was in good condition.

It’s worth noting that the real estate market is highly competitive, and there are many unscrupulous agents out there who will keep the best properties for themselves rather than presenting them to potential buyers. However, with some careful research and the help of a reliable accountant (we worked with Freedom Tax Accounting), it is possible to navigate the market and find a good investment.

Finally, I should mention that some types of properties carry a higher risk of litigation than others. For example, homes with swimming pools or second stories can be particularly problematic due to the potential for accidents and injuries. It’s important to keep this in mind when making your investment decisions.

Overall, I believe that the US property market still has plenty of potential for investors, but it’s essential to do your due diligence and thoroughly research the area you’re considering buying in. By taking the time to investigate the market and see the properties in person, you can avoid costly mistakes and find a property that will be a solid investment for years to come.