For anyone still following this thread, I just rang Wells Fargo (www.wellsfargo.com) who will open bank accounts for foreign nationals over the phone. You don’t need an American place of residence and you don’t even need an ITIN (though you won’t be able to get interest on your money if you don’t). They can be contacted by calling +1 800 869 3357.…[Read more]

Brilliant thanks Terry that's my first phone call at 9am tomorrow…

Thanks Terry & JacM – great advice I'll look into that. I tend to just leave things to my accountant (bad I know) and wasn't aware they weren't doing anything there.JackFlash – valid and sensible points too. The fact that I've posted online is an acknowledgement that things can't continue as they are, though I believe in examining all options…[Read more]

Thanks all for your input.Paul & Jessie your ideas both have merit I'll look into them – thanks.Derek I'm sure my accountant is looking at depreciation but i'll check just to make sure, thanks there too.To answer the other questions:Income = 60-70k last financial year. I get my tax done by an accountant, I'm told that my tax savings are about…[Read more]

hey there.Ok so to set the scene I have a property in Mt Isa – Its a 2 bedroom unit in a block of 4, and a 3 brm house in Maryborough. Not quite sure what you want, and I'm by no means an expert. If you have specific questions send me an email, but here's some general advice:1. Population. So If you're looking below $250k, it means, like you said,…[Read more]

Thanks for the help guys – both comments have good advice. Ambosh I'd love to chat but you don't seem to have the feature set up – however you can email me by clicking on my name and going to my contact page… I think…Nigel I agree that I'm going to need an accountant in the US – preferably in Syracuse. It's just trying to find one that's the…[Read more]

Bell, Dixon and Butler are pretty much the best regarded Lawyers in Hervey Bay. If anyone can help they can… they've settled two properties for me so far, though I've never done a wrap.

I've bought 3 houses in Syracuse, NY through a property broker. Randomly, he was actually based in Spain not Australia or America (something it took a long time to find out as everything was phone based), but I guess some of my points might still count.First thing I'd say is that every broker is different. So you're going to get dodgy ones and…[Read more]