Hi All

I'm not posting very often, so was surprised to see how many responses my last post received.

I thank you all for the time you've taken to read and respond.

Also, I hope my unfolding story is of educational value to all those considering coming to the US in the near future.

As Mojorising pointed out above, the trouble HSBC has given me is no train smash, since I will be paying in cash, and am not in any rush to get financing at present due to the continued negative trend of the housing market (ie. I won't be buying any more homes until my next trip here, from October  2011 to April 2012).

However, that does not detract from the fact that I feel slightly abused, simply because the HSBC mortgage officer I was dealing with misled me.  I've since spoken to his supervisor (in New York) who has informed me that they almost never lend on REO purchases, simply because they require that the houses be in perfect living condition before they grant a loan (and obviously most REO's don't fit that bill).  If the guy I've been dealing with at HSBC had just told me that in the beginning I wouldn't have wasted a minute of my time, a cent of my money, or an iota of my hope waiting on their loan approval.

And now I wish to explain some of my bigoted comments on the people of the US.  I've already made statements such as "rude Yanks", and perhaps even worse, though I don't recall exactly how derogatory I've been.

I've lived in many countries in the past (UK, USA, South Africa, Mozambique, Taiwan, and China) and have come to the conclusion that people in the US are the meanest.  (Interestingly enough, that's what my mother warned me of a few months back, because my parents emigrated to Florida in 1987, but hated it and gave up within a decade). 

Americans may love to say "How R ya?" and "Have a great day" but it's just talk.  The US is a country of iselfish mmigrants (whether you're talking about Europeans who moved here 100 years ago, or South Americans who arrived last year), who are by and large just out to help themselves.  This does not mean that you're not going to be treated according to the rule of law, but it does mean that you should be prepared for the following: getting treated rudely by immigration, customs, air hostesses, policemen, sales assistants, and firemen (that list is comprised from personal experience).  Also expect underhanded behaviour from landlords, mechanics, real estate agents, and second-hand car salesmen (also personal experience).  

Although I have no experience as a landlord yet, I advise that all of us potential landlords expect the very worst from our future tenants (in the building I'm currently renting in, 3 out of 20 apartments are being occupied by people who stopped paying the rent over a month ago and are awaiting eviction).

None of what I've written above in any way changes my long-term goal of buying lots of houses and making a lot of money when property prices eventually rise.  All I'm saying is:
1. I won't be growing old in the States (I'd much rather be in Europe, Australia, South Africa or New Zealand)
2. we must all be prepared for headaches during our five or ten year US-property adventures.

But I guess proplems are par for the course whenever you're trying to make a buck.  Buying property in China certainly wasn't a joyride.

Having written so many warnings and  so much negative sentiment above I'd like to end on a high note: the winter weather in Miami is phenomenal.  Warm and sunny every single day.  Also, the parts of Miami that lie along the intercoastal, or on the islands just offshore, are safe, family-friendly, and offer a great lifestyle.  You can't go wrong investing in places like these.