Thanks Lawsjs, some really great advice, really appreciate you taking the time. The part about LLC is interesting, my main aim for the purchase is based around the fact I spend at least a few months every year in Tahoe, the current economic climate simply makes it affordable to buy something rather than finding a holiday let every year with the added bonus of some PI gain on the side, but I'm looking at duplex or similar so might need to LLC when my tenants might be living next door for part of the year (!) Still have to do a bit more research on that part.

Lots of food for thought, have tracked down a couple of leads which I'm now exploring, thanks again for all the info.

Hi all,
Have been a bit of a lurker on these forums for about a year now, first time post however…. I'm wondering can anyone recommend a usa buyers agent (non turnkey properties) in California (Sierra Nevada area)? For background I've lived in the USA before (work visa, know the area I want to buy in inside and out), have my own funds and a SSN, just looking for a contact who will assist with bank account and facilitate the buying process start to end, but I'd like to find my own property…..have done a lot of research and keep finding companies that will sell you their properties which isn't what I'm after…..

Any leads would be most welcome ~ thanks in advance.