Tennessee has some great areas to invest in and some that I would highly suggest staying away from. I'd stay away from Memphis as it seems the values aren't as strong. You can buy property for very cheap and should expect it to be filled with problems. I used to live near it and know enough to not be interested in it at all. Nashville, on the…[Read more]

Nigel and I have been talking about this quite a bit and I believe this is a major consideration. I’d always take the time to get several references from them and do some serious research on their reputation, services and pricing. One of the biggest things you can do to help yourself is to bring several investors in with you and have enough…[Read more]

Many are suggesting that markets like Pheonix are not going to continue rising at this point. The bubble has burst and since many of these markets were inflated, they’re now suffering because the values are way to high for the homeowners.

Here’s a classic example of what I’m…[Read more]

I’m assuming you’re talking about Geneva City, NY, since your message title referred to Investing in the USA. I’m not familiar with NY, but do know of a broker who works with investors from outside the country:

http://www.bencarmona.com/

If you’re interested in looking at Indianapolis, Indiana or other areas of the US and the properties here,…[Read more]

Good points, Amanda and Richard. I’m not familiar with the tax situation there and so my adivce is based off of my understanding of US real estate. I don’t want to guide you away from important structures you’ll need to have in place out there.

Derek Guyer
http://www.landchasers.com

I didn’t realize that people question whether positive cash flow is possible or not until recently. We see positive cash flow on a regular basis in Indiana.

One example: I have a home I purchased two years ago for $60,000 that brings be a positive cash flow of $250/month. I have never spoken to the tenants and have no reason to do so. They pay…[Read more]

I’d start by aligning your financing. You’ll want to know what you’re capable of doing before you try to do it. It gives you a sense of confidence to know your limitations and possibilities.

Then, look at as many deals as you can. I don’t think it’s wise to jump right in on a deal unless you have a great mentor who is helping you through each and…[Read more]

1% vacancy? Wow! That’s pretty amazing. Where are you investing? I’m trying to understand the AUS market and don’t know anything about it. What kinds of prices are you paying and how much are the rents? Just curious.

Derek Guyer
http://www.landchasers.com

I don’t know if you have any programs like this in AUS, but I found this recently and have heard good things about it. It would be worth checking into if nothing else:

http://e-qualjustice.net/MMA/KeithGill/MMAhome.html

BTW, I’m not associated with the program above. I just found it on another site recently.

Derek Guyer
http://www.landchasers.com

Do either of you have any idea what a good CF+ property would go for in the UK?

Derek Guyer
http://www.landchasers.com

Boy, do I feel stupid. I can’t believe I didn’t think of that on my own.

…and they say there’s no such thing as a stupid question.

Derek Guyer
http://www.landchasers.com

That would probably be a better question for someone local to you. I have a Fee for Service Agreement I could send you and would be more than happy to do so, but don’t know if it would cover you well enough there or not. Feel free to contact me if you’re interested in seeing it. It’s simple, but has worked for me in the past.

Derek…[Read more]

I can only speak for birddogs in the US and myself.

A birddog locates properties for investors that meet their specific standards or interests. Depending on where you’re locating them, you can get paid a marketing fee, a consulting fee or a finders fee. A lot of this depends on the laws in the area and how much you’re actually doing for the…[Read more]

Josh,

I’m new to this forum, but being from the US, would have to strongly agree with Nigel and Chad. I came on here to see what the international market was like and to begin learning on a global scale, but have a pretty good feel for the US and think you’ll easily find good cash flow deals in numerous places around the country.

The biggest…[Read more]

In the US, there are numerous ways this is done to avoid causing problems and overstepping boundaries into illegal territory, but requires that you check the laws of the land. I can’t speak for laws in your area, but know that some here charge a marketing fee to the seller. Some also charge a consulting fee to the seller or the buyer. I’m not…[Read more]

I think a lot of that depends on what you’re looking for and what your intentions are with the property. Are you purchasing to rent it out or are you hoping to begin flipping property?

If I’m looking for a rental, I run numbers on things very different from when I’m trying to find a house to flip.

I guess my question is, what is the end result…[Read more]

I would have to agree with AmandaBS. That’s a very comprehensive list and while I may not take it all in the same order, it covers everything you’ll need and want to know.

Building your team is the most vital piece I see on there. No matter what else you do, a good team will make or break your investing efforts.

Derek Guyer
http://www.landchasers.com

I love Smart Money and thought you might be interested in reading up on the subject for US tax laws. I’m not sure where you’re from, but I hope this helps:

http://www.smartmoney.com/tax/capital/index.cfm?story=capitalgains

Derek Guyer
http://www.landchasers.com