The problem I have with the forum is that people here do not trust someone who makes money out of property or property services. So let me ask a question. When was the last time you spoke to an accountant or a solicitor and did not expect to pay for there advice. To be frank I am very worried about the number of people offering services to second rate markets who are often either Real Estate agents or thats where the deals come from. Then there are people promoting services where for anyone who is experienced clearly do not know what they are talking about.
However a word to the wise, be careful. The US market a place where you can easily loose money if you do not have the right contacts on the ground. Many real estate agents do not understand investing and they see Australians as a golden goose. I post here to put up a point of view, I do not need clients from this forum, I have a number of clients that i am working with. I have been involved in the Texas market for over 5 years and it took me a long time and a lot of money to find the right team. So you can do this on your own but be prepared to spend a lot of money and time to get it right.

I cannot comment on what other people are doing. My experience is that the thing that is critical when it comes to investing in the United States is who you are dealing with on the ground. I think that the USA is flavour of the month and that many marketing companies can see a quick. So you have to ask who are the dealing with, in many cases real estate agents who can see an easy sale, especially in markets that have fallen by over 50% such as Florida or cities such as Buffalo or Detroit where there populations have fallen by 50% since 1950. Again if the person you are dealing with on the ground is good then you can make money anywhere. I have been involved in the Texas market since 2005 I work with a partner there. I am not saying that to promote what I do. I have a great number of clients. I write here to comment about the markets generally. However if you want to do these things yourself then make sure your put aside at least 3-4 weeks and thats after you have done your initial research and hopefully established contacts.
In regards to contacts if you ring anyone especially agents they will all say they can help you, that is until you need the help. Professional services overall are poor.
The US is a great market but it is also full of mine fields if you do not know what you are doing

I am always happy to meet people and have a chat.

We do and that is the secret of what we do

Jenman wrote this rubbish in 2003 relating to when I first started with an education business in 2000. If you read the article everything is implied nothing is stated. I had nothing to do with selling property to the people mentioned as I was hired to run Property Investment courses. If anyone has had a bad experience dealing with me please feel free to write here. I have always set out to provide the best service available. My motivation is to help people invest well. I explain what I do and explain my reasons to invest. I started dealing with the United States 5 years ago because back then people on this site were being advised to buy in Buffalo. People are now dealing in Detroit and other average locations. I post here to provide information. If people want do deal with me thats great if not thats fine as well. I have many clients that I assist.

People like Alistair Perry and Richard Taylor have known what I do for years and have dealt with my clients

Yes how are they achieving the loans. It is also important to look at the market. Many markets in Florida have fallen by as much as 48% since 2006. Personally I do not see these as safe markets. However I am not about taking big risks with either my clients or my own money. My view is research get it right and buy safe investments that perform.

That's right we find properties before they are forclosed. We take them over and part of the deal is that they have to leave the note or mortgage in the property. So in most cases you are taking over a property worth between $120,000 and $140,000 that will cost you between $20,000 and $30,000 with an existing mortgage of say $80,000. In all cases the properties are positive cash flow and in all cases have equity. To me this is a much better deal than buying cheap second rate properties in slum areas for $30,000. In our market property prices have held up. In many of the other markets being promoted we have seen falls of around 45-50% since 2006. In Texas prices have not only held up well but will more likely rise faster than most of the other US location.

I agree with Richard. It is currently very difficult to get finance in the US. However what we do is eliminate the need to organize finance in the United States. What we do is take over existing properties before they are forclosed on. We take over the property and the deal is that the previous owner agrees to leave the existing mortgage in the property. This cuts out the need for an Australian investor to arrange finance and allows investors to buy properties worth $120,000 to $130,000 for an investment of between $20,000 to $30,000 dollars.

Vegas has fallen in value by around 47% since 2006. It has an unemployment rate of around 16% and a high vacancy rate, According to forbes magazine it is the least likely city to recover from the GFC in terms of its property market.

To me it is a one industry city and one to stay away from.

Thank you Alistair and Richard for your kind words. Both Richard and Alistair know that I have been involved in San Antonio for over 5 years. I would be only to happy to speak with anyone about investing in the United States. Please feel free to message or email me and I will happily give you a call.