Simple approach and good check list for all investors no matter where you are from..

Now first let me say I am sure I will have spelling and grammar mistakes but sorry.

Well this is a 7 step process and I am sure I am missing some things but in general

This is what I would do when buying properties any where in the world and I was going to get information on them

and not in any certain order

1. Would be meeting the team that I am dealing with( which would include lawyers, contractors, any one that they use so you have an idea ) including their office staff and exact roles every one has. Can they do what they say and if they grow can they handle the growth. Is a question I would ask as well
2. Referrals_ if they are as good as they say they are.Should not be a problem getting referrals. Don't get me wrong I have some investors who love our company and others that hate us.
3. Goals and a Plan…Why would you enter a financial decision or investment with out a plan. For example one cash flow rental a year with at least 10 % cash on cash return. This is some thing one need to keep in mind. Exit strategies goes along with this. For a company like mine building real estate portfolio's for our clients is easier when they know what they want to achieve.
4. Seeing the properties personally viewing them. Listen if you going to invest your hard earned money_ this could be your future retirement.I don't want to hear you don't have the time or money.Spend the money to see the properties first then buy.Unless you have some one who is already dealing with the sellers .
5. Property Management is going to be make or break for any international or local buyer. So make sure the company is strong enough to handle the properties. We shut down our management company and we over saw 120 some thing properties.  Was costing us to much money do understand the amount of money charged in the USA is roughly 10 % of rent. So $1000 dollars equals $100 dollars. The management company will need to have a staff, so quite expensive.
6. Reserve Funds some thing every one seems to forget . In Real estate a reserve fund for me is $3k to $5k per deal.Things will break and tenants do not pay and will leave in the middle of the night. So if one is prepared and has a reserve fund this usually keeps things on the positive side of the equations.

Regular inspections and service calls. Now every one will be different I like to have the electrical and Plumbing checked once a year .The Ac  units in the south ( Charlotte NC the weather can be extreme hot and cold) so I get ac serviced right before summer and just before winter. ( about $99 bucks each time) This is what I call being able to sleep at night cost and keep long term cost down by staying on top f your properties.

Now this is just my simple approach but good start . At the end of the day remember real estate is still an investment. Pick a strategy, don't get greedy , educate your self( don"t just take some one word because they sound like they know what they are saying )Building a real estate portfolio one house at a time can be done but there is work and research to be done as well.

Alex