My First Deal from China... Go for It?

[Jacob Good]

Hi guys! I'm relatively new to posting to BP although I've been following along for a few years reading articles, books, podcasts, etc. As a little background about me, I have been living and teaching in China for 6 years now and saved up a nice chunk of cash that I want to invest with, and real estate is something I understand. I'm ready to start seriously considering a deal. I know the area (close to my hometown), I started to get a team together, I've qualified for a loan, and I've analyzed prices where PM won't hurt my cash-flow. However, I'm 10,000+ miles away. Something about that doesn't sit well with me. Would you pull the trigger on a FIRST DEAL if you heavily relied on other people to make your investment work? My family lives close, but they are not interested in being a landlord. I'm planning on returning to the US in 2-3 years, but I'm fairly certain that market prices will be up in that time. Should I go for it? Would you still have bought your first investment if this was the case? What major downfalls required you to be "on the scene" after your first deal?