Newbie Living in China but Looking to Invest in Canada or U.S.

[Chris Fortner]

Hello BP Members,

I'm currently living and working in Macao, China, but am originally from the Greater Toronto Area (Oshawa, Ontario, Canada). I've been working overseas for 5 years and now that I have paid off my student debt I have been trying to figure out what to do with the money I am saving. I started investing in some index funds (is it sacrilege to admit that in this forum?), but I have now decided to focus on investing in real estate. I've been listening to the BiggerPockets podcasts and have also been reading some real estate and investment books (mostly based on the recommendations at the end of the podcasts).

As a non-resident of Canada, I would be eager for any advice from other non-residents that have invested in Canadian real estate. In particular I am looking at opportunities in Ontario or further East (I have a friend that has had success with some properties in Moncton and Fredericton). I would also be interested in any advice for individuals from Canada (or other countries) investing in real estate in the U.S. 

Thanks in advance for any responses. I'm looking forward to learning from, and contributing to, the BiggerPockets forums.

All the best,

Chris

[Roy N.]

@Chris Fortner

Welcome to BP! 

Are your plans to return to Canada - eventually?   Depending on the timeline, you might consider working with a partner here at home (family, friends or other) for any real estate purchase.  It may also make sense for you - maybe less so for your in-country partner(s) - to hold property in a corporation rather than in your personal names - definitely a discussion to have with an accountant before getting to far down the road.

Alternatively, you could invest a little more removed while you are out of the country - you could buy into a syndication or partnership on a larger building, or you could become a lender to other investors (say your friends investing in Moncton or Fredericton).