All Forum Posts by: Jasraj Singh

@Jasraj Singh it depends on your definition of affordable, are there markets that are less expensive than LA or SF? Yes. Are they necessarily driving distance to the job centers? No  Are there sub $100k properties? Yes but most of the time they are fairly rural and may not make the best investments.

depends on the state.. in Oregon you don't need a real estate license to flip but you do need

a DEVELOPERS License if your going to sell any home your work on to the public.. 

No test required just bond and insurance and fill out the forms and pay the fee to the state.

Its the only state I am aware of that requires a license to flip even if you hire contractors to do all the work.

the entity that owns the asset must have the license. 

For the most part you can invest and flip here.  There are virtually no restrictions on non-citizens buying or holding property.  Surprisingly enough there can be restrictions when you sell....as @Basit Siddiqi mention FIRTA is potentially the most restrictive and sometimes painful.

Just be aware that flipping is tough when you are local, but I think much tougher when you are not local.   It is possible.  I've seen plenty of people do it, but it adds to the risk and the challenge.   Buy and Hold is probably a better strategy for long distance investing.

Loans will be tough and probably more restrictive.   What is see for non-citizen investors is something like 25-30% down and instead of 4% or so for investment properties your interest rate might be more like 8-10%.   These loans are not easy to find, most banks don't do them, but there are some and some more specialized lenders.

@Jasraj Singh

Foreign investors can invest in US real estate. There are just some things you need to be mindful of.

How will the rental income be treated to you?
Will the income be considered ECI(Effectively Connected Income) or FDAP(Fixed, Determinable, Annual, Periodic)?

Is there a Tax treaty between the United States and the country you live in?
Are you investing directly in your own name or through an entity?
If you invest through an entity - what is the best structure.
If you invest through your own name or through an entity - do you need to apply for an ITIN(Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)

If you sell the property - there is potential FIRTPA(Foreign Investment in Real property Tax Act) concerns.

Work with professionals to make sure you are compliant.

@Jasraj Singh as a foreign national you can participate in U.S. real estate investing, although taxation and various international commerce rules vary so it is very important to consult with a qualified expert in the particulars of the various implications for the countries your involved in. 

As a general rule foreign nationals can not obtain mortgage financing. There are exceptions to this general rule although they are very detailed and again it is best to connect with experts in this field for your exact situation. A tax and legal expert experienced in the international exchange you will be doing is the advised direction. 

You don't need a license to flip or to own, however if you are serious about flipping, there are numerous advantages to having a license, It doesn't take much,just about 40-75 hours, depending on which state, I would highly recommend it. 

Not if you're doing everything yourself as the owner. If you hire a third party to do the leasing (as a service contract, not as a W-2 employee), they should be licensed in that state (I believe this is the law in all states, but you should check).

No.  If you are flipping, you can do a for sale by owner or work with a realtor.