HighIncomeProperty,                                                                  go to the IRS website and search form SS4 then also look through the instructions.  You will find a telephone number to call.  Once you are connected the operator will want you to fax the form while you stay on the line and then will go through the form and if all…[Read more]

Forming an LLC is considered necessary for asset protection and is not as quick a process for non residents. The formation can be done in a matter of hours but the confirming letter may take several weeks to be sent. The EIN can be done via fax with a follow up phone call where the IRS Officer will go through the form with you and immediately…[Read more]

This board has become so clogged with spruikers it is hard for ordinary folk to know where to turn. I have checked a few websites and sales information and found one in particular that was over stretching the truth by a long way. Sound advice offered above to check County websites for sales information BTW. I am seriously thinking of…[Read more]

USA,  as you have listed that you do not accept e.mails, feel free to e.mail me judith@nimbus.com.au and I will be happy to provide you information.

Jack, I'll be here in Fort Myers until March 24 then back to Oz for three months after which my visa will be approved…hopefully….and then back here for at least two years.  I love Florida!  You can call me on 239 565 5747

I agree with Jeff that there are many better places to invest that Miami but what BB is inputting into this board is at least his personal opinion and experience rather than all of the spruiker posts seen here these days.I have friends who have tried Realtors in both Miami and Orlando with less than satisfactory experiences but Florida is a good…[Read more]

Sorry I can't help but feel your pain.  There are a lot of complex laws over here and your situation is something I have heard of before. 

The information supplied in the above link does work with the IRS and I have been using this method recently for my clients with success. 

BB, I am very sorry to hear of your experience but am not surprised.  It only confirms that it is not at all easy for non US citizens to obtain finance.  The process of working towards a crredit rating is the only way that a reasonable loan can be obtained in my opinion.  Obtaining a credit rating is also not an easy task but I will achieve mi…[Read more]

32 in Australia and 6 in the US, not only in Florida. I am not saying II’m an expert I said I have been successful. I’ve also had the benefit of knowledge from posters on this forum since January 2003 and try to impart knowledge to others when possible.

Thanks for the offer Jeff but I also have over 30 years experience and have learnt through the school of hard knocks how to protect myself. I have long, medium and short term plans and I am very happy with the investments currently in place. I am watching the market closely and believe a lot of the current renters will be buyers again and that…[Read more]

Jeff, I disagree with you on investing in Florida.  To say Florida has some of the worst vacancy rates does not tie in with what I am finding.  If you price your rental according to demand you have no problems securing a tenant.  There is a glut of available houses and where are those previous home owners now….renting.  Florida has been vey goo…[Read more]

Karlred, anything you buy through a Realtor must have  a clear title and no liens so there is no need to employ a Lawyer to check this out.There are reputable Realtors and some not so good.  If you need one in the Fort Myers area, I can give the details of the Realtor that I use and have no hesitation in recommending.

I think I really need to make the effort for that cup of coffe Cheeves, maybe Monday as I'll be very close for part of the day. 

cwagner, good post.  I private messaged a response to one of my earlier posts so a bit was missed here.  I think you are quite a bit off with your 50% on well and septic and would be interested to hear where you looked.  Not sure how long you were here but if you come back let me know.  I'll here until the end of March and will be back in earl…[Read more]

Still in town until the 24th March.  Been meaning to catch up but time just gets away.   Like I say, many are happy to buy with septic and pump, it's just not for me when there are so many other great buys.  My Lehigh house is in the Richmond/Third area but I'm not actively looking to buy more out there.  This one was just a great big beau…[Read more]

For me they are but other investors are happy to buy homes with septic systems.  Please also make sure you purchase a property that is within a reasonable distance to a fire hydrant or you may find that you cannot get insurance.  Don't buy anything that is in a sparsely built area either.

There are parts of Lehigh that are good and some that are not.  I only look at properties there with town water and sewer so that I don't have the possibility of having a water bore to service or a septic to pump. 

Levitt,  Check your private messages for Realtor info. 

Speedy Gonzales is spot on.  For a Condo, I doubt you would get finance from anyone just now and a foreign person would find it particularly difficult.  Most find that they need to raise capital on equity from home to pay cash in the US.  With the economy in the state it is, many Condo owners are walking from their mortgages leaving the Home Ow…[Read more]