Before you commit funds to a U.S. property from abroad, run a simple checklist. The best cross-border purchases are not lucky — they are the result of confirming a handful of essentials in the right order. Here is what to verify before you buy.
1. Structure and Identity
- Ownership structure decided (LLC vs. personal) — see LLC vs. personal ownership.
- ITIN application started — see the ITIN guide.
- LLC bank account arranged if applicable.
2. Financing
- Pre-qualified for a DSCR or foreign-national loan — see the approval process.
- Down payment and reserves confirmed and available.
- Rate and terms compared across lenders — see mortgage rates.
3. The Property and Market
- Market chosen on fundamentals, not headlines — see best states.
- Inspection completed and reviewed — see the inspection guide.
- Title search done and title insurance secured.
- Insurance quoted (including flood/wind where relevant) — see insurance.
4. The Numbers
- Underwritten on net income, not gross — see monthly rental income.
- Cap rate and cash-on-cash calculated — see a good cap rate.
- Full cash-to-close budgeted — see closing costs.
5. The Team
- Licensed, investor-focused agent — see working with a realtor.
- Property manager lined up.
- Cross-border CPA engaged — see cross-border taxation.
- Wire instructions verified by phone — see scams to avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most-skipped item?
Verifying wire instructions by phone and budgeting full cash-to-close. Both cause avoidable pain.
Do I need all of this for one property?
Yes — it is the same discipline whether you buy one or ten. It scales with you.
Where do I start?
Structure and financing first — see the 90-day roadmap.
"A five-minute checklist prevents a five-figure mistake." — Buldora Research Team
