Evaluate where you want to buy in terms of the “local” perspective. Around the world, people perceive nationality, institutions, leadership, government, economic stability, international debt or surplus, ethnicity, geography, environmental practices, religion, and laws in many different ways. As an American, you may perceive another nationality based on what you read in the news, a local restaurant that supposedly represents that country’s cuisine, immigrants that you’ve met, or prejudices that you have based on stereotypes.

When you visit the country, the perceptions and stereotypes that you have developed may cloud your ability to see things as they are. If you are looking for investment opportunities, it’s best to come with an open mind. If you don’t know the language and the culture, you may be very surprised by how the general population treats you if you are on a fact-finding mission. You may find that individuals and professionals that you meet have opinions about your nationality and culture. If you have a clear vision of what you want to know grounded in a plan that you have developed, and you have done some research before you arrive, you are more likely to have success and not be traveling seventeen hours just for a nice time (although that is always a part of your real estate investment journey).