The Step-by-Step Guide to Investing in U.S. Real Estate from Latin America

Why U.S. Real Estate Still Matters for Latin American Investors

Let’s start with the obvious: U.S. real estate remains one of the most stable and attractive investment destinations in the world. For Latin American investors, it offers something rare—political and legal stability, consistent dollar-denominated cash flows, and a robust legal framework that protects investors.

More importantly, it offers options. From multifamily apartment buildings in emerging metros to industrial properties tied to e-commerce growth, the U.S. real estate market is large and diverse. The trick is knowing how to access it correctly from abroad.

Step 1: Define Your Investment Goals

Before you do anything, ask: What are you trying to achieve?

• Are you looking for passive income?
• Do you want long-term wealth preservation in USD?
• Are you planning to eventually move to or spend more time in the U.S.?
• Do you want to preserve capital offshore for future generations?

The answers will guide everything—from the markets you consider to the structures you use.

Step 2: Understand Your Investment Options

Not all real estate investments are created equal. Most Latin American investors think first about buying a rental property. That’s one option, but it’s not the only one:

• Direct Ownership: Buying residential or commercial property outright. Requires active management or a property manager.
• Private Real Estate Funds: Institutional-quality opportunities pooled from multiple investors. Often limited to accredited or qualified investors.
• Syndications: A group investment in a specific property, often led by an experienced sponsor.
• REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts): Publicly traded, easy to access, but offer less control and more correlation with public markets.

At Infinity⁹, we believe private investments offer a strategic edge: better risk-adjusted returns, less volatility, and access to niche opportunities that large institutions dominate.

Step 3: Choose the Right Market

The U.S. is not a monolith. Every city and state has different tax laws, landlord-tenant regulations, growth trends, and risk factors. Here are a few guiding questions:

• Is the population growing?
• Is there job diversity and economic momentum?
• Is housing supply constrained?
• Is there institutional interest in the area?

Cities like Austin, Nashville, Raleigh, and Phoenix have seen major inflows of both capital and population—but lesser-known metros may offer better entry points for patient capital.

Step 4: Set Up the Proper Legal Structure

Latin American investors should not hold U.S. assets personally. Doing so exposes you to unnecessary estate taxes and liability risk. Instead, you’ll likely want to invest through an LLC (or multiple) owned by an offshore entity such as a foreign trust or holding company.

A smart structure helps you:

• Limit liability
• Minimize U.S. estate tax exposure
• Protect anonymity
• Improve tax efficiency in both jurisdictions

The right structure depends on your country of residence, tax treaty status, and investment goals. Always consult a cross-border tax and legal advisor.

Step 5: Secure Banking and Transfer Channels

One of the biggest hurdles for Latin American investors is getting capital into the U.S. banking system efficiently and legally. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A U.S.-based bank account for your investment entity
• Clear source-of-funds documentation
• Tax compliance in your home country
• Currency controls navigation (in countries like Argentina or Venezuela)

Infinity⁹ works closely with clients to help facilitate this process, ensuring transparency and efficiency without delays.

Step 6: Decide on Active vs. Passive Management

Do you want to manage your property or portfolio directly—or would you rather take a hands-off approach?

Active investments (like owning a rental condo) require time, connections, and frequent decisions. Passive investments (like private placements) offer a professionally managed, low-touch experience with strong reporting and communication.

If your time is valuable and you prefer a U.S.-based team handling the complexities, private investments may be the smarter route.

Step 7: Work with a Strategic Investment Partner

Cross-border investing is complex. You don’t need to do it alone. An experienced partner like Infinity⁹ helps investors:

• Build a tailored capital framework across borders
• Access institutional-quality real estate
• Avoid common legal and tax pitfalls
• Align investments with long-term wealth planning

Remember: There are no bad markets, just bad strategies. With the right team and structure, U.S. real estate can be a powerful anchor in your portfolio.

The Infinity⁹ Perspective

We believe private investments—not public REITs or mutual funds—offer the most effective path for Latin American investors to build and preserve dollar-denominated wealth. Why? Because they provide access to real assets, real returns, and real protection from volatility.

Your money doesn’t need a visa. But it does need a plan.

If you’re ready to go deeper, we’re ready to help you design a capital framework that fits.