Starting a business is a dream for many in both the United States and throughout the world. With an E-2 visa, entrepreneurs from other countries have the opportunity to start and run a business in the U.S.

What is an E-2 Visa?

As explained by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, “The E-2 nonimmigrant classification allows a national of a treaty country (a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation, or with which the United States maintains a qualifying international agreement, or which has been deemed a qualifying country by legislation) to be admitted to the United States when investing a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business.” To qualify for an E-2 visa nonimmigrants must be coming with the sole purpose of growing and operating the business in which they invested. What is considered substantial capital will change some based on the business the E-2 visa holder wishes to operate, but is generally seen as a large enough proportion of the business costs to ensure the E-2 visa holder will be able and committed to operating and sticking with the business. The capital must also be at risk of being lost if the business fails. As stated by the USCIS “investment is the treaty investor’s placing of capital, including funds and/or other assets, at risk in the commercial sense with the objective of generating a profit.”

Nonimmigrants must apply to receive E-2 visa status. If the applicant is a lawful nonimmigrant in the US they must submit form I-129 to request E-2 status. Those outside the U.S. should visit the U.S. Department of State website for information on how to apply.

E-2 Visas are granted on a two year basis for those working and investing in a viable business that is actively operating or growing. Additionally applicants must be at least 50 percent owner of the business or hold an operationally significant managerial position to be accepted. At the end of the two years, E-2 Visa nonimmigrants can renew their status for another two years. There is no limit on the number of years an E-2 visa holder can remain in the United States as long as their visa is renewed.

 

 How All County® Works with E-2 Visas

Many All County® Franchisees have successfully built their property management businesses through E-2 visas. Success is largely the result of the work put in by franchisees, but All County does everything it can to ensure a smooth and effective transition into the American culture and economy. There are some automatic advantages for E-2 visa applicants looking at a property management business because the industry is one with a lower barrier to entry than many other franchise systems. There is a franchising fee and startup costs, but with no inventory to purchase franchisees can focus their money on marketing to grow their business. Aside from the financial benefits the property management industry provides, All County delays the monthly franchising fee typically charged to franchisees until the E-2 visa holder is actually in the United States.

Additionally E-2 visa franchisees will be provided with additional support as they begin to operate their business while also adjusting to life in America. Most E-2 visa applicants are coming from another country, and All County understands that learning how to navigate the layers of the governmental bureaucracy can be difficult especially in a new culture. All County is committed to helping E-2 visa franchisees with everything from applying for a business and real estate license to leasing an office space to acquiring a drivers license and leasing a residence. At times All County has even assisted in interviewing potential employees for E-2 visa franchisees.

For those looking to start a business and begin a new life in America, E-2 visas can be a particularly helpful resource. As long as the E-2 business owner is actively invested in their company and remembers to renew their visa every two years, an E-2 visa can be the catalyst to a successful career. At All County we recognize this, and work hard to assist E-2 visa applicants looking to join our system with everything from funding a business to settling into a new way of life.

 

Sources

https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/treaty-trader-or-treaty-investor/treaty-investor-e-2/

https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/e-2-treaty-investors

Have you ever dreamed or starting a business only to remember how expensive it is? Starting a new business is an exciting prospect, but it is also an expensive one. Some people have the capital set aside to start up their new franchise or business, but many are dependent on loans to fund their venture.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a cabinet-level federal agency dedicated to the support of small businesses. Among other forms of assistance and training the SBA helps small businesses to get off the ground by providing multiple SBA backed loans for various purposes. The SBA does not directly loan out money, but provides a guarantee between the business owner and loan provider. Many lenders are wary to loan money to business owners who do not yet have much cash flow and credit, or sufficient collateral and experience.  When loans go through the SBA however, their support reduces the lender’s risk of losing money if the business owner is unable to pay their loan back. Additionally the SBA professes to provide “lower down payments, flexible overhead requirements, and no collateral needed for some loans,” making them a safer option for someone looking to start a business.

SBA loans do have minimum requirements that applicants must meet. Points such as what your company does, who you are as an owner, and your company location. You must be a for profit company that operates legally and is registered with the SBA, conduct business within a physical location in the US or its territories, place some investment of your own into the business whether time or capital, and be unable to take loans from another financial lender. There are a number of different SBA loans, including 7(a) loans, 504 loans, express loans, and microloans.

 

7 (a) Loans

The most common loan from the SBA is the 7(a) loan that allows up to $5 million to small businesses needing working capital, refinancing for business debt, and large scale purchases. It is the best option for business expenses involving real estate. A 7(a) loan can be used for long and short term working capital, equipment, machinery and supplies, real estate purchases, building construction and renovation, starting or acquiring a business, expanding a business, and in some cases refinancing business debts. The ability to use SBA loaned funds for practically any real estate purchases is unique to the 7(a) loan option, as the 504 loan prohibits the use of loaned money for rental properties, and microloans prohibit the use of loaned money for real estate property.

To apply for these loans you need a number of documents including financial statements, previous loan information, licensing and leasing documentation, and information about yourself and your business. The list of exact eligibility requirements and required application documents can be found on the SBA website on the 7(a) loans page. To pay back a 7(a) loan you follow the same process as you would with most other loans paying principal and interest monthly. Additionally there is no prepayment penalty for loans that mature in less than 15 years.

 

504 Loans

504 loans are geared toward growing businesses and creating job opportunities with long-term fixed rate loans of up to $5 million. According to the SBA, these loans are meant to finance the construction or purchase of new or existing buildings and long-term machinery and equipment or the maintenance of land and facilities. Unlike 7(a) loans these cannot finance working capital or previous debt. Additionally 504 loans are not to be used for uncertain ventures or investment in rental property, making them less effective for someone hoping to enter the property management industry.

The 504 loan eligibility requirements and application are somewhat different from those of other loan options. The SBA states that to be eligible for a 504 loan you must “Have a tangible net worth of less than $15 million and have an average net income of less than $5 million after federal income taxes for the two years preceding your application.” These loans are only financed through SBA certified and regulated Certified Development Companies (CDCs). Additionally this loan application requires a 504 loan authorization package that can be found on the SBA site as a link on the 504 loan page. The repayment of these loans takes place over a longer period of 10 to 20 years with varying interest.

 

Express Loans

SBA Express Loans are similar to SBA 7(a) loans, however they are not directly through the SBA but rather through https://www.sbaexpress.loans/. These express loans provide a fast turnaround time for potential borrowers with approval or denial received within 36 hours, and funds, if approved, within 90 days. All the other forms of SBA loans take significantly longer. Additionally, unlike 7(a) loans, express loans only provide business owners with up to $350,000. This is plenty for many small businesses such as an All County® property management franchise, however for larger business startups it may not provide enough. In those cases the 7(a) loan would be the better move with its higher limit and similar uses. Like a 7(a) loan, express loans can be used for long or short term working capital as well as for purchasing real estate, equipment, machinery, and materials, construction or renovation projects, establishing, acquiring, or expanding a business, and refinancing existing business debt. The repayment terms for an Express Loan are similar to those of the 7(a) loan as well, with a 5-10 year payment period except for in the case of real-estate which may be up to 25 years. No collateral is required for loans under $25,000.

 

Microloans

Microloans are, as the name implies, smaller loans up to $50,000 given to assist in the creation and expansion of small businesses. They can be used for most purposes to fix or improve your business including working capital, inventory, equipment, and supplies. Real estate and the payment of existing debts are the two uses barred by microloan rules. To apply for a microloan you will work more closely with your SBA approved intermediary to get loans from specific nonprofit or community based organizations. A form of collateral and the personal guarantee of the business owner may be required for these types of loans. The repayment of a microloan must be complete within 6 years, however the terms and interest rates of the loan repayment will vary by circumstance.

 

SBA Loans Summary

     SBA Loans in Practice

Many All County® franchisees have utilized SBA loans to get their property management businesses up and running smoothly. They use the money for startup costs including their lease, equipment, technology, and supplies, signs and marketing, various professional fees and deposits, and whatever other charges happen to come up within the early stages of business operation.

 

Conclusion

There are many forms of funding available for those who wish to start their own small business. With help from the SBA you can use 7(a), 504, or microloans to build the business of your dreams. Here at All County® we encourage the use of SBA loans if you do not have access to the capital needed to fund your new franchise, because we know that they can help you get off the ground and build a property management franchise you can be proud of.

 

Sources

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans

https://www.franchisetimes.com/franchise_finance/for-franchisees-sba-loans-have-their-pros-and-cons/article_2bc3e16b-ccf0-55ed-9246-37d87852bec9.html

https://www.forafinancial.com/blog/working-capital/sba-loans-franchise-business/

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/7a-loans

https://www.sbaexpress.loans/

https://www.sbaexpress.loans/sba-express-glossary/2017/5/12/what-is-an-sba-7-a-loan

Housing is a basic need. As long as people want to live with walls and a roof above their heads, there will be a need for workers, owners, and property managers in the housing industry. In recent years the rental industry specifically has experienced extensive growth, as housing costs have become unmanageable for many. With the current explosive market, now is the perfect time to enter the housing industry as a property manager.

In property management, you will work with a number of owners looking to make passive residual income while you find tenants for them and ensure that their property is well cared for. In doing this you will also see a passive and residual income that brings with it the benefits of freedom, flexibility, and a work-life balance that is hard to come by in the traditional work environment.

Economic Opportunity

Current economic factors have led to a rise in rental prices, thus making an industry that is already a consistent need an even more lucrative prospect. Bloomberg and World Population Review have reported that rental prices have soared to an average of $1,659 – $1,751 a month for a one-bedroom apartment and up to $2,065 for a two-bedroom apartment. World Population Review states that “when it comes to vacant units, only two states have median asking rents below $1000 a month, while thirteen states have a median asking rent above $2000 a month.” For rental houses, current renters may be paying slightly lower amounts in the range of $1,300-$1,400 a month, however new rental listings are rising to around $1,900. Single family homes are currently averaging a rent of $2,018 a month. These numbers indicate that you can make as much money as you put effort into generating. As you gather new properties in your portfolio you will increase your income, and be able to pursue new leads that will continue to propel you forward.

All County’s Place in the Industry

All County® is dedicated to growing consistently and utilizing the essential benefits of the housing market. We have seen the impact of the growth in rental housing with a record number of doors opened within a year and large scale acquisitions that continue to propel franchisees toward success and security. Despite the conditions of COVID-19, All County® franchisees were able to operate and produce effective results even amidst lockdowns and closures. When many other industries came to a halt property management continued. Franchisee Hon Wong has worked in property management for 15 years, building a successful business through all economic conditions. He expresses that, “During economic uncertainties like the 2008 financial crisis and the covid-19 pandemic of today property management has shown to be a great opportunity. Simply put, when there’s uncertainty people tend to rent and not buy. During the 2008 and 2010 financial crises we did the best we ever had.”

Conclusion

No matter the economic, health, and societal concerns the country may face, the housing and property management industries will continue to be a necessity, and have demonstrated a history of continued growth, making them an ideal market for prospective business owners.

 

 

Sources

https://managecasa.com/articles/us-rental-property-market/

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2021-08-26/house-rentals-the-u-s-rental-market-is-surging-right-now-here-s-what-to-do

https://www.rent.com/research/average-rent-price-report/

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-15/how-much-are-home-rents-rising-prices-surge-by-record-in-hot-us-housing-market

https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/average-rent-by-state

https://www.multihousingnews.com/national-multifamily-report-january-2022/#:~:text=In%20the%20first%20month%20of,Matrix%20survey%20of%20140%20markets.

In the past weeks the economy has taken another strange turn with the decreasing value of cryptocurrency. In light of this, we present a comparison between your financial opportunities investing in crypto versus investing in property management.

Cryptocurrency

Crypto provides a higher chance to get rich quickly through investments in a lucrative but highly uncertain venture. Times Money Mentor explains that the most popular cryptocurrency for example, bitcoin, was only worth $1 in 2011 near its launch. Ten years later, bitcoin reached its record value of $69,004, implying that a promising return could be gained from blockchain technology. As 2021 ended and 2022 began however, bitcoin values dropped to $47,000 in March and $29,000 in May. This still seems like a lot of money, but with it comes the stress and risk of a digital market that could crash at any moment. For those who bought into bitcoin at its beginning, the challenge is not just to decide the right time to sell, but also how to successfully manage a digital wallet full of cryptocurrency. For those looking to enter the market, a larger investment will be needed for just one bitcoin or adjacent cryptocurrency.

One of the other risks involved in cryptocurrency, or blockchain technology, is that it is not protected. When one accumulates Crypto, these virtual coins are stored in a digital wallet with a password. This means that if the password to the digital wallet is lost or forgotten the crypto currency stored inside it is lost forever. If you have the financial means and ability to enter the cryptocurrency game and you are willing to take on the risk that crypto presents, then there are chances for financial gain with the click of a button and some waiting. For those not in an ideal position to invest large amounts of money into cryptocurrency however, there are many more secure avenues for investment.

Property Management

In property management you may not make as much at one time, but you will have a stream of residual income that will grow as you add to your property management portfolio. In the rental industry there are a number of different ways to earn a profit. One is to be a real estate property owner. As an owner, you can rent out your home and leave the heavy lifting to a property management company such as All County® making you, the owner, a passive profit.

To make a larger profit you may consider becoming a property manager. As a property manager you work for owners to manage their most important asset, their home. In doing this you receive a percentage of the rent paid by tenants on a residual monthly basis. Though this may not be a large profit from one home, as you add more doors to your property management portfolio your monthly income can skyrocket.

At All County®, we have seen that those who work to grow their business and use our processes achieve significant success. This is not a get rich quick business, but a business structure that can have incredible yield when worked at diligently. Additionally, among franchises and business startups, property management is on the lower end when it comes to barriers of entry. You still pay some money to purchase and start your property management franchise, but there is no costly inventory or astronomical fees. This makes owning your own business less of a risk, especially for those just entering the franchise market with little self-employment or business experience.

Conclusion

Deciding where to invest your money is an important step in ensuring a secure financial future. There are many options to choose from ranging from the near gamble of cryptocurrency, to the more secure but labor intensive industry of property management. Whether bitcoin or one of its counterparts, cryptocurrency will make large promises of wealth at risk of certainty while property management will provide wealth and financial success that builds over time. Crypto and property management are both ways to increase your wealth, but the comparison between them sheds some light on where you can feel confident placing your investment.

 

Sources

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/13/the-crypto-industry-just-had-one-of-its-worst-days-ever.html

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/money-mentor/article/cryptocurrency-good-investment/

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/money-mentor/article/how-cryptocurrency-works/

https://www.coindesk.com/price/bitcoin/

In 2022 it is becoming increasingly common for employees to break away from corporate jobs to become their own boss. As the COVID-19 pandemic caused numerous layoffs and prompted many employees to work remotely, some made the choice not to return, deciding to instead become self-employed.

Many People are Turning to Self-Employment

The PEW Research Center reports that while the number of employees in a typical corporate setting dropped during COVID-19 and never recovered, the number of self-employed workers did recover from COVID-19 pandemic levels by 2021. This showcases the opportunity for growth as a self-employed company owner across the United States. Business ownership is not for everyone, but for those with a desire to be self-employed, starting a company or franchise can be a perfect opportunity.

Within an uncertain economy the security involved in being free from the control of a boss and corporate structure is very inviting. Though the economy remains largely similar to previous quarters, the prices of many necessities such as fuel are on the rise. Additionally, inflation is lurking around the corner. Given this current outlook, starting a new business or franchise is an appealing solution. The real estate market, and specifically property management, has seen a large increase in financial opportunity in recent years, making housing an ideal industry to enter.

 

The Benefits of Starting a Business in an Uncertain Economy

Both investopedia and hubspot blog have written about the benefits of starting a business at an economically uncertain time. However, many potential business owners too afraid to become their own boss when they are not confident about the economic uncertainties. There is no perfectly safe time to start a business, it will always be a risky venture, but if the owner is prepared then uncertain times can give the new entrepreneur an edge up on competition. There will likely be less competition from other new businesses if you choose to begin your venture when times are perceived to be economically uncertain. Established businesses will also be affected by economic conditions, likely slowing or halting new innovations in favor of stability. If you can create something new while no one else does, your business or franchise will stand out. There is substantial evidence that customers who come to a business during times of uncertainty will stick with that business once economic conditions improve. If your services can fit the needs of customers in an uncertain economy, how much more can these customers trust you when the economy is thriving again?

No matter the economic conditions surrounding you, it is important to make sure you are entering a market with demand. About half of new businesses fail within five years, and about 35 percent of these failures are due to a lack of market need. People will always require a place to live, meaning real estate and property management will always be essential industries. This ongoing need for housing will increase your chance for success as a business owner.

The Personal Benefits of Becoming Your Own Boss

Aside from the economic upsides, becoming your own boss provides you with greater opportunities for freedom, flexibility, work-life balance, and fulfilment. According to a survey conducted by Emergent Research and Rockbridge Associates and appearing in Forbes, 77 percent of workers who are self-employed did so to be their own boss, followed 74 percent of self-employed workers drawn to the flexibility that working independently affords. Many of these respondents stated that working for themselves increased their happiness and even their health! At All County®, many of our franchisees express that flexibility is one of their favorite parts of owning their own business. As franchisees, they are afforded the opportunity to maintain a work-life balance that caters to their desires and needs, and allows them to prioritize time with their families more than they could in a traditional position.

Many self-employed owners find significantly more meaning and fulfilment in running their own business, as they can impact their communities. Nasdaq recently reported that close relationships between owners and customers as well as a strong belief in a company’s goals or values are the main encouragements to potential workers. As a business owner you set the company climate you want to experience and gather consumers and employees around you that align with that vision. In property management, this includes the development of a strong system of owners and tenants who you help by managing their most important asset, their home, and who in return support your business. As expressed by one of All County’s® newest franchisees Dan Goodman, “we find that if we’re honest and upfront, we can expect the same in return and everybody has as pleasant a working experience as possible.”

Conclusion

Building a successful business in economically certain times requires the new boss or franchisee to have a solid business plan. In economically uncertain times this is especially important. Building a customer base before the doors of your new business open, and ensuring that you have the support and financial means to become your own boss are requisite. Providing solutions for these needs is just one of the ways that being part of a franchise system such as All County® Property Management can make becoming a business owner simpler and more lucrative. With the support of All County’s® brand, procedures, and staff it becomes easier to succeed where others may fail. With determination economically uncertain times may be the perfect chance for you to turn your self-employment dreams into a reality.

Sources

https://www.thebalancesmb.com/the-advantages-of-owning-your-own-business-2948555

https://seekingalpha.com/article/4507927-us-financial-conditions-profile-may-6-2022

https://www.bea.gov/news/glance

https://www.forbes.com/sites/elainepofeldt/2017/06/13/new-study-why-self-employment-keeps-accelerating/?sh=5234d5dc6ac8

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/376318

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/11/03/the-self-employed-are-back-at-work-in-pre-covid-19-numbers-but-their-businesses-have-smaller-payrolls/

https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/the-small-business-economy-is-set-to-soar-in-2022

https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/should-you-start-a-business-in-uncertain-times

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/09/start-business-in-depressed-economy.asp