308. Why Wealthy Americans Are Quietly Buying Real Estate in Panama with Steve Luther

Joe Jensen sits down with Steve Luther, founder of Cord Real Estate and leader of Cord International, to unpack why Panama has become a serious option for American investors looking at international real estate, lifestyle, healthcare, and residency opportunities. Steve shares how his life-threatening COVID battle, which left him hospitalized for four and a half months, made healthcare access a major factor in his family's search for a second home abroad. That journey eventually led them to Panama, where they found strong healthcare infrastructure, a dollarized economy, proximity to the U.S., and real estate opportunities that could also support residency. The conversation covers the practical side of buying internationally, including local financing options, tax write-offs, property management, foreign-earned income considerations, Panama's low property taxes, and the limitations around 1031 exchanges and cost segregation. Steve also explains Panama's residency-by-investment pathway, where a $300,000 real estate purchase can qualify buyers for permanent residency, along with the importance of using vetted local agents, attorneys, developers, and property managers. The episode closes with Steve's reminder that real estate remains one of the best investments available, especially when investors start thinking beyond U.S. borders. Book a free real estate investing strategy call! No experience necessary. Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube Real Estate Investing School Instagram Brody's Instagram Joe's Instagram Steve's Website Steve's Instagram