Ash interviews Michael Cobb, exploring how Michael built an international real estate, lending, and development platform across Central and South America by identifying gaps in foreign buyer financing and leaning heavily into community-centric development. Michael shares why legal systems, zoning assumptions, and cultural norms differ dramatically outside the U.S., and how misunderstanding those nuances can derail overseas investments. He also explains his long-term strategy of creating purpose-built expat communities using New Urbanist design principles, why branded resort residences in markets like Belize sit in a “sweet spot” for appreciation, and how thoughtful diversification outside the U.S. can strengthen both lifestyle and portfolio outcomes.
Michael Cobb
Current role: Founder and CEO, ECI Development
Based in: Belize / United States
Say hi to them at: https://ecidevelopment.com
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