

#433: He Lives in Japan—But Owns 10+ Rentals in the U.S.
Aug 4, 2025
Daniel Mills, a tenured professor residing in Japan, manages a portfolio of over 10 rental properties in the U.S. He discusses overcoming the challenges of long-distance investing, including choosing the right markets and finding reliable property management. Mills shares valuable strategies for evaluating potential investments and the importance of aligning financial goals with personal values. He emphasizes the significance of education and networking in achieving financial freedom while navigating language barriers and building a trustworthy local team.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Daniel Mills' Unconventional Journey
- Daniel Mills joined the Marine Corps but was medically discharged and shifted to new careers like massage therapy and martial arts teaching.
- He moved to Japan for martial arts, met his wife, pursued higher education, and became a tenured professor in financial literacy.
First Rental Deals From Japan
- Daniel started investing in US rental properties from Japan with no knowledge, first reading "The Idiot's Guide to Getting Rich".
- He bought two Boise houses at $120K each with 20% down in 2014 and saw their value rise to $400K, enabling growth.
Navigating Financing Abroad
- Americans living abroad can still get conventional US mortgages because they file US taxes.
- Prepare for challenges like notarizing documents at embassies and consulates, which are often hard to schedule.