South Africa is one of my favorite countries. I was in a similar situation to you, and even had rands before moving here. You are doing the right thing by renting for a year, but I’m not sure buying a multi-family unit just because it offers more than current savings rates makes sense. You will find better cap rates (returns) in other parts of the country. Try loopnet.com for an idea of rates and prices. If you have cash in an account makes sure it’s FDIC insured and below $250k per account holder. Try bankrate.com for best rates on CDs and savings accounts. Depending on your risk tolerance, you may want to go slow with other types of investments until you have found your feet and acclimatised, unless you need the income of course. But that’s just the way I’d go.
