I have an apartment in Bangkok now, but may spend a large amount of time away (1 yr). I have considered renting it out during that time to cover the payments,

(or)

buy my apartment room, then rent it out for the long haul. (my 1st choice)

Any advice or experience with this fork in the road?

Sincerely,

Steve

Don't understand..

You already own it right?? How does the (or) come into it?

Anyway, renting is fine as long as you don;t have a mortgage to pay. Assume you don't - as it's cheaper to rent than own (if you have a 80% mortgage you would never cover the payments by renting it and would need to subsidise from your earnings)

Many people who paid a lot for their condos find this out when their situation chanes and they need to move for work.

Only farangs and other foreigners would pay 30 or 40,000 B per month for rent. And there are fewer of themwith companies that are willing to subsidise their employee's rent. Anyway, if you have a small place, aren't concerned about covering any loans on the place, and are willing to risk that the renter may skip and not pay while you are away..it's a good idea to rent it out.

You'll need to find someone you trust to look after things while you're away.