I work remotely, and have done so since 2004. I've worked for and with distributed companies and people all over the place, including the US, Slovakia, Singapore, New Zealand, and closer to home here in Australia. Where I live is classified as a regional city (100k population) and is 1 hour flight from the nearest major city (Melbourne). Software development work locally is virtually non-existent, or pays WAY below what I can make working remote, so I chose this path over moving my family elsewhere.
I guess the point I'm trying to make is that it IS out there, but remote work is probably the most hidden of hidden job markets - every single one of these roles/projects has come through word of mouth. As you've already pointed out, if you're in the US, you already have some things going in your favour, namely language, timezones, same culture, same currency and banking system, etc. The best advice I can give is start working your network - people you went to school with, mailing lists and IRC channels for technologies you use, etc.
If you want to ask me anything else about working remotely, feel free, I'll try and answer to the best of my ability.
I guess the point I'm trying to make is that it IS out there, but remote work is probably the most hidden of hidden job markets - every single one of these roles/projects has come through word of mouth. As you've already pointed out, if you're in the US, you already have some things going in your favour, namely language, timezones, same culture, same currency and banking system, etc. The best advice I can give is start working your network - people you went to school with, mailing lists and IRC channels for technologies you use, etc.
If you want to ask me anything else about working remotely, feel free, I'll try and answer to the best of my ability.