It's doomsday and probably the last time I make a Post – this site used to be a way to communicate with fellow Investors to get the best advise – it just seems that some people like to make it a personal-issue on one anothers intelligence – let's all complain and go to hell : )

Yep, I have gone with a Variable Interest following constructive advise from Richard. As I already told you, I originally Posted my opinion with questions about the strategy – I put my hand up to erroness cos' I'm not Jesus : )

Any one ever heard of 'a glass half full' ?

Thanks for your Comments guys!

Aphex, totally agree with inner subs + bayside areas to invest – there are some gorgeous (heritage) apartment buildings in Elizabeth Bay, although most are small studios they are marketed at incredibly affordable prices! And the concept of purchasing property with rarity is great – Art Deco and Edwardian property is hard to find in Elwood and other bayside subs in Melbourne atm, very desirable (not to mention structurally solid + locally iconic for the past 5 decades!)

Just an update:

My partner and I have visited the Bank's Mortgage Consultant who has confirmed our borrowing 'strategy' with some really helpful info including a Variable Interest Rate… I guess at this moment in time VI is a good idea. What do you all think? I know typically long-term investment properties should be a Fixed Interest but I'll have to find out if we can swap should Rates start to rise in the future (have emailed Consultant for his advise also)

I'm looking at a handful of 1 beddas this week inner subs + bayside Melbourne, all under 200K + my partner will be keeping an eye out for any structural defects next week when he flies down

I have also researched local Property Management groups + the fully furnished apartments on their books are certainly exceeding my expectations by means of weekly Letting prices

I will be sticking to my "worst case" scenario however, where any extra $$$'s will be an added bonus!

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Hopefully we'll all continue to build wise portfolios… with only potential minor hiccups – but remember our greatest glory is not in never falling but rising in every time we fall and we can only look to learn from our mistakes!

Thanks for your "honest" opinion Crashy and congratulations on being the lesser ratio I was expecting

Firstly, in no way was I manipulating anyone – I don't particularly require a tick of approval for my strategy (we're all in control of our own destiny) purely some information for my partner (which was mentioned in the Post). I did propose the question "could there be a better strategy" as well as include some facts I have found through research. I'm not a downer of a person, so if you do have a better strategy for Investing at this time, I'd love to hear it!

"The Poor Guy" you refer to as my partner, is a Builder, not an economic watch-dog, not a property researcher, valuer or architect. I work in Property Development as a Pjct Manager (currently residential construction) and have worked in Architectural, Real Estate (sales + leasing) and Property Development firms and unlike my partner, invested in property before. So before you give yourself a wedgee and make me out to be a crude biatch on the internet for all to see, how about you request all of the facts first

Correct, I am watching property prices topple like everyone else and I'm also noticing high Rental Yeilds in the areas of my investment. As my strategy is to invest for 'the long haul' as already mentioned, it is not a major concern. If the Reserve Bank decides to slash Interest Rates by another 1 to 2 % or more, property owners aren't going to have such a need to sell and prices won't be as negotiable

Due to the Supply and Demand of property in Australia's Eastern Cost, with a strong skilled migration particularly from Asia (China's economy may be feeling the brunt of the Recession, however Professor Angus Maddison uses PPP (purchasing power parity) to forecast China's 23% share of the world's GDP by 2030 – and will quite possibly be the world's strongest economy) so I don't have many quarms about renters, expatriets or skilled migrants paying their lease or requiring fully furnished accommodation 

I am in my twenties and haven't had the opportunity to experience a Recession first hand, which is why I am here and asking if there is a better strategy or to gain confirmation that I might be on the right track. I do, however have the experience of renovating and leasing property and some market knowledge gained through the internet and other reading material

Your Comments are important to me – let's just try and keep this a happy place : )