thanks heaps for the reply.
somewhat disheartening, but i guess i needed to hear it.
we have about $5000 savings.
he has defaults from a landlord which he has paid all in full but still have the judgement sitting there.

if we get a loan together i assume i cant go for the FHOG cause he is helping out pay the loan off???
i just wanted to know which way would be best. say i could get the money for watever, i just didnt know if builder where equity will go up before its built compared to getting a rental property and rent it out whilst buying a unit in the CBD melbs and live int hat for awhile as it has always been a dream for us to live in the city for awhile, whilst building up our portfolio of property????

off the plan, house and land, reno, rental??? which way??? sooo confused