Wealthyjvd,There is no easy or one answer to your question.There are various methods that can help you achieve this goal from buying positive cash flow properties only to earning big bucks privately.  The important thing most of all is to read and then find the method that you feel comfortable with and try it.I'm old school and prefer the buy and…[Read more]

alexbigal,Have you had any luck in finding a mentor?Your goal although sounding good will depend a lot on what you consider to be financial freedom.How much do you need to cover those monthly expensive and have a little more?3 Years will be a tall order to achieve this considering the current economic situation and dependent on how your business…[Read more]

hbbehrendorff, The biggest risk to Australia's future is Australians.  If we take the attitude that everything will be doom and gloom and stop investing and spending then we will have a recession.  What is needed is responsible investing and spending and not the doom and gloom that some are trying to install in others.The problem with d…[Read more]

Welcome to the site and OZ.You may want to compare the rise in property over the next 2 years against the FHOG.Is it worth the wait?  How much will you spend on rent in the meanwhile?You can apply for exemptions from certain foreign investments rulings.

ummester,Investing in IP's is not only done to increase ones bank balance. It is also done to provide financial security for our children and their children.Aren't they part of society and aren't we giving to them.Having IP's is another form of small business and has just as many risks.We give back to the community by providing accommodation, that…[Read more]

Dr Spock,Make your offer about 20% less than you want to pay and work upwards.  Never ever worry about others when making offers.Most R/E's just want to get the offer stage over and done with plus the higher the offer the more commission for them.Your money your deposit you decide how much.If vendor wants to sell they will accept.Take your time…[Read more]

You could hypothetically let them know that you may have paid too much and see if they would give you the money.Another option is to donate the money to a charity.

Tony,You haven't mentioned if you owe any money on the vacant land and this needs to be taken into consideration first.C2

No one company has the best.   You need to find a policy that suits your investing needs.

I'm starting to feel sorry for Foundation with all the questions that he has been bombarded with.The original question asked if property investing is worth it.Yes it is but a key factor is being dynamic and knowing when to change ones plan or investment strategy.I'm a big advocate of buy and hold and over the years it has done rather well for me…[Read more]

Property boy,If the real estate agent buys the deals you are talking about then how does he get a commission to live on.Most of them go for the instant gratification of % of sale rather than % of investment return.Would you take an instant $5K sale or wait a year for a property returning $100 / week cash flow?Real estate agents do buy properties…[Read more]

Hi Terry,Thanks for the congratulations.I know I can get better investment returns from OZ but I'm sort of looking way in to the future when the kids may want to come to Japan etc to live for a few years and somewhere for us to spend a few months of the year.  The property is central to Tokyo and the airport on major train lines so suits a few…[Read more]

Hi All,I think you will find that Steve along with his business partner developed a plan of buying properties that were either basically cash flow positive, were bargains that could be easily be resold quickly after minor renos etc.They used what could be considered a very small deposit by todays standards and both their modest incomes to the best…[Read more]

Hi Terry,Long time no chat.I'm more incline to pay cash.Land is probably around 75K which should put bottom base price around 100K after about 20 years of depreciation.Eventually will keep one apartment vacant for rellies & and ourselves etc when we want to visit Japan.BTW expecting the first bub in about 3 weeks.CheersC2

ZB,I definitely like cars too and like too spend time tinkering around.Its a good way of turning a hobby in to a little money spinner.If you look at my cars you see I basically have one for every type of occasion.Sporty, luxury and camping.

JAMBV,As Terry said the market in Japan is very different to OZ.There are quite a few good bargains but getting a good property manager can be extremely difficult.The real estate agent holds power over both land lord and tenant.It is very difficult to negotiate rent rise or increases. (I lived in a place that has had the same rent for 25 years).It…[Read more]

Hi LA,I have the advantage of living in a country (Japan) where certain cars are a lot cheaper than OZ.Basically I look for a car that is reasonably priced here but worth a lot more back in OZ.Personal imports allow a number of breaks that you can't get when trying to buy an imported car from OZ.Also most the cars I own in Japan a sort after in OZ…[Read more]

It's good to see this thread is still going but some of you need to lighten up a bit.I've still got the same cars and bikes from 6 months ago.Cars can be just as good as an investment as houses if bought and sold the right way.  Toyota Troop carrier 4WD Lada Niva 4WD Mtisubishi GTO 3000 4WD Delica Space Gear 4WD Mercedes Benz Rolls Royce Honda…[Read more]

I guess it's time for an update as it has been a while since the last one.Two countries so 3 cars and 1 motor bike in each one. Toyota Troop carrier 4WD Lada Niva 4WD Mtisubishi GTO 3000 4WD Delica Space Gear 4WD Mercedes Benz Rolls RoyceHonda XL 185Honda Steed 400

If you can afford lifes hiccups then you may not need landlords insurance, but for peace of mind I would suggest getting some.Xenia, Have you read my nightmare swimming pool claim?  How would you have handled this situation without landlords insurance?Sometimes it doesn't matter how good your PM is problems can occur.