Have you thought investing just a little farther afield. I have a mid 80's unit in the Maitland area of the hunter valley that i bought 5 years ago. At its current value of $135-140k it returns me about 6% ($160 per week). Properties in this area are cheaper than Sydney obviously, and capital gains are strong as it is a growth area, when I sell the property later this year I expect my gain to be about 25%.

Just a thought, your outlay therefore risk is less, returns and growth are good; my property has not been vacant for a single day over the 5 years I have owned it.