Hi Justin
Checked out the free property analyzer developed by Czech student submitted as part of his Masters Degree. Useful, for US property. For Aus property I use PIA developed by Ian Somers, of Somersoft – Jan Somers husband. Very powerful property analysis software an reasonably priced around $500 with no cost for annual updates for first few years. PM for example  and no I don't get referral fees/kickback in case your are wondering 

This is where the Developer is paying interest on an upfront deposit (released for seed capital). Win /Win as long as risks are explained by an independent financial adviser. Developer has access to cheaper funds than if borrowing private finance and investor gets a return higher than if money in a term deposit. Loan document needs to give comfort as to strength of the guarantee .
Naturally the track record of the developer needs to be scrutinised. I like to see 10 years experience and conduct extensive due diligence on the location.

Borrowing 80% secured against purchase property will avoid lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) . The remaining 20% plus costs secured against your PPoR (you could use an LOC for this, but note dates and monthly interest amounts for tax purposes ).

If you have an offset account your sister could park her $200k and it would save you interest. She could invest in two or three affordable off-plan projects where developer pays interest where the deposit  funds are released. I know of one in NSW where the interest paid is 10% pa – which could be taken as cash, or for greater tax effectiveness, offset against the balance owing (effectively reducing purchase price). Check this out with your Financial Adviser.

The Industry standard charge for Buyers' Agents is between 2 & 3%. As I am a sole operator with few overheads I only charge 1%  or 20% of discount to list price that I am able to negotiate (incentive for outperformance!). I can also provide a couple of WA BA contacts

Never had the situation Sam. Imagine that you still have the right to exercise an option to buy, but definitely check with Mel or Tony C. Unless Terry W wants to weigh in …..

I have watched the US market fairly closely since 2004 when the overbuilding began (and coincidentally, the lending standards became more lax). Resisted the opportunity to buy multi family a homeunit block in Texas when the weakness in US housing was becoming apparent (I thought the market had bottomed in 2006 and still wondering if we are there yet!) . Glad that I didn't jump in when there was much further falls to happen. Big differences between the US and Aus ppty market persist. Largely around management (Aus ppty mgrs are more active and effective) , use of non-recourse loans (less commitment to hang on to the house and owners find it to easy to walk away creating a snowball effect, with falling ppty prices) and static population growth. 'Bargains' can prove be expensive in the long run. These days I stick to fundamentals and recommend the same for my clients

Hi Sam
I have experience with options for property in Sydney –  Mel Ciampa 's contact details: 02 98177727. [email protected] .

Save your money for deals. Read…. and network here, guys. PM me for opps and contacts. eg. I support Phillip's recommendation of Mel Ciampa from homeandhoused in Sydney,  Mention my name. Graeme Freer. Let's network. Any for a small development in Atherton in North Qld ? Or Yamba for NSW?

Congrats on paying off your home, Rob!

Just don't ask the bank for your title deeds back as they are safer left with the bank (i was a Westpac bank manager in Sydney CBD for several years- but don't hold that against me) . Read the Jenman article on Perth House scam: it’s a case of “I told you so” http://ow.ly/2NwaQ .

Sounds like you may be more comfortable paying down the investment debt (at least while you are both working). This is where the Viridian style LOC helps. As previous posters mention, you need only borrow 80% of purchase price for  the IP against that security. You draw down on the existing facility for the remaining 20% plus legal and stamp duty costs.

Your accountant will likely suggest that you quarantine investment expenses (ie. don't use the LOC for other purposes). Structuring the finance in a way that is appropriate to your needs is as important as finding the right property.

I was approached by Capital360 Director Pino Tedesco to work for them and had the opportunity to meet their team. Very professional and competent.  

Chan and Naylor (accountants) recommended for innovative trust structures for investing in property. Happy to discuss my personal experience here and that of clients I have referred. I was employed as BDM for a firm of propertty specialist accountants based in Melbourne and know of numerous accountants and financial advisers if you feel that these guys are too expensive. You get what you pay for