I have signed up.I believe the first 4 weeks are self-study mode before the first meeting.  Then the meetings are held each quarter in Melbourne.

Thank you

Hi JudithI have signed up for the next round and I am very excited about it – can't wait to get started.  I am happy to hear you found it so worthwhile.Lisa

HelloJust wondering if any of you have found any errors on your bank statments using these products?ThanksLisa

Thanks Matt!Yes the floor to ceiling tiles in the toilet were painted with tile paint.Lisa

HelloWell I think I have worked out how to load the before and after shots on Flickr.http://www.flickr.com/photos/24479622@N05/sets/72157604079590089/Let me know if you have any problems viewing.Lisa.

Hi KIZThanks.  I will try to work out how to post before photos on the web for all to see.  Will have a go at this tomorrow.

HelloFor those that are interested here is the listing of the property we reno'd.  Turned out much better than we had expected, also cost a bit more than we expected, but we are happy with the result for our first go at it.  There are a lot of pics in the li…[Read more]

Hello ZoeI live in Mt Gambier and my partner and I a few properties in Mt Gambier plus our PPOR.  There are opportunities here though not like there used to be.  There is one "bad" area in particular to stear clear from.  Anything east of Pick Ave I would steer clear from.  When considering the prices here in comparison to Sydney they are very a…[Read more]

That is good to know Terry I wasn't sure how the lender would value the place when we refinance.

We paid $130,000 and the valuation came in at $150,000 as was.  With a quick cosmetic reno we expect it to be worth $165-$170k and the house next door which is similar rents for $170 per week.We are not talking huge numbers but we are still very happy as it is our first reno to add value to an IP and we haven't had to put much money into it.  We…[Read more]

Thanks everyone for your input.An update for you.  Our solicitor contacted the bank (with the permission to of the seller) and the bank was happy to stop legal proceedings as long as they sighted a signed sale contract.  As the sale was below market value the seller had to sign a waiver which releases the bank from any future action from the sel…[Read more]

Thanks for your help everyone.  I will ask our solicitor to contact the seller and get the ball rolling as soon as possible, hopefully they can contact the bank and find out exactly what is required.

HelloI would recommend that you use an accountant that is knowledgable in property investments.  When searching for an accountant ask them if they have any property investments themselves. I hope this helpsLisa

Hi AmandaIf only I could remember how to use Access!!  It is such a great program but as I don't use it on a daily basis like Excel I would struggle to make a database from scratch these days.Lisa

Which state is the property located in?

That spreadsheet is great!  Would certainly make the accountants job much easier.I use a similar one for my record keeping but include an extra tab for recording capital expenditure which calculates the depreciation etc as well as recording depreciation claims from the quantity surveyors report (I lodge my own tax return).  However I find u…[Read more]

Hi VanessaI suggest you speak with a reputable insurance broker.  They will be able to recommend the best insurance for your situation and also for the best price.Kind regardsLisa

HelloI have used RateBusters for 3 separate loans, my home and 2 investment properties.  The service was very good and the internet banking site and the offset accout are great features.  HOWEVER their break costs are very high.  If I pay out our cheapest IP loan within 5 years we are looking at at least $2000 in break costs.I have decided agai…[Read more]

Hi SuzieBased on my experience I say use a quantity surveyor.  They will detail for you every possible depreciable item so you can be sure you are maximising your tax deductions.  I used an accountant  to work out the depreciation for a 2 yo property I purchased a few years ago and also used a quantity surveyor the following year (just to check if…[Read more]