I suppose it shouldn't be too hard to create an excel template for the number crunching. Here's Microsoft's list of common examples of Excel formulas. This may be of help to you.

If you were considered more on the "self-employed" camp, then I think you would have to at least prove to lenders that you had about 2 years worth of consistent income. So I suppose you'd need to think hard about the consequences of moving from full-time work to being a contractor/consultant, as a more "self-employed" person.

Go for number 3. That's my personal opinion. It's the one with the least amount of hassle, and you still get to achieve your outcomes of getting more equity for deposits.

Although as you mentioned, seems like you'll be able to only tap into about $44K. There are bargain properties that you could buy with that amount for deposit money, but do you…[Read more]

What's the research for?

There was a lot of hype about Whyalla because of the potential of the Olympic Dams project. I was keeping my eye on alot of the properties around the area, as I saw a number of positive geared properties, which could potentially have high capital growth prospects too. Was seriously about to invest in a number of the properties there.

Now that the…[Read more]

I agree that 100% loans are already a thing of the past. I haven't seen them in Australia anyway in recent times, nor have used them. I've always had to save up for deposits or at least tap into equity to invest.

I don't know, has anyone ever seen 100% loans in Australia?

I think that would depend very much on the terms of your contract. I think you could suggest certain types of maintenance for the buyer, but the title still remains with you.

The advantage of this is that the buyers are likely to maintain the place and keep it well because their increased sense of ownership, but you still have title so just in…[Read more]

Where are you planning to buy land?

I've seen a number of investors doing that sort of thing you're talking about with transportable homes mainly in coastal areas and rural areas.

I agree that if your idea of a "solid investment" is a high yield, then you are better off looking elsewhere, as there are other properties with higher yields. Also, there are other properties with better cashflow potential too.

Although it really does depend on what yoru investment goals are?

Dubstep,
Yes, it's true that you would act somewhat like a bank, although there are some advantages for both you and the buyer if you did vendor finance.

For the buyer, if you did vendor finance then the buyer would not have to go through stringent loan application procedures that may rule them out from a conventional loan. Also, you could decide…[Read more]

Hey bugeye,
That's a good strategy to go for, and in the long term can and will make you wealthy if you continue and repeat the process again and again.
A good mortgage broker can help you with the loan process.

Have you started looking for properties already? Found any good ones that suit your goals so far?

I think a good way to figure out whether to move forward, and whether it's a good investment for you is to use an excel spreadsheet, and type out all the expenses and costs to develop the granny flat on one column and add them up.

Then look around at other granny flats renting out in your neighbourhood, or you could even ask a local property…[Read more]

I missed the show, and I was trying to look it up on youtube or google, but I did come across Cherie's ACA story from 2010, which was in a more positive light. You can check it out here

I too was thinking of getting some her stuff before, as renos aren't my strength even though finding, researching and investing in properties is. I think she's…[Read more]

Gday Steve,
I've been checking out properties around WA, and I have seen positive cashflow properties in Kambalda recently.

I suppose the economics of the area has its pros and cons. The pro being that you're more likely to find cheap properties that are positive cashflow, and would be in demand by the mining sector for a higher rental income.…[Read more]

At the moment, I'm watching for positive cashflow properties all across Australia, but I'm particularly analysing properties in NSW, QLD and VIC right now

With regards to granny flats, it's important to adhere to the Council rules, as I know of people deciding not to follow them and some of them got caught. It also is just good for your peace of mind, even though it may cost you more in expenses for approval.

A quick way for your to get  general advice for the Council rules is to just call up your…[Read more]

From a personal perspective, I think 2 things that have made me successful (well in my own mind and according to my own standards, I am successful) are these:

1) I set goals,I write them down, and then I create plans to achieve them, then I work the plans. A great tip, is to also know why you want to achieve those goals – including the emotional…[Read more]

Hi reandebris, hey jbrogz,hello avena, g'day orsonstarus, welcome carlescrowley and howdy kentotoole and a big hello to all the other newbies to propertyinvesting.com

It's so nice to meet you all. Continue to share your storeis and ask your questions, and our community will be happy to help you on your property investing journey.

Hey Crows,
You mentioned that you had the problem of finding positive cashflow properties but many of them were in areas that had no real CG prospects and were known to be troubled areas, and you were confused about what to do.

I agree that there are some CF+ properties that are located in those kinds of areas. In my opinion, what I do is that I…[Read more]

Growing your knowledge through reading books, contributing in the forum, asking questions and actually inspecting a number of homes (especially the ones nearby) is a great way to overcome your lack of confidence. This is important so that you gradually build your skills and knowledge especially as you continue to buy more properties in the…[Read more]