The above posters seem to be talking about capital growth returns. In terms of good rental returns, I found that up North is where good rents are, and houses are dirt cheap – near Elizabeth and Salisbury way.It's easy to find a property in the $130-$160k range that are getting rents of $220-$260/week. At least one or two come on the market every week.

Usually investors will want to buy both duplexes for a cheaper price, than just buying one. It's probably best for you to do this too return wise, instead of doubling up on selling/marketing costs, agents fees etc. selling individual units.

Make sure you have a certain amount of knowledge and certainty before taking the jump. There's nothing worse than making a purchase, then realising a couple of months down the track, you make a mistake as you were too naive; before you know it you've made a dud purchase, with the property not making you any money at all….

NHG wrote:
I can't recall who told me this, yet I felt it was a valid point…If it's a good buy already, and it meets all your criteria, why loose it over 5-10k. I haven't had the most experience, tho I feel I would I would only negotiate further if there were multiple offers on the table which met my criteria.I saw a place and put an offer in…[Read more]

Kristin Simondson PBRE wrote:

Matthew_W wrote:
*snip*

*trimmed*

Thanks Kristin. That's what I thought. I guess it depends on the agent….

Wow! 14?Consider yourself lucky Ethan that you know what you want to do with your life and start now.I don't think you're ever to young to start – anything! You can probably read, read, and read for now. And like Shiny_Suit_Man said above me, if you're not sure on anything, ask your parents (or here  ).You should start building up a wealth of…[Read more]

NHG wrote:
First property, I felt I was being rude offering such a 'low' price. My dad who always has an opinion told me off for not negotionating hard enough.Fast forward 6 months, purchased property number 2. This time dad was uncomfortable as I was putting in 'low ball' offers. I stuck to what I felt was the right price for me in order for…[Read more]

arope99 wrote:
I guess I should have asked in a more specific way. If we are going to buy a property, we would buy in the eastern or north eastern suburbs close to Adelaide city (Norwood, Maylands, Payneham, etc). Reasons are – easy for me to travel to/from work – close to city and shops – rental vacancies in those areas seems to be low Is it a…[Read more]

All things are possible to men who believe – Mark 9:23A good little Bible verse that has gotten me through some times

Still residential. I'm in Adelaide, so I'll definately suss out the market here still. Then research interstate, then US. Baby steps lol….

Hi Stoolie.Please don't be scared when I tell you this, but: this may be difficult.I'm not sure how old you are, but you say you have 12 years in the Telco industry? So I'm going to say around mid 30's?Not all success in the property industry requires a Uni degree. A prime example is Steve McKnight himself. However, if you're looking to get into…[Read more]

Well obvious things that firstly come to mind is the council. Ring them up and ask if there are any significant trees on the piece of land that can or can not be removed. This could affect how you build your property and (somewhat) it’s worth.
You would also need to test the soil. Depending on the type of soil, it could affect your foundations for…[Read more]

Catalyst wrote:
I just buy whatever makes money.

Lol, yep!

As a personal opinion though, a house. I’m not a big fan of any sort of apartment/townhouse as far as a living environment is concerned. It would annoy me to no end having neighbors so close to me (next/above/below), that I’d have to worry about noise levels, what time I get home etc.

Hi Jon!Just thought I'd add my two cents on top of Richards. Doesn't hurt getting a second opinion I guess I just want to suggest that if you're living in a 2 bedroom unit – presumably by yourself (or with a partner), you'd only use one bedroom. Try and get a flatmate in to rent the other room to give you some more income; because, unless you have…[Read more]

Wow. Great blog Emma!Keep us updated.

Someone may want to back me up here, but hasn't the US market been considerably cheap {depending where you want to buy of course} for a couple of years now? Even today.I remember going to a Steve McKnight seminar in late 2009 where he was talking about $400k properties being bought a few years earlier, and selling for $150k in late2009. My memory…[Read more]

fWord wrote:
Matthew…once your thesis is complete, and you have a PDF copy, I'd be very interested to see it.

Consider it done

I plan to do it part time over two years; a lot obviously can change in that time, but will keep it in mind mate

Sorry for the late reply guys.

SHales – I actually considered about the mining industry (growing popular every day); and also how the environment is more prominent in real estate now (eg: when developing – how this affects the flora and fauna, community, and 5 and 6 star green buildings). Im not really a fan of that; im more interested in how ‘x’…[Read more]