i think it helps to be contrarian. A lot of the richest people in the world became that way because they thought differently from the herd.

That's why it's good to take responsibility for your decisions and actions, and to test your own assumptions

“If you can't, you must. If you must, you can.” – Tony Robbins

Sometimes I like reading the more motivational books to put some positivity into my mind.

I'd recommend Steve's books, also Kyosaki's, as well as Margaret Lomas' books.
Steve and Lomas are more geared for the Australian investor.

Also check out this list of suggested investing resources which I recently came across.

Nice advice there PositiveMini.
I've holidayed at Hunter Valley, but never really thought of investing there.
The very low vacancy rates sounds great

i used to put money aside in managed funds, but I really disliked the management fees!!! yuck. It can be so high.

In my personal opinion, I would suggest to put money in Index funds or ETFs instead as the management fees are much lower – that's what I would do

From your options, I would do this: Focus on further cash-flow positive opportunities by myself within $100k-$200k in rural areas.

My goal is Cf+. As mentioned above, it depends on your personal goals

i've been to a TIC seminar/meeting as well. I was introduced to the TIC from a friend who is a member. He had bought about 2-3 properties in QLD with them.

After the seminar, I asked them how they actually got paid (as they don't relly disclose that very well in the meeting), to which they responded that they do receive some sort of commission/kickback.
Personally, I preferred to invest on my own.

Yeah I use the internet for a lot of research! It's so convenient.

Here are some that I like:

Australian Bureau of Statistics – http://www.abs.gov.au (for data on populations/demgraphics/trends)
Big Pond Money – bigpondmoney.com.au (for latest money news, and property trends)
RealEstate.com.au (for looking at actual properties & comparing those that are actually being sold)

hey lulu! Well done – inspirational that you actually TOOK SOME ACTION! and have been updating us. Keep the updates going.

It'd be awesome if one of your upcoming posts is of buying a property! then we'll realllyy celebrate.

Hey EPI Den,

Yes, mining and regional towns can be great for CF+ properties (even though many may still think that CF+ are impossible nowadays).
I agree that investors need to ensure that there are other industries, just in case one of the big industries (such as mining) pulls out. Your property will still be fine as other businesses in other industries around the area will ensure employment and tenants.