I have done both over the years it comes done to your knowledge and time available. One thing I have often done is let out the properties myself therefore I work out who to put into my properties and I do a very detailed check on clients and I then get the agent to look after the day to day management.

I think that depends on where you are looking to develop

I agree with the other generally I would look at a smaller block. You might want to also look at an older block. There seems to be a move to building smaller apartments today where a block even 10 years old may be larger and therefore may also appeal to owner occupiers which could mean higher growth. However it is also important to look at location as well 

The biggest problem with defense housing is that they are often based in secondary locations, secondly they are often on 10 year leases with expensive property management and growth in these properties can also be quite low. In you are selective on the areas you are investing in its not that hard to find good tenats

i think it is a shame that there are so many people offering Mentoring services that only really set out to sell you a property. I also run a mentoring program and yes I do charge for it. However I would be happy to talk to you without any charge and see if I can at least help you with what direction you are going in. I am in the United States but will be back on Friday.

A mentor should be someone that is looking after your interest not just there own. I work with people on a one on one basis and try and develop a plan that will best suit your set of circumstances. I think if all they do is work out a financial assessment and then recommend a property they are not mentors but just salesman.

I believe you always should do your due diligence, ask the person do they work for themselves or do they work for a company. If they work for a company its a bit like getting financial planning advice from a bank.

Also ask to speak to students that are in there program I always offer at least three, if they wont then they are covering up something.

 Always check carefully into what is being said, then you are in a stronger position to make an informed decision not just listen to a line

I have over the years spoken directly with Vendors. I have done this for myself and for clients. However it has nothing to do with commission. The agent managing the property has a legal right to get paid. My motivation is to find out the vendors real motivation for selling. In many cases an agents main job is to protect a vendor from themselves. If I get to talk to a vendor directly I can generally find out why they are selling and what they will take.

Hi Tankimh

Property development is a very complex area. Over the years I have seen many people without experience lose money. So the secret is who you have on your team. I do larger developments but I use a team of professionals who know what they are doing. If you are doing a smaller development make sure you have a good town planner, a broker who specializes in development finance and a builder who working with you.

Don make the mistake of trying to do this on our own without the knowledge and training you will lose money

It is important to remember that agents work for the owners not you. If you ask an agent about a price and the property is going to auction then they will tell you the highest figure that they think you would pay. Or they may low quote you to get more interest. Either way it is important that you do your due diligence carefully. You should never buy  property unless you fully understand the values in a given area.

Also if you are buying for investment do not expect the agent to know what he property should rent for, The average agents sells homes and does not specialize in investment properties. So go to rental opens. If you are going to invest then you need to target your areas and get to know them let the back of your hand,

I think that there is a danger that the Geelong market may take a hit. Julia will not be in a position to help anyone except her own pension fund

With business closing the perception of a falling employment will be enough to flatten prices. 

Hi Jay

An offer by email in most cases will not be looked at. An offer is really only if its in writing with a deposit. This way the agent will always treat your offer seriously. 

I have made verbal offers in the past, but because I have worked as an agent they will talk to me.

My suggestion is if you like a property, make a written offer

Start at a lower price, make it subject to finance and a building inspection so it gives you an out

By law an agent must present a written offer but can ignore a verbal or an email