I think working in the industry is a good idea. However as a person who worked in General real estate for many years I would say this the only similarity between being a real estate agent and and an investment specialist is that we both deal in property. As an agent you focus on your next sale ands listing. They generally only deal in the area in which they work. I look and study strategy throughout Australia and also in the United States.

My point is yes getting a general job in real estate will provide you with some knowledge however keep in mind that less real estate agents invest in property than the general public. 

I am wondering if you have ever been to the United States. People still need somewhere to live, they still need to buy food. 

The fact is when you go to America they like to shop and they like to eat

If you spent any time in America especially in Texas or Florida you would see that things are really not that bad. I am not saying that things are back to normal but it depends on where you are. Cities like Detroit are broke, however you could not say that about Orlando or San Antonio.

I think it is also important that people understand that a commercial property can also be a residential apartment complex. In fact 4 and above apartments mean that it is treated as a commercial property. I recently looked at a 4 unit complex for around $125,000 returning around 15%

However as the US economy continues to improve we will see capital growth in commercial and residential property.

Peter is right I have been told you can open an account outside of the US however there have been a number of recorded cases where Homeland security have been closing down accounts that cannot show evidence that the accounts were opened in person. You do not need a social security number to open a bank account.  

<moderator: delete advertising>

Hi I was into investing in New Zealand up until November 2005 after that my focus has been in the United States where you can obtain better opportunities. In America you can buy properties and borrow around 60% and get a cash flow of around 15-16%. Now I do not think you can get this in NZ. I thin k in America you will have the added bonus of capital growth as well as cash flow.

You need enough Death insurance to cover all your debts and some future costs such as private school education. 1.5 million is good I think the average is about $200,000 so there is a dramatic case of under insurance

No Matter who you use make sure firstly that the person you meet is the mentor

Also how will they mentor you, if all they do is charge you a fee and try and charge you a fee that is not mentoring

A good mentor should assist you to

Develop a life plan

Work out an investment plan

Help you with what you want to do

Encourage and be there to help you whenever you need the help

Help develop ideas to make you money

Remember the focus should be on you not the company representing you and always question the experience of the mentor and make sure that they are available when you are.

Please keep in mind that my comments are general as I have not dealt with the mentioned company. <moderator: delete advertising>

I could not agree more with Joe.  This is a first home buyer area that is more likely to fall in value than go up. Especially with many of the first home buyer areas now gone.

If you are going to buy investments cash flow is important but the only way a property increases in value is capital growth. The stronger the growth the better the long term investment.

If you were going to buy a two properties at $400,000 and all you wanted to do was keep them for 20 years. One property grows at 5% and the other at 10% compounding the difference works out around $80,000 for each and every year that you owned the property. So why would be buy a property with little or no growth when you can target at 7-10%

Think carefully before you buy a bad investment can hold you back a long time.

The problem is that this is the worst government in Australian history. The make Gough Whitlam look like a brilliant man. Please for the sake of our country please call an election.