Hi Mark & Jamie – Thanks for your insight guys! I understand that the majority of people buy in their own name, however I guess looking at the end game I would like to be in the minority who own more than just the average 1-2. So if I can take notes from those who have done really well, I hope it to put me a little ahead of the game.

After a little more research over the past week, the negative gearing is my next sticking point. I have a conditionally approved loan for an amount which allows me to buy a small 2 bedroom house/unit around where I am currently living in eastern suburbs Melbourne which I know well. An area which has experienced some great growth in recent times – has some major developement plans in the next few years, it is close to schools, shopping centres, major train station etc. However my LVR is around the 95% mark which slight concerns me.

I have started looking at:
– Properties in regional victoria which would be neutrally/positively geared however I just don’t know the areas that well and obviously they are harder to go visit over the weekend.
– Suburbs a little out of where I am currently looking, which will be slightly better geared but probably won’t get the capital gains as they are that annoying 15min from the freeways and will probably attract a lesser quality tenant given the current demographics of the suburb.

Thoughts on a LVR of around 95%?