Thanks Juder.. the council web site is a great idea.. d'oh.. I should've thought of that..

Thanks for the replies.. I appreciate it. Juder, you mentioned what sort of IP I'm interested in.. well, I'm not entirely sure. At the very least I want something to become my superannuation (as I don't have much and am currently not contributing to my old default funds from past employers). I've been self employed as part of 'the' lawn mowing/gardening franchise for the past 3 years but as I stare my impending 40th birthday in it's ugly little face, I have this ever present unsettling realisation that I'm not getting any younger, I want to see the world, I need to renovate our old house, and I'd like to be financially independent.

I was amazed to read that Juder was able to get something for 100k.. was it a bed sit?.. I've been told that they're not a good idea. Regarding the issue of the type of area and my concerns about crime etc. .this place that I went and had a look at had on old TV on the nature-strip with grass growing around it , an abandoned shopping trolley, and a pile of old furniture stacked up around the mail boxes. There was also litter scattered throughout the area (I think there were 6 units in the block, the general garden maintenance was a bit shabby.. ie: there were weeds all over the place, the grass was not cut etc.. The place also was a far cry from the photo that I got from realestate.com.au.

Jebro, you mentioned taking a street map of the area to the local agents and asking their opinions.. I can't see how I could trust any agent to give me an honest answer, as I believe that all that they want is to sell as much as possible.. wouldn't it be the case that they'd tell you that it's all good.. if it meant that you'd 'show them the money'?.

Perera, you mentioned that you've bought places in other states, how can you buy things that you can't readily go and inspect?.. I understand that you get a property manager (a local real estate agent?).. but it still makes me nervous thinking that if anything goes wrong, it's a long way to go to actually get hands on if the need arises. Does anyone know of any web site that shows you crime rates in the various areas, government plans for future development etc?

I've read the 0 to 130+ book a couple of years ago now, and have just bought the sequel. I've also got the 'Reno Kings' book which I haven't finished reading yet. I'd very much like to emulate what Gurus Steve and Reno Kings have done (like so many others) but am aware of the fact that it takes balls, smarts and time. Is it still possible for me to do so?..I'd like very much to phase out the very physical work (which is taking it's toll on my body) and phase in property investing.. am I dreamin'??