Investing. What to do?

Hi Guys,

I really need some help. I have an PPOR worth $440K that i owe $210K. My partner owns an investment property with her brother worth approx $280K – $300K and owe $140K, but she owns it with her brother who has no idea when it comes to property and wants to sell to spend the profit on his own property. The investment property is positvely geared.

i have a bit of equity and want to know the best way to look at investing in my own property. I have numerous other debts for a car and c/card as my partner has been on maternity leave and will return to work in Feb. I want to consolidate the debts into the PPOR loan and use the extra equity to put a deposit on my 1st investment property with my partner. We may need to also pay out my partners brother in relation to him wanting to sell the investment property, so we may keep.

What i want to know is the following:

* What should i do in relation to investment property. What are all your suggestions?
* Do you think we payout the brother and keep ownership of the investment property or take the profits and use to purchase our own investment property? The property is only 6 years only and has increased $80K in 6 years.

All guidance would be appreciated on how to proceed.

I have read a lot of books and been to a few seminars. Being cash poor and asset OK we have no limited funds.

Thanks everyone.

Andrew.