API-111 May 2010

COVER STORY

Tomorrow's tycoons

From Perth to Victoria, on to Canberra, Sydney,  then Brisbane, the API talent scout has searched far and wide  for some of the nation's sizzling hot investors under 30 with the potential to be tomorrow's tycoons.

FEATURES

How to find a positive cash flow property

Finding a positive cash flow property is almost like trying to find a decent bulk billing doctor... it's becoming increasingly difficult. Get your maps out and jot down these tips on how you can uncover them.

Investing under the sun

Strapping a solar cell to a roof and powering your home is one thing, but how can landlords profit from modifying their investment properties in this way?

15 biggest renovation mistakes and how to avoid them

Finding an undervalued property means you're off to a cracking start with your renovate-for-profit project, but before your vision becomes clouded by colour schemes and fabric samples, learn how to avoid the most crucial make or break mistakes.

How to track your properties using a spreadsheet

Self-confessed spreadsheet geeks reveal all they know and love about tracking their properties with what they believe is an easy way to remain habitually organised, punctual with payments and a property accountant's dream client.

PROJECT PROFILE

The tax factor - part 6

Tax advantages are the cream on the cake for Peter Koulizos with his development at Seacliff Park. In part six of his development series, find out how he converts Townhouse One from negative to positive cash flow.

PROFILES

Wayne and Jan Green

With a portfolio of eight properties, this couple reveal that you don't have to be a Rhodes scholar to make a 140 per cent equity gain in just one purchase.

Young gun

Alicia Fritsch

At age 19 Alicia and her sister bought their first investment properties in Bathhurst, New South Wales. It was from this moment she was drawn to do-it-uppers for added value.

Where are they now?

Since Paul O'Donnell was last featured in API in 2007, he's boosted his 18-property portfolio to 25 and reveals this was just his low-gear speed.

My 'start-up' story

This investor was bitten by the property bug just after he finished high school. Now at just 22, he's the proud landlord of three properties.

My most profitable deal

Michael Malacos reveals it was an afternoon on his treadley that started the wheels turning for a $75,000 profitable venture.

My development

Slide and divide

How did Rebekah and Scott wind up with more than $100,000 in equity and two quality cash flow assets?

Alternative investor

How to supercharge your super

Learn about the benefits of buying a rundown commercial property with super.

TAX

Joint venture alternatives

This month Julia Hartman looks at some alternative tax approaches to structuring a joint venture.

MY PROPERTY NIGHTMARE

Debra Gilmore reveals the moment she was stuck at a crossroads with two banks when all she wanted to achieve was reduced repayments on her property portfolio.

LEGAL HELP DESK

Rob Balanda looks at a case with a curious twist. He reveals that investors never fail to surpise him with their property ingenuity, especially when it comes to clever clauses in contracts.

FINANCE

Changing the ownership of property

Check out the pros and cons of making what might be a necessary ‚ but costly ‚ change.

Investing abroad

Investing abroad doesn't have to equate to just an indulgence but instead can mean enviable returns.

BRICKS AND MORTAR

API’s panel of experts tackles the big questions from readers.

API CONNECT

Readers get the chance to ask our profiled investors any question they fancy about that investor's strategy or experience. 

REAL ESTATE ESCAPES

Tim O'Dwyer explores what happens when an agent approaches you with a buyer for your property‚ but you had no intention of selling.

DASH OF SALT

Bernard Salt investigates where the highest proportion of 25 to 49-year-old taxpayers live and what it means to investors.

INVESTOR PSYCHOLOGY

Michael Yardney reveals three main property investor types. Which one are you?

STATES

NEW SOUTH WALES

Sweet fruit, vineyards, gold, cash positive investments and blazing autumn colours... what sounds better?

VICTORIA

Arrive in Ballarat and turn west, there you'll supposedly find future capital growth.

QUEENSLAND

Golf courses are being tossed up into discussion as future residential opportunities, but what does this mean when surrounding properties lose their vista?

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Which town south of Perth is considered the city's most affordable place to invest?

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Three of Adelaide's inner-western suburbs are changing face and opening up new investment opportunities.

ACT

Which affordable residential development location has hit turbulence but continues to power ahead?

TASMANIA

Did someone mention passenger rail along Hobart's western shore to Glenorchy?

NORTHERN TERRITORY

The Palmerston suburb of Farrar is emerging as a top price growth perfomer for houses.