1. Talk to people – word of mouth can work wonders as many people are looking to sell their properties but have not got around to advertising yet, so you never know that investment property might find you.

2. The internet – these days has amazing search engines, allowing you to search all types of real estate in all different places around the world, so put in what you are looking for and see what you can find.

3. Try driving around the areas you are looking at buying in; sometimes people advertise out the front as they want to avoid advertising and agent costs.

4. Look for properties that are not being occupied; properties that are vacant for a long time often shows signs that the owner is not interested in it anymore and could be keen to sell.

5. Look out for old rental ads; if they are a couple of weeks old, give them a call, often if the property hasn’t been rented for sometime the owner maybe looking to sell.

6. Talk to your local banker – you might be advised on a property that is up for sale but hasn’t been listed with the real estate agent yet.

7. Let friends, family and others know that if they find you your investment property you will give them a finder’s fee; this often encourages people to keep and eye out.

8. Eviction notices is another key way to finding properties; if a current owner has had to deal with evicting tenants, they can sometimes be fed up and ready to sell the property.

9. Hunt out old ‘for sale by owner’ ads, if you find something that is still up for sale a couple of months later, the owner may just be ready to offer you that bargain deal you are looking for.

10. Finally put an ad in the paper advertising you are looking for an investment property, this might be just enough to get a few recommendations.

If you listen to some real-estate experts, they will tell you that a good way to getting started is by doing what is known as birddogging – this is where you run around looking for dilapidated properties which you pass onto an experienced developer who buys it and gives you commission, called a referral or a birddog fee.

This option may be a good way to start gaining some experience and gain knowledge, but its ability to make you lots of money is quite limited as the developer is tho one who makes the real money.

The next step most people take is known as wholesaling – similar to birddogging, but taking it a bit further – it involves finding the abandoned or rundown houses but actually negotiating and buying the property at a wholesale’ price and then finding an investor to turn or ‘flip’ the property, making a tidy little profit as part of the deal.

A great many books and courses are available on this process, and many a good investor had their beginnings like this, but there are pitfalls that need to be avoided, especially for the inexperienced punter. The learning curve is often long and slow and money need to be risked – as will all risks, as the term implies there is the possibility of losing money.

short sales are another way for beginners to break into the property ladder game. This involves dealing directly with banks and financial institutions regarding a property that is in or about to be in foreclosure. This process of ‘short sales’ can lead to buying properties at a greatly undervalued price but the process of negotiation is quite complicated and the details are long – be prepared to do your homework and play the waiting game.

These above mentioned methods are only 3 of many many ways of getting into the investment property game. we will be looking at some of the other methods in upcoming articles so be sure to look out for these.

If you listen to some real-estate experts, they will tell you that a good way to getting started is by doing what is known as birddogging – this is where you run around looking for dilapidated properties which you pass onto an experienced developer who buys it and gives you commission, called a referral or a birddog fee. This option may be a good way to start gaining some experience and gain knowledge, but its ability to make you lots of money is quite limited as the developer is tho one who makes the real money. The next step most people take is known as wholesaling – similar to birddogging, but taking it a bit further – it involves finding the abandoned or rundown houses but actually negotiating and buying the property at a wholesale’ price and then finding an investor to turn or ‘flip’ the property, making a tidy little profit as part of the deal. A great many books and courses are available on this process, and many a good investor had their beginnings like this, but there are pitfalls that need to be avoided, especially for the inexperienced punter. The learning curve is often long and slow and money need to be risked – as will all risks, as the term implies there is the possibility of losing money. Short sales are another way for beginners to break into the property ladder game. This involves dealing directly with banks and financial institutions regarding a property that is in or about to be in foreclosure. This process of ‘short sales’ can lead to buying properties at a greatly undervalued price but the process of negotiation is quite complicated and the details are long – be prepared to do your homework and play the waiting game. These above mentioned methods are only 3 of many many ways of getting into the investment property game. we will be looking at some of the other methods in upcoming articles so be sure to look out for these.

Deciding to obtain an investment property comes with a number of risks. You need to understand this, as many people have made unwise investment deals, ending up in them losing their assets, so this is why many will back out of investment properties. However, do not let it put you off too much, as there are thousands out there that have been successful.

To ensure you do not lose out in your investment property decision, ensure you seek advice from professionals, other people that have done the same thing or professional organisations. With this type of help it can assist you in making sure your goals and objectives will be achieved and you are successful.

When buying an investment property, ensure you inspect it properly before purchasing; consider the market value and the condition the property is in. Also look at whether any renovations need to be done and the costs associated in fixing them. Do your research and see what other properties are selling for in the same area, what they offer and more.

By doing your research properly it will give you a better guide to whether your investment property you are looking at is worthwhile.

Buying an investment property will double your return in terms of income and capital growth. If you are interested in commercial investment properties, keep in mind the expense is high.

If you are the seller of an investment property, ensure that the property is in good condition before potential buyers come through. By making it neat and tidy can really give you a better end result.

1. Talk to people – word of mouth can work wonders as many people are looking to sell their properties but have not got around to advertising yet, so you never know that investment property might find you.

2. The internet – these days has amazing search engines, allowing you to search all types of real estate in all different places around the world, so put in what you are looking for and see what you can find.

3. Try driving around the areas you are looking at buying in; sometimes people advertise out the front as they want to avoid advertising and agent costs.

4. Look for properties that are not being occupied; properties that are vacant for a long time often shows signs that the owner is not interested in it anymore and could be keen to sell.

5. Look out for old rental ads; if they are a couple of weeks old, give them a call, often if the property hasn’t been rented for sometime the owner maybe looking to sell.

6. Talk to your local banker – you might be advised on a property that is up for sale but hasn’t been listed with the real estate agent yet.

7. Let friends, family and others know that if they find you your investment property you will give them a finder’s fee; this often encourages people to keep and eye out.

8. Eviction notices is another key way to finding properties; if a current owner has had to deal with evicting tenants, they can sometimes be fed up and ready to sell the property.

9. Hunt out old ‘for sale by owner’ ads, if you find something that is still up for sale a couple of months later, the owner may just be ready to offer you that bargain deal you are looking for.

10. Finally put an ad in the paper advertising you are looking for an investment property, this might be just enough to get a few recommendations.