Banjo Smyth asked:


Trying to find a good Property Investing course that you can trust can be a very hard task. There are many different kinds of Property Investing courses – Seminars, Property Sourcing, Real Estate Investing Coaching, Home studies plus many more. The first decision you need to make is “What kind of Property Investing Course do I want to do”.

What kind of property investing course you decide to do will depend on where you are currently at in your Property Investing career. Someone who already owns 10 properties will probably be looking for something different than somebody who is just beginning their property investment journey.

The main point that separates most property investing courses is this

- Some property investing courses offer you a step by step education or guide on ‘how to invest in property. Then after you finish the property investing course it is up to you to act upon this new found knowledge and put it into action.

- Other property investing courses will be much more ‘one and one’ and literally hold you’re hand as you go through the process of buying your investment property. Generally these courses will actually ‘source’ the property for you.

So which Property Investing Course Should you choose?

The Education and do it yourself approach

Or the

Let the Professionals make the decisions and hold my hand approach

There is no right or wrong answer here; it simply depends on your individual situation.

Let have a look at some of the positive and negative aspects of these two different types of property investing course.

The Education and do it yourself approach

This style of property investing course suits people who have the desire (and the time) to become long term professional investors. At times this strategy will be hard and you may even feel like giving up but if you choose a good course then you should feel supported enough to be able to put their instructions into action. The main benefit of this type of course is that once you have learnt, understood and implemented the information you will forever have these skills at your disposal.

The best thing about most of these property investing courses is that that nearly all offer 100% money back guarantee. This gives you a no risk option to try the course and if it lives up to expectations then you can decide to keep it.

Let the Professionals make the decisions and hold my hand approach

This style of property investing course suits a number of different people. If you don’t have enough time or simply aren’t interested in learning how to invest in property but want the results then some of these courses can be great. Or if you would like to become a professional investor but feel like you need a helping hand with the first one or two properties that you buy – just to make sure that you are doing everything right.

Generally property investment courses that include property sourcing will cost slightly more than a course that only offers an education.

So what type of person are you? Remember that there is no right or wrong answer; you simply need to find the property investing course that best suits your needs. The most important thing is that you actually take some action and begin your property investing journey. If you are yet to buy an investment property then it may currently feel like an impossible dream but believe me – once you start increasing your knowledge you will be surprised at how fast you are able to start creating a property portfolio.

Mark Wade asked:


enter City Philadelphia, residents have longed to live in a Pre-War styled condominiums. There won’t be any additional pre-1940 condos built but recently Philadelphians have been faced with a seemingly attractive alternative.

Floor to ceiling glass window walls, java hued kitchen cabinetry, and walk-in closets the size of a station wagon now present themselves to the buying public in many urban areas across the United States. Elevators that run at the speed of light, along with on-site parking, and windows that actually open are now all options that many urban dwellers may now enjoy. The options seem limitless, and the amenities varied when shopping for a condominium in a new construction project. “The attractiveness of living in a new condominium building is strong. You know that no one else has yet used your new dishwasher, the bathtub in the master bath, or left their dirt behind”, says Jim Thornton of www.CenterCityCondos.com, a prominent condo sales agency with Prudential Fox and Roach Realtors in Philadelphia. Everyone likes the idea of a new car, a new shirt…or a new condo. And with Philadelphia’s unique tax abatement program for new construction condos, it makes for a powerful one-two punch” say Zachery Skidmore, a visiting future transferee from the Chicago area looking for his first condo.

In many instances, that attractiveness does come with potential volatility. Many condominium buildings are operated as businesses. In a newly formed venture initial start up/growing pains are sure to ensue. Properly hiring and training staff to use the computerized entrance system, the remote garage door, or maintenance of the pool areas all take time to perfect. Properly responding in emergency situations is also a concern for many buying into new condominium projects. Accountability for unauthorized access into your unit, general security of the building, a new management company can all wreak havoc on the use and enjoyment of your new home.

Should you be one of the unlucky “very early buyers” in many of the new condominium buildings lately, you may be stuck in a building where sales quickly became stagnant. If indeed only 15% of your current building has sold, and you need to sell your unit within the first few years, you may be out of luck, as other units are being sold with either steep discounts, or builder incentives. You may find yourself having to compete with the developer, who has loads of incentives to offer to potential buyers coming to the building. From lowered interest rates, to preferred parking spots, or additional storage spaces, it should come as no surprise that competing with your developer, is like betting against the house. You seldom win.

And the possibility does exist that you could suffer from some short term initial depreciation if you decide to pack your bags and move. You may not be able to offer the attraction that often accompanies the idea of being brand new. If your walls have been painted purple and your furniture is from Ikea, your unit’s showing ability may not be able to compare to that of a model unit. Again, when buying from a developer, no potential buyer needs to ask if the bathroom grime transfers with title. Or if that awful futon that your better half insisted on keeping is going to be lingering in the den after you move away.

Often the choices of condominium styles vary with location, exclusivity, and amenities. There is no “One size fits all”, and old buying habits die hard. Philadelphians will continue to enjoy the options being offered in the current real estate market, and the competition may encourage some older pre-war buildings to shake the dust off their loafers, and invest in the appearance and perception of those Grande Dames of the Philadelphia condo set.

Christine OKelly asked:


When renting a condominium anywhere in the country, look for one that is safe, secure, comfortable, and convenient. While looking at a condominium for rent, many people consider how nice the space is and how much it costs, but the safety features of the condominium and the complex itself are often overlooked. Many times, the shortfalls aren’t discovered until after a serious situation has occurred. In order for a building to be completely safe, the owner, property manager, and tenants must work together as a team to ensure a safe and happy rental experience.

General Safety Items

The law requires all condominiums for rent have safety equipment in good working condition that is correctly placed throughout the building. Smoke detectors are mandatory by law and need to be working at all times, regardless of the type of system in use. Carbon monoxide detectors are also mandatory by law in some areas when renting a condominium. Check with the local authorities to be certain, however, they are always a good idea. Other safety equipment, such as fire escape ladders, hoses, and extinguishers, should also be in place. These are not always required either, but all of these items should be in good working order if they are included.

Security Features

When renting a condominium, you should require safety lighting. The exterior of building, parking lots, and interior pathways to your front door should be lit well so you can identify hazards easily, including items you might trip over. This also helps to deter crime since it is easier to recognize danger and identify those committing crimes.

Security features that come with a condominium for rent are important, especially considering the large number of people in and around condominium complexes. Locking mechanisms and sturdy framing are important for the front door and the door to the condominium itself. Patio doors and windows should also have some kind of lock or security device to keep them secure. When renting a condominium, remember not to leave doors or windows open at night or while you are gone. The complex itself may have a security system in place as well. The most common ones are remote and intercom locking systems or secure gates on the outside of the property.

Exit Signs And Routes

Any condominium for rent needs to have highly visible and well-marked exits. This includes doors, windows, stairways, and any other escape routes from the building. The routes to the escapes are also important to examine. They should be clear of items you may trip or slip on. There should be nothing standing in the way. Safety equipment, such as hoses and extinguishers, can be in the hallways and stairwells, but they need to be off the floor so you don’t trip on them. These items need to be in a space so they will not get in the way in case of an emergency.

Emergency plans for the building need to be in place with any condominium for rent. Check for a map of escape routes and instructions. It should be clear and easily read. The property manager may also have a specific safe area for all residents to meet in case there is an emergency after renting a condominium. There should also be a plan in case of a tornado or other natural disaster.

Each area will have its own set of laws and rules that property owners and managers need to follow. Others are optional for the manager. You need to feel safe and protected in a condominium for rent. Decide what you are willing to compromise on and what is necessary. You may also be able to work with the owners to set these things into place. When renting a condominium, remember that even with every possible safety feature in place, you must ensure they remain that way. The highest level of safety is obtained when everyone works together.