4 Hard Lessons I Learnt From a $7M Property Portfolio

The early stages of building a property portfolio came with missteps that, in hindsight, offered some of the most valuable learning opportunities:

1. Buying locally isn’t always the best move for everyone
Focusing only on the local market delayed the opportunity to enter sooner. While the first property purchased was around $600K, comparable properties in interstate growth areas were available for under $400K at the time. Greater flexibility in location could have significantly accelerated the investing journey and allowed me to purchase much sooner.

2. Failing to add value can slow portfolio growth
A missed opportunity arose when a second investment property was purchased interstate but left untouched. Without a local network of trades or a renovation plan, the potential for manufactured equity and increased rental yield was lost—ultimately delaying the next purchase.

3. Self-managing rental properties rarely ends well
Attempting to manage tenants directly—especially on a development site—resulted in stress, lost rental income and time diverted from more valuable tasks. A professional property manager would have delivered better outcomes with far less friction.

4. Taking one broker’s "no" at face value can stall progress
A significant delay occurred after being told finance wasn’t possible. It wasn’t until a second, more proactive broker was engaged that momentum was regained. The right finance professional can make a measurable difference to what’s achievable.

These experiences now inform a much more strategic, data-led approach to investing—and are a key reason clients seek out professional support when growing their portfolios.

Need help finding the right investment property in Wollongong?
At Wollongong Property Buyers, we work with investors to find off-market and on-market opportunities that align with your long-term goals — and we do it with a strategy that’s backed by data and experience.

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