Have you ever wondered what it takes to graduate from first-time investor to a real life property mogul?

If you’re interested in achieving financial independence through property but your investing journey is still in its infancy, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by advice.

We spoke to real-world property investors to gather some simple insights on how to go from beginner to pro in today’s market.

1. Maximise your financing power

Ambrish Jain, a NSW-based investor who oversees a personal portfolio of 10 properties, says growing your portfolio is all about finding ways to fund the next purchase.

“Building a property portfolio is primarily a game of finance,” Ambrish says.

“You need to maximise your borrowing capability and minimise expenses. This means cutting down on credit cards, car loans, expensive holidays and unnecessary shopping.”

He also recommends coming up with creative ways of raising funds for deposits.

2. Dress to impress

Pimping out your place is a savvy way of giving renters an idea of how impressive a house or apartment can look, suggests Stephen Gunning, who owns two investment properties in NSW after accessing approximately $140,000 with Futurerent.

Regardless of whether prospective tenants are seeking a furnished or unfurnished property, a fully furnished rental can bring your property to life and enable you to charge a premium on rent, thereby maximising your income and borrowing capacity.

Style sells — even if you’re not offering the property furnished.

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“If you tastefully style your rental property it creates an immediate sense of ‘home’, which the prospective tenant can then change and reinvent to create their own version of home,” Stephen says.

Just remember to do your homework and consult with your agent about what tenants want in the area. For example, in some inner city and lifestyle locations positioning the property as an executive rental or getaway can get you great results.

3. Find the right financial advice

At the end of the day, property investment is all about making sure the numbers stack up in your favour.

Gillian Clive, who owns three properties in NSW, says you should consider building a support network of people who can help steer you in the right direction.

“You need someone to play devil’s advocate on your numbers,” Gillian says.

Having the right people in your corner will save you time and a lot of confusion.

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Whether that’s a tax specialist that knows how to claim the right deductions and prepare your financial statements, a property lawyer to review your legal obligations and contracts, or a financial advisor who can maximise your finances ahead of a property purchase, having the right support is paramount.

After discussing with her financial advisor, Clive used Futurerent to access $50K to fund the deposit on an investment property.

4. Put yourself in the tenants’ shoes

Picking the right property will make or break your fate as a property investor.

“Cash flow and capital appreciation are key components to a successful property investment,” notes Daniel Mikhael of the ACT, who has an impressive portfolio of 20 properties.

While you’re not always using the same criteria to select an investment property that you would for your own home, placing yourself in the shoes of your prospective renter can help with the selection process and also help you reposition the property in a way that will maximise your yield and capital appreciation, he says.

Mikhael built up his impressive portfolio with the help of Futurerent, using his rental advances to improve the properties, with additional bedrooms, bathrooms and even granny flats that have significantly bolstered his rental income and capital growth. With each of these decisions, Michael thought about how he could create value for his tenants.

“Build a portfolio of properties that you would live in comfortably yourself,” Daniel advises.

Lifestyle factors are important to renters, so consider a property that is close to amenities.