If I Started Investing In Property In 2026, This is what I Would Do (Aussie Edition)

If you want a clear roadmap to build wealth through property without destroying your borrowing capacity, book your Property Wealth Strategy & Finance Plan here: https://buildprotectfs.com.au/service... In this episode, Mike breaks down the exact framework he would use to build a property portfolio from scratch in today’s high-rate, low-yield market, and why the wrong first purchase can set you back for years. Rather than chasing any property just to get into the market, Mike explains how to reverse-engineer your goal, protect borrowing capacity, choose the right professionals, and build a portfolio that can keep scaling over time. Mike dives into: ◼️ Why your first property can either unlock or destroy future borrowing capacity ◼️ How to reverse-engineer a property plan from your target income and net worth goal ◼️ Which professionals matter most, from brokers and accountants to financial advisers and solicitors ◼️ Why property might not be the only vehicle, and when a combined strategy can make sense ◼️ How ownership structure affects tax, protection, and long-term flexibility ◼️ Why rentvesting can outperform buying your dream home too early ◼️ How to balance capital growth and cash flow so your portfolio can keep expanding ◼️ Why strong portfolio reviews every six months create better long-term decisions 00:00:00 Why old property strategies can fail in today’s market 00:00:36 Mike’s framework for starting from zero in 2026 00:00:56 Set the real goal and target income number 00:01:28 Adjusting your wealth target for inflation 00:02:14 Build the right professional team around you 00:04:27 Deciding whether property is the right vehicle 00:05:02 Understanding borrowing capacity across different entities 00:05:20 Property selection and the role of buyer’s agents 00:06:35 Why Mike prefers steady capital growth in capital cities 00:08:03 Owner-occupier path versus rentvesting 00:10:24 Choosing the right structure with your accountant 00:12:38 Improving cash flow and setting up the next purchases 00:14:17 Why speed matters and why this is a buyer’s market 00:16:34 Negotiation tips and spotting motivated sellers 00:18:05 Review the portfolio every six months like a business Follow Build & Protect Financial Services for more property and finance insights: Website: https://buildprotectfs.com.au/ LinkedIn:   / mike-bell-agsm   Instagram:   / iam_mikebell