Just so you know where I am “coming from” I started investing in property in 1999. In 2006 I stopped working with 13 properties worth around $4.5 mil., living on the equity growth.

For the past couple of years I have been working part time with Nick sharing my experiences with clients but my wife and I still live primarily on our investment property equity. I have friends who have done better than we have and some who have been slower in accumulation. Its different for everybody.

1. “You get depreciation allowances because properties depreciate!!!” – Are you suggesting that property overall does not go up in value? That is certainly not my experience or I would not have been able to “retire” in 2006. I am not sure what depreciation I claimed last year but a couple of years ago it was $47,000 for the year and that of course is a “non cash” deduction. A deduction that cost me no money as my portfolio gained value.. Many of my properties have doubled in value to date, one has actually trebled but it is not a “straight line graph” of course..

2. “its not the land size that counts, it’s the land value.” I agree entirely and if you read back through the articles we print you would see that we believe it’s the position that determines capital growth. That’s why some of my units and townhouses have outperformed some of my houses. They are in better positions.

3. “You flog new properties because that is how you get paid.” Every business has to have a income to survive and we are perfectly transparent in that regard.. MRD operates commercially as a real estate agent. We charge nothing for the education we provide. We do however list some resales (second hand property) when we find the right stock.

4. “Legally you get paid by the seller and can only under the legislation work for the seller.” Certainly the law requires agents act for the vendor. However are you saying that means we cannot assist the purchaser in any way??

You are suggesting because we are real estate agents we cannot share our experiences (and mistakes) with clients? Things that will assist them in becoming more successful in property investment?

I am confident the ACCC would have no issue with what we are doing. In fact if you see the free DVD that we distribute you would have seen Nick Lockhart introduced by one of the chief trainers for the REIQ, who is also a consultant to the Office of Fair Trading. You should listen to what he said and I will happily arrange for a DVD to be sent to you if you wish.

5. “Yet you pretend you help buyers”- I am sure there are many of our clients who would tell you how we have assisted them. There is no “pretend” about it.

Let’s just step back and look at this from a purely commercial (business) point of view for a moment. When we show people the right way to do this they generally invest in a property, they see the results , the growth, and that enables them to buy again and so on. Many of our sales are to repeat purchasers. Some have 5 or 6 now.

If they their first property does not perform they will not buy number 2, 3 etc so while we don’t have a “crystal ball” and cannot guarantee future results it is obviously in our best commercial interest to ensure their first property works for them. Our clients success ensures our success – win, win.

If you have any other specific questions I am happy to assist where I can.