Jim Hitt American IRA is your man.

One of my favorite american sayings is: Plan your work and work your plan.

total labor and materials usually around $4.50-6.00/ft  of the wall space being covered.Several variables:Labor rate - with insurance or without, American vs. non American labor(just a fact)I pay a local brick layer 70 cents per brick and get a very good job.

The price of properties in Australia are obviously very different to the American market, I can't even imagine something like wholesale buying and although I have found the bp podcasts very informative at this stage I am still coming to terms with concepts and terminology.

I tried my wife out and lets just say C.S.I and  American Idol won the battle....LOLI had to fire her...

I am curious as to wether this is just an american thing or does it also work in the United Kingdom?

I very STRONGLY encourage you to go through one of the local veterans organizations (Texas Veterans Commission Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, etc.) 

What are your thoughts on virtually wholesaling in American cities.

I had to go to the American Consulate to sign. 

We have had success with Allied, USF&G if they are still in business, Hartford, Progressive, Metlife, http://www.nreinsurance.com/, and American Family.