I don’t know much about the Australian market, but your curiosity and drive to learn are inspiring.

Applicant shows a DUI class B misdemeanor from 2021 - “driving while intoxicated”.

This influx of workers will naturally drive demand for housing, retail, and other services in the surrounding areas, especially in smaller towns and cities that haven't seen major growth in decades.

Appreciation will drive your returns, not cash flow.

. :)Anyway, I like your strategy of driving and looking for houses in need of repair and sending handwritten letters and contacting rentals for the reasons you gave.

However, I live close-by (30 minute drive), recently retired from my day-job, and if the loan is not too large, I might be willing to do a deal just to learn a bit more about another side of RE.  

Keep in mind, while the projected performance is very important it should not be the single driving factor in your decision.

If you're looking to invest your hard-earned money, I'd also encourage you to actually drive through the areas designated as the STR zone.

What I do have is relentless energy, focus, and the drive to succeed in real estate.I’m diving headfirst into multi-family and commercial real estate because I know this is where true wealth is built.

These squatters don’t deserve my sympathy at all—one non-paying tenant even drives a BMW SUV and has never paid a dime!