7 Steps to Wealth

Secure your financial future amid Australia’s biggest real estate boom

When it comes to making a sound investment, do you know the crucial difference between real estate and property? The answer is land. Land (real estate) appreciates in value — but buildings (property) do not. This fundamental truth powers bestselling author John L. Fitzgerald’s masterful investing strategy in 7 Steps to Wealth. Adapting Warren Buffet’s secret of compound growth, Fitzgerald reveals the essential steps that Australian investors can use to grow their wealth. Uncover the facts and figures that prove residential land is Australia’s best growth asset — and will continue to be, thanks to ongoing booms in the property market and population growth.

7 Steps to Wealth shares John L. Fitzgerald's own 40-year proven investing plan, supported statistically and with real-life case studies. You’ll quickly discover why 7 Steps to Wealth is the only Australian property book endorsed by three property billionaires! Now in its 9th edition, the book is up to date with the latest census data, location criteria and growth forecasts.

• Unlock the secret power of compound growth and make it work for you
• Avoid the common mistakes that most property investors make
• Read case studies and testimonials from those who successfully followed the 7 steps and became millionaires
• Understand how to safely build wealth in property, be cashflow positive and still get a tax deduction.

There is no better time for Australians to use this proven strategy for safely building wealth. With 7 Steps to Wealth, you’ll discover how to invest in real estate for a comfortable, financially independent future.

Acknowledgements xi

Preface xiii

Introduction xix

Part I: Starting points 1

1 Why build wealth? 9

2 Why residential real estate? 21

3 A structure for growth 43

Part II: The 7 Steps to Wealth 59

Step 1 Buy land for capital growth 61

Step 2 Optimise your rental income 85

Step 3 Maximise your tax benefits 105

Step 4 Get the right finance to build your portfolio 121

Step 5 Aim for affordability 143

Step 6 Make time work for you 157

Step 7 Be all you can be 179

And finally 197

Appendix A: Tenancy application form 199

Appendix B: FAQ 205

SECURE YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE AMID AUSTRALIA'S BIGGEST REAL ESTATE BOOM

"I congratulate John on his compelling insights into how to make real estate work for you."
—Maha Sinnathamby, Top 100 BRW Billionaire

"John is not just an author; he has been in property for over 35 years and built his own fortune. Every Australian must read this book."
—Bob Ell, Top 100 BRW Billionaire

WHAT THIS BOOK WILL TEACH YOU THAT NO OTHER BOOK WILL:

• The biggest mistake made by Australian property investors
• How to have positive cash flow and still get a $10 000 tax deduction
• Why you should never buy apartments as investments
• Established capital benchmarks and best location identifiers
• How to build your own land bank
• Why you can’t trust the banks
• How to turn $100 000 into $1.28m with case studies from Aussies who’ve done it
• The one secret of all financial success