Scouting Australia Podcast

Building a 30 Property Portfolio during COVID - Sam Gordon’s Next Portfolio Instalment

Sam Gordon and Jimmy Ibrahim are back in the studio for a long awaited portfolio breakdown, covering Sam’s journey from property 19 to 30. They revisit how he built his portfolio from the ground up, the beginnings of Australian Property Scout, and the impact of COVID on the housing market (and the opportunities that presented themselves to those who were game). Sam and Jimmy dive into the nitty gritty behind each deal — how they fit into Sam's strategy, the risks, the wins, and the lessons learned along the way. Properties 19 to 30 — where Sam went all in, spending $4.5 million and securing a massive $5.8 million return. From using shark money to pushing the envelope with aggressive strategies, this episode unpacks the struggles, the growth, and the mindset shifts that took Sam to the next level. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of Australia’s most impressive property investment journeys!School of Property is the ultimate education destination to master property investment, with a curriculum meticulously designed and crafted with both beginners and experts in mind. Whether you are a complete novice, or you’re ready to take things to the next level in your portfolio, this is the program for you! To find out more, head to www.schoolofproperty.com.au.If you loved this episode please send it on to someone who would take some value, and please give us a 5 star review if you haven't yet and are loving the poddy!
If you want your question answered on our podcast DM us on our socials or email us at apsteam@australianpropertyscout.com.au
Send us your questions to:
Instagram: @australianpropertyscout
Want to book a call with us:
Website: https://australianpropertyscout.com.au
Any information, comments, opinions or content that we provide in this podcast is our general observations and information only and it is not to be taken as, or in any way, considered to be financial advice, accounting advice, superannuation advice or legal advice. We strongly recommend all and any listener and participant to obtain their own independent financial advice, accounting advice, superannuation advice and legal advice before acting in any way in relation to any investment at all including any investment in property such as what we might be discussing in this podcast. No warranty, guarantee or representation is to be taken and you cannot reproduce it in any way. Every persons financial or investment situation is different and you must consider your own circumstances before undertaking any investment and be sure to obtain independent advice.
Australian Property Scout Pty Ltd | License Number: 10094798 | ABN: 64 638 266 369
Chapters:
(01:45) Welcome
(04:48) Recap: Properties 1-19 – The journey so far
(09:15) 2019: Sam’s toughest year yet
(13:52) Covid’s impact on the property market
(18:36) Shark money explained – risk vs reward 🦈
(22:26) The game-changing power of being on the ground
(26:23) Velocity of money
(31:20) The lonely chapter – sacrifices of success
(36:43) Why education is your biggest asset
(40:32) The investor mindset
(44:40) Property #20
(50:23) The 5x2 cash flow deal
(56:29) Securing $60k under market value
(01:01:46) Morgan’s deal – securing water views
(01:10:10) $280k deal to a 12.5% yield
(01:13:22) The infamous gold-plated toilet 💰
(01:17:40) $420k in growth
(01:20:17) Knockdown & rebuild
(01:25:32) Doubling in value
(01:26:55) A two-story granny flat
(01:29:51) Equity gain hits $5.8m
(01:35:01) Making the most of now – taking action today

Inflation Warning after Cyclone Alfred Blows $1.2B Hole in Budget + “The Toughest Rental Conditions in 18 Years"

Welcome back to the APS News Bulletin, your source for the latest updates and insights from the Australian property market. Join Sammy Gordon, as he breaks down this week's most pressing updates and announcements along with his expert analysis to keep you informed and on top of news. 
 
If you enjoyed this episode, please write in and let us know! If you have any news you'd like Sam to share his point of view send us an email at apsteam@australianpropertyscout.com.au.
If you loved this episode please send it on to someone who would take some value, and please give us a 5 star review if you haven't yet and are loving the poddy!If you're taking tremendous value from these episodes why not share them with your mate? If you want your question answered on our podcast DM us on our socials or email us at apsteam@australianpropertyscout.com.auSend us your questions to:Instagram: @australianpropertyscoutWant to book a call with us:Website: https://australianpropertyscout.com.auAny information, comments, opinions or content that we provide in this podcast is our general observations and information only and it is not to be taken as, or in any way, considered to be financial advice, accounting advice, superannuation advice or legal advice. We strongly recommend all and any listener and participant to obtain their own independent financial advice, accounting advice, superannuation advice and legal advice before acting in any way in relation to any investment at all including any investment in property such as what we might be discussing in this podcast. No warranty, guarantee or representation is to be taken and you cannot reproduce it in any way. Every persons financial or investment situation is different and you must consider your own circumstances before undertaking any investment and be sure to obtain independent advice.Australian Property Scout Pty Ltd | License Number: 10094798 | ABN: 64 638 266 369

Mythbusting #5: You Can't Buy Below Market Value

In this week's episode, Sam Gordon and James Ibrahim are joined in the studio by APS Senior Buyers Agents Morgan Holmes and Jason Titus. They tackle whether you can indeed still buy below market value OR NOT. They discuss what it really means and how to identify true market value.Sam and the team explore whether retail investors can still secure these deals, the role of buyers' agents in the current market, and the common misconception that 'off-market' always equals a good deal. They also dive into the importance of strategy, education, and knowing how to spot genuine opportunities. This episode is a must-listen!
School of Property is the ultimate education destination to master property investment, with a curriculum meticulously designed and crafted with both beginners and experts in mind. Whether you are a complete novice, or you’re ready to take things to the next level in your portfolio, this is the program for you! To find out more, head to www.schoolofproperty.com.au.If you loved this episode please send it on to someone who would take some value, and please give us a 5 star review if you haven't yet and are loving the poddy!
If you want your question answered on our podcast DM us on our socials or email us at apsteam@australianpropertyscout.com.au
Send us your questions to:
Instagram: @australianpropertyscout
Want to book a call with us:
Website: https://australianpropertyscout.com.au
Any information, comments, opinions or content that we provide in this podcast is our general observations and information only and it is not to be taken as, or in any way, considered to be financial advice, accounting advice, superannuation advice or legal advice. We strongly recommend all and any listener and participant to obtain their own independent financial advice, accounting advice, superannuation advice and legal advice before acting in any way in relation to any investment at all including any investment in property such as what we might be discussing in this podcast. No warranty, guarantee or representation is to be taken and you cannot reproduce it in any way. Every persons financial or investment situation is different and you must consider your own circumstances before undertaking any investment and be sure to obtain independent advice.
Australian Property Scout Pty Ltd | License Number: 10094798 | ABN: 64 638 266 369
Chapters:
(01:45) Welcome
(05:09) What does below market value mean?
(10:20) How can you understand true market value?
(13:42) Why would someone sell below market value?
(18:03) Is it impossible for a retail investor to buy below market?
(23:38) Buyers agent in the current landscape
(30:19) Understanding opportunities
(34:19) BAs buying off-market doesn’t equal a good deal
(39:07) The importance of strategy and education
(44:35) Sammy’s final words 🔪

What Makes a Housing Market Boom + How Melbourne Became the Cheapest Housing Market

Welcome back to the APS News Bulletin, your source for the latest updates and insights from the Australian property market. Join Sammy Gordon, as he breaks down this week's most pressing updates and announcements along with his expert analysis to keep you informed and on top of news. 
 
If you enjoyed this episode, please write in and let us know! If you have any news you'd like Sam to share his point of view send us an email at apsteam@australianpropertyscout.com.au.
If you loved this episode please send it on to someone who would take some value, and please give us a 5 star review if you haven't yet and are loving the poddy!If you're taking tremendous value from these episodes why not share them with your mate? If you want your question answered on our podcast DM us on our socials or email us at apsteam@australianpropertyscout.com.auSend us your questions to:Instagram: @australianpropertyscoutWant to book a call with us:Website: https://australianpropertyscout.com.auAny information, comments, opinions or content that we provide in this podcast is our general observations and information only and it is not to be taken as, or in any way, considered to be financial advice, accounting advice, superannuation advice or legal advice. We strongly recommend all and any listener and participant to obtain their own independent financial advice, accounting advice, superannuation advice and legal advice before acting in any way in relation to any investment at all including any investment in property such as what we might be discussing in this podcast. No warranty, guarantee or representation is to be taken and you cannot reproduce it in any way. Every persons financial or investment situation is different and you must consider your own circumstances before undertaking any investment and be sure to obtain independent advice.Australian Property Scout Pty Ltd | License Number: 10094798 | ABN: 64 638 266 369

Has the Australian Property Market Started Another Bull Run?

In this week's episode, Sam Gordon and James Ibrahim are in the studio to break down the impact of this long-awaited rate cut, whether it’s enough to shake up the property market, and what changes it could bring along with it. They also dive into the likelihood of further cuts, and what this shift means for rents, active investors, and those looking to sell. Plus, with the rate-rising cycle finally coming to an end, is now the perfect window of opportunity — or is there more to consider? Tune in for expert insights and predictions on what’s next.
School of Property is the ultimate education destination to master property investment, with a curriculum meticulously designed and crafted with both beginners and experts in mind. Whether you are a complete novice, or you’re ready to take things to the next level in your portfolio, this is the program for you! To find out more, head to www.schoolofproperty.com.au.If you loved this episode please send it on to someone who would take some value, and please give us a 5 star review if you haven't yet and are loving the poddy!
If you want your question answered on our podcast DM us on our socials or email us at apsteam@australianpropertyscout.com.au
Send us your questions to:
Instagram: @australianpropertyscout
Want to book a call with us:
Website: https://australianpropertyscout.com.au
Any information, comments, opinions or content that we provide in this podcast is our general observations and information only and it is not to be taken as, or in any way, considered to be financial advice, accounting advice, superannuation advice or legal advice. We strongly recommend all and any listener and participant to obtain their own independent financial advice, accounting advice, superannuation advice and legal advice before acting in any way in relation to any investment at all including any investment in property such as what we might be discussing in this podcast. No warranty, guarantee or representation is to be taken and you cannot reproduce it in any way. Every persons financial or investment situation is different and you must consider your own circumstances before undertaking any investment and be sure to obtain independent advice.
Australian Property Scout Pty Ltd | License Number: 10094798 | ABN: 64 638 266 369
Chapters:
(01:50) Welcome
(05:53) First interest cut since November 2020
(09:18) Is this cut enough to influence the housing market?
(12:18) How much extra borrowing does this cut allow?
(16:28) Will you miss this window?
(22:28) Do you see this impacting rents?
(26:28) The importance of being an active investor
(28:03) What advice would you give to someone selling?
(30:55) When is the right time to exit?
(31:59) Interest rate predictions
 

Women Under-Represented in Investing + Cost of Living Pressures Derail What?!

Welcome back to the APS News Bulletin, your source for the latest updates and insights from the Australian property market. Join Sammy Gordon, as he breaks down this week's most pressing updates and announcements along with his expert analysis to keep you informed and on top of news. 
 
If you enjoyed this episode, please write in and let us know! If you have any news you'd like Sam to share his point of view send us an email at apsteam@australianpropertyscout.com.au.
If you loved this episode please send it on to someone who would take some value, and please give us a 5 star review if you haven't yet and are loving the poddy!If you're taking tremendous value from these episodes why not share them with your mate? If you want your question answered on our podcast DM us on our socials or email us at apsteam@australianpropertyscout.com.auSend us your questions to:Instagram: @australianpropertyscoutWant to book a call with us:Website: https://australianpropertyscout.com.auAny information, comments, opinions or content that we provide in this podcast is our general observations and information only and it is not to be taken as, or in any way, considered to be financial advice, accounting advice, superannuation advice or legal advice. We strongly recommend all and any listener and participant to obtain their own independent financial advice, accounting advice, superannuation advice and legal advice before acting in any way in relation to any investment at all including any investment in property such as what we might be discussing in this podcast. No warranty, guarantee or representation is to be taken and you cannot reproduce it in any way. Every persons financial or investment situation is different and you must consider your own circumstances before undertaking any investment and be sure to obtain independent advice.Australian Property Scout Pty Ltd | License Number: 10094798 | ABN: 64 638 266 369

Q&A #18: Sammy Fires Up Over Debt Reduction, Granny Flats and Where to From Here with Cash Flow in 2025?!

In this week's episode, Sam Gordon and Jimmy Ibrahim are joined by APS Strategist and Property Economist Luke Teeuwsen for another jam-packed Q&A session. Sammy is fired up and ready to tackle some big questions around debt reduction, granny flats, and the ever-evolving cash flow landscape in 2025. We’ll break down the pros and cons of pre-fab granny flats versus traditional builds, unpack the affordability metric Sam swears by, and dig into strategies for managing tenants during a granny flat construction. Plus, we’re covering commercial investing, depreciation schedules, selling dud properties, and what it takes to work directly with the man himself, Sam Gordon. If you’re serious about building and refining your property portfolio, you won’t want to miss this one! Let’s get into it. 🚀
School of Property is the ultimate education destination to master property investment, with a curriculum meticulously designed and crafted with both beginners and experts in mind. Whether you are a complete novice, or you’re ready to take things to the next level in your portfolio, this is the program for you! To find out more, head to www.schoolofproperty.com.au.If you loved this episode please send it on to someone who would take some value, and please give us a 5 star review if you haven't yet and are loving the poddy!
If you want your question answered on our podcast DM us on our socials or email us at apsteam@australianpropertyscout.com.au
Send us your questions to:
Instagram: @australianpropertyscout
Want to book a call with us:
Website: https://australianpropertyscout.com.au
Any information, comments, opinions or content that we provide in this podcast is our general observations and information only and it is not to be taken as, or in any way, considered to be financial advice, accounting advice, superannuation advice or legal advice. We strongly recommend all and any listener and participant to obtain their own independent financial advice, accounting advice, superannuation advice and legal advice before acting in any way in relation to any investment at all including any investment in property such as what we might be discussing in this podcast. No warranty, guarantee or representation is to be taken and you cannot reproduce it in any way. Every persons financial or investment situation is different and you must consider your own circumstances before undertaking any investment and be sure to obtain independent advice.
Australian Property Scout Pty Ltd | License Number: 10094798 | ABN: 64 638 266 369
Chapters:
(01:45) Welcome
(04:35) Q1: Prefab Granny Flats
(07:32) Q2: Affordability Metrics APS Use
(09:47) Q3: Granny Flat Build and Tenant Compensation
(17:16) Q4: Commercial Portfolio Strategy with APS
(23:50) Q5: Will we ever get back into residential cash flow deals?
(25:27) Q6: Should I get a new depreciation schedule after renovations?
(28:21) Q7: When should I sell a dud property?
(36:57) Q8: How do I work directly with Sammy?
(39:46) Q9: Debt reduction: should you carry debt across cash flow properties?
(44:43) Sammy fires up: Blue chip scenario 💣💣
 

The Mortgage Wars Begin + Nearly 40% of Australian Property Buyers Experience This One Thing

Welcome back to the APS News Bulletin, your source for the latest updates and insights from the Australian property market. Join Sammy Gordon, as he breaks down this week's most pressing updates and announcements along with his expert analysis to keep you informed and on top of news. 
 
If you enjoyed this episode, please write in and let us know! If you have any news you'd like Sam to share his point of view send us an email at apsteam@australianpropertyscout.com.au.
If you loved this episode please send it on to someone who would take some value, and please give us a 5 star review if you haven't yet and are loving the poddy!If you're taking tremendous value from these episodes why not share them with your mate? If you want your question answered on our podcast DM us on our socials or email us at apsteam@australianpropertyscout.com.auSend us your questions to:Instagram: @australianpropertyscoutWant to book a call with us:Website: https://australianpropertyscout.com.auAny information, comments, opinions or content that we provide in this podcast is our general observations and information only and it is not to be taken as, or in any way, considered to be financial advice, accounting advice, superannuation advice or legal advice. We strongly recommend all and any listener and participant to obtain their own independent financial advice, accounting advice, superannuation advice and legal advice before acting in any way in relation to any investment at all including any investment in property such as what we might be discussing in this podcast. No warranty, guarantee or representation is to be taken and you cannot reproduce it in any way. Every persons financial or investment situation is different and you must consider your own circumstances before undertaking any investment and be sure to obtain independent advice.Australian Property Scout Pty Ltd | License Number: 10094798 | ABN: 64 638 266 369

How this 25 + 26 Year Old Couple Built an 8 Property, 10 Rental Portfolio with $1.1m in Equity in Sub 2 Years

On this weeks episode, we sit down with Lil and Deklan, two of the hardest-working and most genuine people you’ll come across. In just 20 months, they’ve built an impressive portfolio — 8 properties, 10 rentals, with a total value of $4.1 million and $1.1 million in equity. But their journey didn’t start with real estate; from flipping BMXs and motorbikes to trading GameStop shares and saving hard, they hustled their way up.
For Deklan, witnessing his parents sell their home due to financial stress ignited a drive to secure his financial future, while for Lil, coming from a family where no one had ever purchased an investment property motivated her to break the cycle and build generational wealth. Raw, honest, and relentless in their approach, Lil and Deklan share the exact strategies they used to scale so quickly — proving that with the right mindset, resilience, and action, anything is possible.
School of Property is the ultimate education destination to master property investment, with a curriculum meticulously designed and crafted with both beginners and experts in mind. Whether you are a complete novice, or you’re ready to take things to the next level in your portfolio, this is the program for you! To find out more, head to www.schoolofproperty.com.au.If you loved this episode please send it on to someone who would take some value, and please give us a 5 star review if you haven't yet and are loving the poddy!
If you want your question answered on our podcast DM us on our socials or email us at apsteam@australianpropertyscout.com.au
Send us your questions to:
Instagram: @australianpropertyscout
Want to book a call with us:
Website: https://australianpropertyscout.com.au
Any information, comments, opinions or content that we provide in this podcast is our general observations and information only and it is not to be taken as, or in any way, considered to be financial advice, accounting advice, superannuation advice or legal advice. We strongly recommend all and any listener and participant to obtain their own independent financial advice, accounting advice, superannuation advice and legal advice before acting in any way in relation to any investment at all including any investment in property such as what we might be discussing in this podcast. No warranty, guarantee or representation is to be taken and you cannot reproduce it in any way. Every persons financial or investment situation is different and you must consider your own circumstances before undertaking any investment and be sure to obtain independent advice.
Australian Property Scout Pty Ltd | License Number: 10094798 | ABN: 64 638 266 369
Chapters:
(01:45) Welcome
(05:07) Portfolio value vs. cars 🚗💰
(09:45) Deklan’s unshakable work ethic
(18:42) Lil’s upbringing and childhood
(22:36) How Deklan and Lil’s journey began
(25:50) Lil’s pivotal decision for the future
(32:29) The power of having a mentor
(36:18) The impact of your circle of influence
(41:35) Deal #1: Deklan’s first property
(46:16) The GameStop saga 🎮
(50:14) Deal #2: Two properties in three months
(54:11) Deal #3: Lil’s first big move
(01:00:17) Deal #4: Deklan’s all-time favorite
(01:06:15) Deal #5: New broker + mentorship win
(01:13:16) Deal #6: Unlocking equity 
(01:19:02) Deal #7: Cracking into a new market
(01:20:50) Deal #8: Deklan’s dream shed 
(01:25:55) Lightbulb moments from the School of Property 💡
(01:31:51) Sam’s biggest takeaways & insights
(01:40:20) Rapid-fire Q&A 🔥

Breaking Down the Interest Rate Cut Decision + Predicting The Next Rate Cut

Welcome back to the APS News Bulletin, your source for the latest updates and insights from the Australian property market. Join Sammy Gordon, as he breaks down this week's most pressing updates and announcements along with his expert analysis to keep you informed and on top of news. 
 
If you enjoyed this episode, please write in and let us know! If you have any news you'd like Sam to share his point of view send us an email at apsteam@australianpropertyscout.com.au.
If you loved this episode please send it on to someone who would take some value, and please give us a 5 star review if you haven't yet and are loving the poddy!If you're taking tremendous value from these episodes why not share them with your mate? If you want your question answered on our podcast DM us on our socials or email us at apsteam@australianpropertyscout.com.auSend us your questions to:Instagram: @australianpropertyscoutWant to book a call with us:Website: https://australianpropertyscout.com.auAny information, comments, opinions or content that we provide in this podcast is our general observations and information only and it is not to be taken as, or in any way, considered to be financial advice, accounting advice, superannuation advice or legal advice. We strongly recommend all and any listener and participant to obtain their own independent financial advice, accounting advice, superannuation advice and legal advice before acting in any way in relation to any investment at all including any investment in property such as what we might be discussing in this podcast. No warranty, guarantee or representation is to be taken and you cannot reproduce it in any way. Every persons financial or investment situation is different and you must consider your own circumstances before undertaking any investment and be sure to obtain independent advice.Australian Property Scout Pty Ltd | License Number: 10094798 | ABN: 64 638 266 369