Property Investor Tales

Tabitha Bright

Stories from the Front Yard, where I get to speak to property investors from around Australia about their investing journey. Hosted by the team at Positive Real Estate across Australia in New Zealand, there are some incredible stories to tell, which hopefully make your investing journey that little bit easier and will inspire you along the way.

  1. The Roadblock Wasn't the Market

    6d ago

    The Roadblock Wasn't the Market

    In this episode of Property Investor Tales, Tabitha Bright and senior coach Vicky Hines share the stories of two experienced investors who thought they had reached the end of their property investing journey—until the right strategy revealed new opportunities. Despite already owning multiple properties, both clients were being held back by lending structures, servicing challenges, and a lack of diversification. Through strategic coaching, specialist finance advice, and a clear understanding of their long-term goals, they were able to unlock equity, restructure their portfolios, improve borrowing capacity, and continue growing their wealth. From uncrossing loans and diversifying across multiple states to using subdivision and debt recycling strategies, this episode highlights the importance of having the right team around you and regularly reviewing your portfolio. If you've ever been told "you can't borrow anymore" or feel stuck in your investing journey, this episode is packed with practical insights on overcoming roadblocks and creating a path forward. The key lesson: successful investors don't stop when they hit a challenge—they find a better strategy. Chapters 00:00 Intro – Why Investors Get Stuck 00:31 Welcome & Episode Overview 03:39 Client Story #1: Trapped by Lending Limits 05:40 Cross-Securitisation Explained 12:20 Restructuring a Portfolio for Growth 16:18 Buying Again: Brisbane & Victoria 17:21 Growing a $5.5M Portfolio 19:51 Client Story #2: From One Property to a Portfolio 22:04 The Wynnum Apartment Success 23:09 Unlocking Equity Through Subdivision 25:05 Debt Recycling & Buying Again 26:08 Completing the Portfolio 30:46 The Importance of Specialist Finance Advice 31:41 Why Investor Education Matters 38:11 Final Lessons & Wrap Up Once you’ve listened to this episode, I’d love it if you hit the subscribe button so you get notified every time a new episode drops.  I love hearing people's property investor tales, so if you’d like to share yours then please get in touch with me via email at propertyinvestortales@positivementor.com.auYou can watch all of these podcasts over on YouTube at Positive Mentor or at positivementor.com.au

    40 min
  2. Clients Who Took Action — And Won

    May 24

    Clients Who Took Action — And Won

    In this episode of Property Investor Tales, Tabitha Bright sits down with long-time coach Vicki Hines to unpack the journeys of clients who weren’t “ready” to invest—but took action anyway. From migrants arriving in Australia with limited borrowing capacity, to families overwhelmed by large mortgages and financial pressure, this episode highlights how strategy, education, and the right support can completely change a financial future. Vicki shares real examples of clients who overcame debt, leveraged off-the-plan opportunities, used debt recycling strategies, and built multi-million-dollar portfolios by staying consistent, coachable, and focused on long-term goals. The key takeaway? You don’t need perfect circumstances to start—you need a plan and the willingness to take action. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:29 Why There’s Never a “Perfect Time” to Start 03:26 Vicki’s Property Investing Journey 06:18 How Coaching & Strategy Work 07:15 Why Melbourne & Sydney Are Opportunities Right Now 10:50 The Couple Who Couldn’t Borrow Money 13:37 Fixing Costly Financial Mistakes 16:10 Using Off-the-Plan Property as a Strategy 18:18 Buying Their First Investment in Melbourne 20:48 How Their Brisbane Investment Exploded in Value 22:36 Building a $4M+ Portfolio 25:22 The Family Trapped by a Big Mortgage 27:47 Using Debt Recycling to Invest 31:24 Why Most Australians Need a Better Plan 33:19 The Power of Delayed Gratification 35:22 The Importance of Accountability & Coaching 38:05 Why You Need to Start Today 38:25 Outro Once you’ve listened to this episode, I’d love it if you hit the subscribe button so you get notified every time a new episode drops.  I love hearing people's property investor tales, so if you’d like to share yours then please get in touch with me via email at propertyinvestortales@positivementor.com.au You can watch all of these podcasts over on YouTube at Positive Mentor or at positivementor.com.au

    39 min
  3. Changing Your Financial Future In Your 50’s

    May 10

    Changing Your Financial Future In Your 50’s

    Welcome to Property Investor Tales, Stories From The Front Yard, where we speak with property investors from around Australia about their investing journey. My name is Fadi and I’m one of the coaches here at Positive Real Estate, where we help people build long-term wealth through property investing. In this episode of Property Investor Tales, I sit down with Shane and Christine Taylor, who share their inspiring journey of starting their property investing journey later in life and taking massive—but calculated—action to change their financial future. After realising that super alone wouldn’t provide the retirement lifestyle they wanted, Shane and Christine made the decision to surround themselves with the right team, educate themselves, and build a clear investment strategy. In less than 12 months, they’ve already purchased multiple properties and completely shifted their outlook on what’s possible. This episode is packed with valuable insights around mindset, overcoming fear and uncertainty, the importance of having the right support team, and why it’s never too late to start building wealth through property. Chapters 00:00 Why They Started Investing 01:44 Investing in Their 50s 03:27 Choosing the Right Team 09:37 First Property Purchase 11:46 Second Property Deal 13:03 Early Investing Lessons 15:04 Why Strategy Matters 21:17 Helping Their Kids Invest 24:16 Has Investing Changed Their Life? 27:06 Biggest Lessons Learned 31:24 Ignoring Media Fear 33:26 Advice for New Investors 36:43 Advice for Their Kids 42:07 Outro Once you’ve listened to this episode, I’d love it if you hit the subscribe button so you get notified every time a new episode drops.  I love hearing people's property investor tales, so if you’d like to share yours then please get in touch with me via email at propertyinvestortales@positivementor.com.au You can watch all of these podcasts over on YouTube at Positive Mentor or at positivementor.com.au

    43 min
  4. Apr 12

    Why You Need the Right Team

    Welcome to Property Investor Tales, Stories From The Front Yard, where I talk to property investors from around Australia about their investing journey. My name is Tabitha Bright and I'm head of coaching here at Positive Real Estate, where we help people build wealth through property.  In this episode of Property Investor Tales, I sit down with Michelle, a business coach here at Positive, who shares her incredible journey of building a high-performing property portfolio through one of the most uncertain periods in recent history. This episode is packed with real insights for anyone looking to build long-term wealth through property—especially when the market feels uncertain. Chapters 00:00 Why You Need the Right Team 00:10 Intro 00:20 Meet Michelle 02:34 Selling a Business 04:13 Divorce and Starting Over 07:18 COVID and Strategy Shift 09:19 Buying Without a Job 11:09 First Property Purchases 12:29 Overcoming Fear 14:48 Taking Action During COVID 18:57 Portfolio Results 24:28 Rivière Apartment Growth 29:35 Buying the Triangle House 33:57 SMSF Investment 39:18 Advice to Her Younger Self 42:24 Outro Once you’ve listened to this episode, I’d love it if you hit the subscribe button so you get notified every time a new episode drops.  I love hearing people's property investor tales, so if you’d like to share yours then please get in touch with me via email at propertyinvestortales@positivementor.com.au You can watch all of these podcasts over on YouTube at Positive Mentor or at positivementor.com.au

    43 min
  5. Mar 29

    Navigating Finance Like a Pro

    Welcome to Property Investor Tales, Stories From The Front Yard, where I talk to property investors from around Australia about their investing journey. My name is Tabitha Bright and I'm head of coaching here at Positive Real Estate, where we help people build wealth through property.  In this episode of Property Investor Tales, I interview Sara, a broker here at the collective. In today’s uncertain economic climate, many property investors are left wondering how to navigate the shifting market. With rising interest rates and fluctuating costs of living, it’s crucial to stay informed about the trends affecting your investments. In this podcast, we’ll explore key insights from Sarah Shome, and how these insights can guide your investment strategy moving forward. Chapters 00:00 How a Rate Cut Saved $60,000 a Year 00:24 Welcome to Property Investor Tales 02:01 What’s Happening in the Market Right Now 04:00 Lessons from the GFC and COVID 05:01 What Rising Interest Rates Mean for Investors 08:40 Fixed vs Variable Rates Explained 11:36 Break Fees and the Risk of Fixing 15:39 Where Interest Rates Could Go Next 18:37 How to Negotiate a Better Rate 22:08 Ways to Improve Cash Flow and Borrowing Power 25:19 Debt Recycling Explained Simply 32:39 How Brokers Help Protect Investors 37:07 Why There’s Still Opportunity in Property 40:04 Why Long-Term Investors Still Win 43:07 Final Advice for Investors Right Now 49:00 Why Having the Right Team Matters 50:02 Outro Once you’ve listened to this episode, I’d love it if you hit the subscribe button so you get notified every time a new episode drops.  I love hearing people's property investor tales, so if you’d like to share yours then please get in touch with me via email at propertyinvestortales@positivementor.com.au You can watch all of these podcasts over on YouTube at Positive Mentor or at positivementor.com.au

    51 min
  6. Mar 15

    When property goes wrong

    Welcome to Property Investor Tales, Stories From The Front Yard, where I talk to property investors from around Australia about their investing journey. My name is Tabitha Bright and I'm head of coaching here at Positive Real Estate, where we help people build wealth through property.  In this episode of Property Investor Tales, I interview Gerry, a client who has faced many market challenges. Jerry shares his journey, what helped his portfolio when the market wasn’t supporting his investments. The conversation highlights the importance of having a team of professionals around to help, and work through solutions to the problems that the market might bring. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Gerry’s Investment Journey 02:01 - Gerry’s Background and Move to Australia 04:48 - Initial Challenges and Market Entry 07:09 - Starting Property Investment in 2005 12:50 - Investing During Mining Boom 18:02 - Market Downturn and Vacancy Challenges in Wai'ala 23:43 - Holding Through Market Fluctuations 28:38 - Market Recovery and Property Sale 33:32 - Lessons from Market Cycles and Patience 36:14 - Advice to Younger Gerry and Reflection 40:06 - Key Takeaways: Negotiation and Persistence Once you’ve listened to this episode, I’d love it if you hit the subscribe button so you get notified every time a new episode drops.  I love hearing people's property investor tales, so if you’d like to share yours then please get in touch with me via email at propertyinvestortales@positivementor.com.au You can watch all of these podcasts over on YouTube at Positive Mentor or at positivementor.com.au

    43 min
  7. Mar 1

    From Bankruptcy to Homeownership

    Welcome to Property Investor Tales, Stories From The Front Yard, where I talk to property investors from around Australia about their investing journey. My name is Emily Miller and I'm a coach here at Positive Real Estate, where we help people build wealth through property.  In this episode of Property Investor Tales, we interview Jason, a client who transformed his financial situation from bankruptcy to successful property ownership. Jason shares his journey, including the mindset shifts and financial management strategies that enabled him to purchase his first home and later an investment property. The conversation highlights the importance of goal setting, financial stability, and the mechanics of navigating the property market. Jason's story serves as an inspiring example of resilience and determination in achieving financial success through property investment. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Property Investor Tales 03:22 - Jason's Journey: From Bankruptcy to Homeownership 12:49 - Mindset Shifts and Financial Management 20:16 - Achieving Financial Stability and Investment Goals 30:54 - The Mechanics of Property Purchase 39:20 - Navigating Investment Property Decisions 46:49 - Celebrating Success and Future Goals Once you’ve listened to this episode, I’d love it if you hit the subscribe button so you get notified every time a new episode drops.  I love hearing people's property investor tales, so if you’d like to share yours then please get in touch with me via email at propertyinvestortales@positivementor.com.au You can watch all of these podcasts over on YouTube at Positive Mentor or at positivementor.com.au

    53 min
  8. Feb 15

    Investing Young: A Journey of Growth with Cass Sjostedt

    Welcome to Property Investor Tales, Stories From The Front Yard, where I talk to property investors from around Australia about their investing journey. My name is Tabitha Bright and I'm head of Coaching and Advising here at Positive Real Estate, where we help people build wealth through property.  This week we are re-running an older episode with our one and only Cass Sjostedt, General Manager of Property Management at R&W Plus. The content is super relevant, as Cass takes you from the start of his investing career to now. With the tide closing in on new investors in 2026 as prices climb, learn how to take the small right first steps before slowly upgrading your portfolio into sophistication. The conversation emphasises the significance of education, strategy, and support in successful property investing. Stay tuned for a new episode in the next fortnight. Chapters 02:00 Introduction to Cass Sjostedt and his Journey 07:05 Cass's Early Investing Experience 13:27 Lessons Learned from Early Investments 21:51 Transitioning to A-Grade Properties 28:11 Future Goals and Market Strategies 37:06 The Importance of a Strong Team Once you’ve listened to this episode, I’d love it if you hit the subscribe button so you get notified every time a new episode drops.  I love hearing people's property investor tales, so if you’d like to share yours then please get in touch with me via email at propertyinvestortales@positivementor.com.au You can watch all of these podcasts over on YouTube at Positive Mentor or at positivementor.com.au

    42 min

About

Stories from the Front Yard, where I get to speak to property investors from around Australia about their investing journey. Hosted by the team at Positive Real Estate across Australia in New Zealand, there are some incredible stories to tell, which hopefully make your investing journey that little bit easier and will inspire you along the way.

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