There is probably a lot out there on unit trusts, but they are pretty straight forward – so there won't be much in depth. have a look at http://www.lawcentral.com.au for starters.

Unit trusts are similar to companies in some ways – the trust ownership is broken up into units (like shares in a company) and the unit holders get income according to their share of the ownership. So they are good for separate/unrelated people to do some sort of business together. Often people have their units owned by a discretionary trust, tso they can then tax effectively distribute the profit from the unit trust.

Unlike companies, the details of the units are private – you cannot search who owns what units. Names, address, DOB, place of birth of unit holders etc is not publicly displayed like that of shareholders in a company.

You will be able to get finance for sure. But what the rate is the and LVR will depend on how severe your blemish is, how much it was for and when it was, or if, paid. You may even be able to get pretty good rates with a lower LVR.

What is the finance situation like in the Philipines? Can non-residents get loans?

You may need a prospectus for what you are doing – which can be very costly. People have gotten themselves into serious trouble raising money from the public – have a look at the ASIC site.

I am not qualified to answer, but I think you can roll over income losses from year to year without limit – until your income wipes them out.

Hi Mark

I am not qualified, but believe you can claim reasonable expenses incurred when going to view an investment property that you currently own.

So is it reasonable for you to stay overnight for 2 days to view a property? Maybe it is if you are getting tradespeople in etc. Maybe not if you are just having a quick look at it. If you drove you could claim, fully or a porttion of the cost of the car – per KM method etc or the cost of a hire car if you had to drive. If flying, then you could possibly claim this.

If you are travelling to see a property which you have not yet owned, then you cannot claim this, usually, unless you are in the business of investing maybe. But I think you can add this to the cost base – and use it to reduce CGT.

I don't know for sure, but have heard something similar – that if all parties do not agree, then one party can take the matter to the supreme court.

The yield isn't bad for todays market if it is in a major city. As long as there is potential for some good captial growth it sounds good.

Have a look at this post
https://www.propertyinvesting.com/forums/property-investing/help-needed/4322681

I think if Capital growth is minimal there is no point in investing in these things.

If you are a keen reader and want to do well in investing and business I would suggest you look at some tax books and some law books (contracts, Trusts, Company law, Land Law etc). You can go into the uni second hand bookshops and pick up some slightly out of date textbooks very cheap – I got one on Trusts the other day for $5!