Buyers Agent / Investment advisor

Hi all,

I understand that people can't advertise their services on here, but I'll see how I go with the post anyway. Rather than replying to the thread, you could possibly PM me so we're not breaking any rules? Unless of course you're just replying with general advice or previous experience, because that would be great too!

I'm seriously looking at getting some 'professional' advice to nail down a plan for building a property portfolio, this includes property investment specific financial planning and probably the use of a buyers agent. Like most people (I guess) they freak out having to pay more money to buy a house on top of various fees and duties, whether this is through planning costs or using a buyers agent. However, having had a look around for the past few months and realising the time and effort involved, and the risks of getting it wrong, I'm starting to think the minor costs are worth it in the long run – basically the Cost-Benefit Analysis suggests I should at least investigate the options. This assumes the prices are ridiculous 

I understand there are a couple of people on here who are Buyers Agents and/or Investment advisors, so I would like to know who you are and start having a chat about options / costs. I figure a site like this where I can research your posts and others' opinions of you, is a good start to 'knowing you' and determining whether we're a good fit. Happy to take recommendations from other users as well.

I live in Canberra, so anyone near here is good, but it's not essential – Southern Sydney is ok too, however I would prefer at least one face-to-face meeting. I go to Brisbane 4+ times a year as it's my old home town, so that's definitely possible. I am looking at buying my second IP as soon as I find one, but I don't want it to be in Canberra. I'm seriously considering SEQ because it's my home town, I know it reasonably well and the family is still there 'just in case', plus it is an interesting place to keep an eye on for property investment. Ideally I would like to buy another 5 or so over the next 5-7 years to build a portfolio of ~$2mil excluding my PPOR, so it would be great to set up a bit of a long term plan / goal.

FYI – I have consulted brokers, bank managers, bank 'financial planners', financial planners and accountants etc. But I'm still not 100% convinced that they were the right people for this specific task.

Interested in hearing anyone else's thoughts on the use of these services.

Thanks in advance.