
From Cat Pee to Cashflow: The 10pm Reno That Made $300k⎥Ep. 2299
27/12/2025 | 21 min
How does a DIY builder go from late-night renos to becoming a lifestyle investor with a cash-flowing minor dwelling?In this Case Study Sunday, Ed and Andrew sit down with Lawrence from Auckland to unpack his journey – from gutting a smelly two-bedroom “dump” to building a family home, navigating bridging finance, and eventually adding a two-bedroom unit in his own backyard.You’ll learn:How Lawrence turned a $400k do-up into nearly $700k in just a few yearsWhat it’s really like to sell a home yourself vs using an agentHow the “build in your backyard” strategy works This episode shows what’s possible when you back yourself, stay hands-on, and keep moving toward your next project.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok

The 8-Step Blueprint to Buying Your First Investment Property⎥Ep. 2298
26/12/2025 | 18 min
Buying your first investment property can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the entire process into eight clear steps, from choosing your strategy through to signing the contract and doing proper due diligence.You’ll learn:The step-by-step process for buying your first investment propertyHow to choose the right strategy, region, budget and buying criteriaWhy Step #6 is crucial for picking the right property with confidenceThis episode gives you a clear roadmap to follow ... so you don’t start by scrolling Trade Me at random, but instead buy your first investment property with a proven, structured process.Here are the tools we mentioned in the episode:Area AnalyserTenant ToolBorrowing quizDon't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok

DIY or Disaster? When to Pick Up a Hammer — and When to Call a Pro⎥Ep. 2297
25/12/2025 | 20 min
Renovating your own home can be one of the best ways to build equity, but it can also turn into a financial (and emotional) nightmare if you don’t know where to start.In this episode, Ed and Andrew are joined by Peter Wolfkamp, The Resident Builder and host of Newstalk ZB’s Sunday morning show, to reveal how to DIY the smart way.You’ll learn:The #1 mistake most DIYers make with renovation budgetsWhich projects can you safely tackle yourself – and which require a licensed builderHow to calculate if DIY is actually cheaper once you factor in your time and toolsPeter also shares real stories, including how overconfidence (or ignoring consents) can cost you thousands.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok

We Asked Santa for Rising House Prices… Here’s What We Got Instead⎥Ep. 2296
24/12/2025 | 13 min
What do property investors really want for Christmas?In this special holiday episode, Ed and Andrew unwrap last year’s wish list to see what Santa delivered … and which of them ended up with nothing but a lump of coal from the Reserve Bank.You’ll learn:What we wished for last Christmas, and which predictions actually came trueThe 2026 investor wishlistWhich one of us clearly landed on the naughty list after getting none of our wishesThis light-hearted episode wraps up the year with insights, reflection, and a festive look at what investors are hoping for next.

Is the First Offer Really the Best? A Story-Heavy Guide for Sellers⎥Ep. 2295
23/12/2025 | 13 min
You’ve listed your property … the first offer comes in … but is it really the best one you’ll get?In this episode, Ed and Andrew dig into the old real estate saying “the first offer is often the best” – and whether you should trust it or hold out for a higher price.You’ll learn:When it makes sense to reject an early offer and wait for competitionWhether the “first offer is best” rule is genuine wisdom or just agent pressureHow one homeowner made an extra $400k by choosing to hold outEd and Andrew unpack real case studies and give you a practical framework to judge any offer confidently and avoid leaving money on the table.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok



The Property Academy Podcast