24 properties in 6 years: How this investor did it from zero

From a $215,000 house in Brisbane to a 24-property portfolio in just six years, this investor’s rapid scale-up shows what’s possible when strategy, timing, and professional expertise collide. On this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, host Liam Garman sits down with Andrew Havig, director of Arvon Property Group, to unpack the growth journey behind one of the market’s more remarkable portfolios – and the buyer’s agency he’s since built off the back of it. Havig takes listeners back to his first purchase in late 2019 – a modest $215,000 house in Brisbane – through to 11 properties acquired in 2024 alone. He shares how a near miss with serviceability, after picking up two low-yielding lifestyle properties on the Gold Coast, taught him an early lesson in balancing cash flow against growth, one that continues to shape every deal he does today. The conversation also digs into how Arvon secures the bulk of its deals off-market, and what “off-market” actually means for investors trying to access opportunities that never make it to platforms like realestate.com.au. Havig breaks down the relationship building and volume of outreach behind genuine off-market access, as distinct from the claims some buyer’s agents make. Looking at where the opportunities lie right now, Havig points to two standout plays: the Melbourne apartment market, trading around 6 per cent gross yields well below replacement cost, and commercial property, where he’s seeing strong demand across retail, industrial, medical, and childcare assets. ........................................................................... Join the team and special guests as we speculate, meditate, and deep dive into all things property investment! 🎙️ Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, The Smart Property Investment Show delivers the insights, strategies, and real-world tactics you need to build a successful portfolio. Don’t miss the actionable advice and expert commentary that can help you make smarter investment decisions. 🎧 Listen to the podcast now: 👉 https://www.smartpropertyinvestment.c... 📲 Or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: 👉 https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/s... 🎵 Or follow on Spotify: 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/7DWmPXx... 💡 Like what you hear? Subscribe to Smart Property Investment on YouTube: 👉    / @smartpropertyinvestment   📬 Get expert news, insights, and advice straight to your inbox: 👉 http://www.smartpropertyinvestment.co... 🌐 Visit our website for the latest in property investing: 👉 http://www.smartpropertyinvestment.co... 🔗 Connect with us: X/Twitter:   / spi_online   Facebook:   / spionline   LinkedIn:   / smart-property-investment   Google+: http://plus.google.com/+SpionlineAu13 #investmentproperty #realestate #investment #property #propertyinvestment #portfolio #realestate #Australianproperty #investing #mortgage #hotspot #suburbs #landlord #rent #developer #cashflow #yield