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5 Strategies to Build Your Investment Portfolio

Want to build your investment portfolio like the pros? Discover the top 5 strategies used by wealthy investors to secure properties faster and grow wealth efficiently. From leveraging equity to outsourcing for expertise, these tactics reveal how to work smarter, not harder. Learn why emotions hinder success, how to maximise time, and the steps to create a financially free future.‍

Written by
Ravi Sharma
Published on
January 29, 2025

Table of contents

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Stacked coins with house models showing property investment growth‍

In today’s competitive property market, have you ever wondered how wealthy investors seem to always stay ahead? At Search Property, we aim to empower you with insights that make a difference.

Millionaires are rapidly expanding their investment portfolios using smart, behind-the-scenes strategies. Curious about their secrets?

Here are the top five tactics they use to secure properties faster and build wealth efficiently.

1. You don’t always have to use your cash to build your investment portfolio

Millionaire investors rarely use their liquid cash to buy properties. Instead, they tap into the equity they’ve built in their existing properties. Here’s how it works: after purchasing their first or second property, they use the increased value of those properties to fund future purchases.

Now, you might be thinking, “I’m not aiming for a massive portfolio, just a couple of properties.” That’s great! Even with just two properties, it’s possible to achieve financial freedom and grow a robust investment portfolio.

Let’s break it down. Say you buy a $500,000 property. You’ll need around $100,000 upfront to cover purchasing costs like:

  • Deposit
  • Conveyancing fees
  • Inspections
  • Buyer’s agency fees
  • Miscellaneous expenses

For many, this initial outlay is the result of years of savings. Once you’ve bought that first property, the key is using its growing equity to accelerate your journey, whether you aim to own two properties—or twenty.

You might be wondering, “I’ve worked hard for 10 years to save for my first property—does that mean I’ll need another 10 years to buy my second?”

The good news is, absolutely not! Once you understand how the Australian property system works, you’ll realize it’s designed to help you build momentum. By learning the rules of the game, you can leverage your first property to secure your next one—and move closer to financial freedom.

This isn’t just about growing wealth; it’s about creating a secure future for yourself and your family. 

The first step is choosing the right property in the right location. Avoid rushing into purchases or following trends without research. A good property in a strong area sets the foundation for success.

Top Tip - Use Equity, Not Just Savings.


Equity is the value of your property minus what you owe on it. For example, if your $500,000 property grows in value by 7% in one year, that’s $35,000 in equity. Instead of waiting years to save for another deposit, you can use this equity, plus a smaller amount of savings, to buy your next property. A broker can make the process of using equity simple. They’ll assess how much equity you can access and help secure financing for your next purchase. For example:

  • You have $70,000-$80,000 in equity.
  • Add $20,000-$30,000 from savings.
  • This gives you enough for the deposit and costs on your second property.

Once you own two properties, both will grow in value, creating even more equity. You can use this to buy a third property and keep the cycle going, relying on equity instead of starting from scratch with savings. Don’t wait too long to act. While you’re saving, property prices can rise. A $500,000 property today might cost $700,000 in a few years, making it harder to enter the market. This is the secret behind how millionaires build large portfolios—they don’t just sit back and keep saving money. 

2. Don’t Let Emotions Guide Your Decisions

different emotions in a hand

When it comes to investing, millionaires know one thing: emotions don’t belong in financial decisions. They focus on the numbers, not personal preferences.

Here’s the key: numbers don’t lie. You might not personally like a property, but if the market values it, that’s what matters. Think of it like running a business. Imagine you’re selling shoes that are incredibly popular with your customers, but they’re not your style. Would you stop selling them just because you don’t like them? Of course not—you’d focus on what sells.

For example, if you live in Sydney and love being close to the beach, that’s great for your personal life. But for investing, you might find better opportunities in areas you wouldn’t personally choose to live.

It’s easy to think, “Why would anyone want to live here? The backyard’s too small, and the house isn’t renovated.” But the question to ask is, “What do people in this area actually value?”

Understand Market Fit.


Market fit means matching your property to the needs of the people in that area. Maybe buyers there prioritise affordability over aesthetics or prefer larger homes with smaller yards. Whatever the case, it’s about meeting market demand—not your personal preferences.

By focusing on the data and understanding market fit, you can make smarter, more profitable investment portfolio and decisions.

This is how wealthy investors treat real estate like a business. When you get too emotionally involved, you’re working in the business, not on the business.

What you should aim for is passive income—a set-and-forget investment that you can outsource.

3. Value Your Time

Time is a resource that can’t be replaced, and the wealthy know this. Instead of trying to do everything themselves, they outsource tasks they don’t specialise in, leaving more time to focus on high-value activities.

The logic is simple: while you might spend hours learning the basics of real estate or mortgages, professionals dedicate their entire careers to these fields. Competing with that level of expertise isn’t practical if you’re only putting in an hour a day.

Outsource to Experts.


Wealthy investors turn to specialists—mortgage brokers, accountants, and property advisors—to handle the complexities. For instance, a mortgage broker stays updated on bank policies and loan options so you don’t have to. This lets you focus on what truly matters: finding the right property and making smart investment decisions. Book a FREE discovery call with my Search Property team, and let's discuss how we can help you build your investment portfolio the right way.

Outsourcing does come with a cost, but the returns can outweigh the expense. Paying for the best advice is an investment in your success, saving time and helping you achieve better results.

The takeaway is clear: focus your energy on decisions that drive growth and leave the technical details to the experts. Time saved is money earned.

4. Blocking Out Distraction

Social media and mainstream media can be huge distractions when trying to stay focused on your goals. Doom scrolling—mindlessly scrolling through your phone without purpose—is a habit to avoid. It’s a time trap that leaves you with little to show for the hours lost. The wealthiest people don’t spend their time this way. Instead, they audit their screen time, set limits, and use the extra hours to focus on things that matter—whether it’s learning, exercising, or spending quality time with loved ones.

Social media also encourages unhealthy comparisons. It’s human nature to compare yourself to others, but this only feeds irrelevant information into your life. What someone else is doing doesn’t matter. Staying in your own lane and focusing on your goals is what truly leads to success.

Mainstream media can be just as distracting. Negative news dominates headlines because it grabs attention, but it can also sap your motivation and focus. Avoid getting caught up in short-term noise or constant negativity.

Achieving financial freedom isn’t easy, but it’s possible with focus and persistence. Don’t let unnecessary distractions derail your progress. Use your time wisely, stay committed to your goals, and play the long game. That’s how real success is achieved.

5. Get Filthy Rich with Ravi Sharma

A book by Ravi Sharma entitled ‘Retire Filthy Rich with Real Estate

In 2025, one of the smartest investments you can make is in knowledge. My upcoming book, Retire Filthy Rich with Real Estate releasing February 26th, is packed with insights to help you grow in real estate and beyond. By reading it you’re leveraging the experiences of others to avoid mistakes and accelerate your success.

Real estate isn’t just about building wealth (though that’s a big part of it); it’s about reducing financial stress, improving your relationships, and broadening your focus to explore other opportunities. For the cost of a lunch, you’ll gain strategies and knowledge that could completely transform your financial future.

Successful people know they don’t have all the answers—they humble themselves and learn from those who’ve already achieved what they aspire to. Keep that mindset in your journey.

Thanks for reading and if you would like an in depth version in understanding investment portfolio strategies, feel free to watch my Youtube Video, don’t forget to subscribe and I’ll see you next time!

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