In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we sit down with Rob Campbell, a current Australian Army mechanical engineer, to unpack how he and his wife, Tanya, went from considering a $1.1 million family home to building an investment property portfolio through a strategic rentvesting approach.

Rob shares his journey from humble beginnings in Western Sydney to an 18-year Defence career, explaining why he chose to prioritise long-term wealth over buying an expensive owner-occupied home. We also discuss the lessons learned from working with the wrong property company, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right professionals, and how Defence-specific strategies have helped them purchase two investment properties while continuing to rent.

If you're serving in the ADF and wondering whether to buy a home, invest first, or make the most of your Defence entitlements, this episode offers practical insights from someone who's recently been through the process.

Topics covered:

• Rob's journey from Army vehicle mechanic to mechanical engineer
• Why buying an expensive family home didn't make financial sense
• The benefits of rentvesting for Defence members
• Using Defence housing entitlements as part of a long-term strategy
• Lessons learned from a poor property investment experience
• Why choosing Defence-focused professionals matters
• Working with a mortgage broker who understands ADF lending
• Purchasing two investment properties while serving
• Managing property investing alongside a busy Defence career and family life
• Avoiding lifestyle creep after promotions and pay rises
• Why DHOAS shouldn't be the only factor in your property decisions
• Building long-term wealth instead of chasing short-term tax benefits
• The importance of education, planning, and taking action early
• Why supply and demand fundamentals matter more than media headlines

Rob's story is a reminder that successful property investing isn't about perfect timing—it's about having the right strategy, the right team, and the confidence to take action.

Want help building your own property strategy?

Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury
Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency 

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we break down six of the most common property investment profiles we see among Australian Defence Force members and explain how each strategy can be tailored to your career stage, financial position, and long-term goals.

A successful property strategy isn't about following what everyone else is doing. It's about understanding how to make the most of your Defence entitlements, available capital, and future plans. Whether you're just starting your career, building equity, transitioning out of Defence, or chasing a higher-paying civilian role, there's a different pathway that may suit your circumstances.

We also explain how Rent Assistance, DHOAS, HPAS, and the First Home Guarantee Scheme can be used strategically to help accelerate long-term wealth creation while avoiding some of the common mistakes Defence members make.

Topics covered:

• The six most common Defence property investor profiles
• How the "Supercharged Rentvester" strategy works
• Maximising Rent Assistance and DHOAS together
• Using the First Home Guarantee Scheme to buy with a lower deposit
• Why the owner-occupier pathway isn't always the strongest strategy
• Deliberate rentvesting and investing in higher-growth markets
• Building a portfolio using Australia-wide market research
• The "Delayed Investor" and leveraging existing equity
• How veterans can make smarter use of DVA compensation payments
• Avoiding costly financial mistakes after receiving a lump sum
• The career-driven professional and balancing income with investing
• Opportunity cost and why delaying property decisions can limit long-term growth
• How to identify the strategy that best fits your personal goals

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to property investing in Defence. The best strategy is the one that aligns with your circumstances, makes the most of your entitlements, and supports your long-term financial objectives.

Want help working out which strategy is right for you? Book a free strategy call with our team.

Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury 
Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency 

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we sit down with Jesse from BBS Tax, a former Australian Army infantry soldier and accountant, to break down the tax deductions available to Defence personnel and property investors.

We cover some of the most common questions current serving members ask every tax season, including what expenses are actually deductible, which claims often catch people out, and how to stay compliant with the ATO. We also dive into the tax side of investment properties, explaining depreciation, repairs versus improvements, capital gains implications, and why good record keeping can save you thousands.

Whether you're serving full-time, own an investment property, or are planning to buy your first one, this episode will help you better understand how tax works and where many Australians unknowingly make costly mistakes.

Topics covered:

• Who can claim Defence-related tax deductions (and who can't)
• Uniforms, laundry, equipment, watches, and mobile phone claims
• What travel expenses are deductible for Defence members
• Why gym memberships and workout gear usually aren't claimable
• The $300 rule and how depreciation works for larger purchases
• What property expenses are immediately deductible
• Costs that form part of your property's cost base instead
• Understanding depreciation schedules and quantity surveyor reports
• Repairs vs capital improvements (and why it matters)
• The hidden impact of depreciation on future capital gains tax
• Record keeping requirements and how long you need to keep receipts
• Common ATO misconceptions and mistakes investors make

Good tax planning isn't about claiming everything you can — it's about understanding the rules, keeping accurate records, and making informed decisions that support your long-term financial goals.

Want help building your own property strategy?

Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury
Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency

Looking for tax advice specific to your situation? Learn more about BBS Tax and seek professional advice before making financial or taxation decisions.

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we break down six of the most common property investment strategies used by Australian Defence Force members and explain how the right approach depends on your career stage, financial position, and long-term goals.

Whether you're a new recruit with limited savings, an experienced member with significant equity, or preparing to transition out of Defence, there are different ways to leverage your unique entitlements to build long-term wealth. We explore the advantages, trade-offs, and common mistakes associated with each strategy, helping you understand which pathway may be the best fit for your circumstances.

We also discuss how Defence housing entitlements, including DHOAS, Rent Assistance, HPAS, and the First Home Guarantee Scheme, can be used strategically to maximise opportunities throughout your career.

Topics covered:

• The six most common Defence property investor profiles
• How the "Supercharged Rentvester" strategy works
• Maximising DHOAS and Rent Assistance together
• Using the First Home Guarantee Scheme with a 5% deposit
• Why the owner-occupier strategy isn't always the most effective
• Deliberate rentvesting and buying in higher-growth markets
• Using data and research to select investment locations
• The "Delayed Investor" and leveraging equity later in your career
• Common mistakes after receiving a lump sum payout
• The career-driven Defence member and balancing income with investing
• Opportunity cost and why delaying property decisions can be expensive
• Choosing a strategy that aligns with your goals, not someone else's

There’s no single "best" property strategy for every Defence member. The key is understanding your options and creating a plan that works for your unique circumstances.

Want help working out which strategy is right for you? Book a free strategy call with our team.

Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury
Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we sit down with Jesse from BBS Tax, a former Australian Army infantry soldier and accountant, to unpack the biggest property tax changes announced in the latest Federal Budget and what they could mean for investors moving forward.

We break down the proposed changes to capital gains tax (CGT), negative gearing, and discretionary trusts, explaining what has changed, why it matters, and how investors can adapt their strategies rather than reacting emotionally.

We also explore the potential flow-on effects for the Australian property market, including investor participation, housing supply, rental affordability, and long-term wealth creation. Whether you're a first-time investor or already building a portfolio, this episode will help you better understand the implications of the new rules and how to plan ahead.

Topics covered:

• Jesse’s journey from Army infantry soldier to founder of BBS Tax
• An overview of the latest Federal Budget property changes
• Why the proposed CGT reforms have created uncertainty for investors
• How the new capital gains tax calculations will work from 2027
• The removal of the 50% CGT discount and introduction of indexation
• The new minimum 30% capital gains tax explained
• Changes to negative gearing on established residential properties
• Why new builds are treated differently under the new rules
• The potential impact on rental supply and affordability
• How investor behaviour could change under the new tax settings
• Why tax should never be the primary reason to invest
• The importance of adapting your strategy instead of reacting to policy changes
• Long-term wealth creation in a changing investment landscape

While the tax rules may be changing, the fundamentals of successful investing remain the same. Understanding how these reforms affect your position — and adjusting your strategy accordingly — is what matters most.

Want help building your own property strategy?

Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury 
Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency   

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we sit down with Mat from HtAG, one of Australia’s leading property data platforms, to unpack how investors can use data to make better decisions — and avoid the costly mistakes driven by emotion, opinion, and media noise.

We explore the key metrics that separate strong investment markets from poor-performing ones, including affordability, supply and demand, inventory levels, hold periods, and market confidence. More importantly, we discuss how these data points work together to tell the story of a market — and why looking at one metric in isolation can lead investors down the wrong path.

This episode is a deep dive into the fundamentals of property research and market selection, making it essential listening for anyone serious about building a portfolio based on evidence rather than speculation.

Topics covered:

• How HtAG was created and why data matters in property investing
• Why data is really a reflection of human behaviour
• The importance of understanding market cycles
• Using 1-year growth data to identify market momentum
• Affordability and why it remains one of the strongest growth indicators
• Why cheaper markets have outperformed in recent years
• Supply vs demand and how property prices are actually created
• Inventory levels and market absorption rates explained
• Why supply scarcity is a key driver of long-term growth
• Hold periods and what they reveal about a suburb
• The risks of buying in oversupplied markets and house-and-land estates
• Understanding confidence levels in property data
• Why low-confidence suburbs can create misleading signals
• Opportunity cost and the hidden cost of buying the wrong asset
• Data-driven investing vs “barbecue advice” and market opinions
• Why professionals often outperform DIY investors

Whether you're buying your first investment property or scaling an existing portfolio, this episode will help you understand how to use data to make smarter, more confident decisions.

Want help building your own property strategy?

Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury
Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency

Interested in learning more about property data and market analysis? Check out HtAG and their educational resources. 

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we sit down with Brodie Locock, founder of Outperform Fitness and former Australian Army vehicle mechanic, to discuss his journey from a small-town kid in regional New South Wales to building one of Australia’s most recognised Defence fitness coaching businesses.

Brodie shares how he joined the Army after leaving school early, why Defence gave him the structure and purpose he needed and how his passion for fitness eventually evolved into a business helping future Defence members prepare for service.

We also explore the challenges many current and former serving members face when it comes to fitness, motivation and maintaining healthy habits after leaving the military. Whether you're preparing to enlist, currently serving or adjusting to life after Defence, this episode is packed with practical advice and lessons learned from nearly two decades in and around the military environment.

Topics covered:

• Growing up in regional NSW and joining the Army.
• Starting as a reservist before transitioning to full-time.
• Life as an Army vehicle mechanic.
• Serving in units, including the 7th Combat Service Support Battalion, Special Operations Logistics Squadron and 8th Brigade Support Battalion.
• Why fitness became a lifelong passion.
• Building Outperform Fitness from a side hustle into a national business.
• The biggest fitness mistakes current serving members make.
• Why more training isn’t always better training.
• The importance of strength and recovery for Defence personnel.
• Maintaining fitness and motivation after leaving Defence.
• Common mistakes Defence applicants make before enlistment.
• How structured training improves performance and reduces injury risk.
• Advice for anyone preparing for basic training or Defence recruiting fitness tests.
• The role of coaching, accountability and goal setting in long-term success.

Whether you're preparing to join the Defence Force, trying to improve your performance while serving or looking to stay fit after transitioning out, this episode provides valuable insights from someone who has experienced all three stages first-hand.

Want help building your own property strategy?

Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury
Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency

Interested in improving your fitness or preparing for Defence entry? Check out Outperform Fitness on YouTube and Instagram.

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we sit down with Benjamin Welsh, a former Australian Army vehicle mechanic who turned an Afghanistan deployment into the foundation of a multi-million-dollar property portfolio.

Ben shares how he purchased his first home while serving, using deployment savings and Defence housing entitlements to get into the market sooner. What started as a simple owner-occupier purchase eventually evolved into a strategic property portfolio spanning multiple states and valued at more than $3 million.

We also discuss the realities of investing while serving, managing interstate properties, dealing with nightmare tenants, and why market selection can make a bigger difference than most investors realise.

If you're a current or former Defence member looking to build wealth through property, Ben’s story is packed with practical lessons, hard-earned experience, and valuable insights.

Topics covered:

• Growing up in a Defence family and joining the Army
• Serving as a vehicle mechanic and deploying to Afghanistan
• Using deployment savings to buy a first property
• How HPAS and DHOAS helped accelerate his property journey
• Buying a principal place of residence while serving
• Turning an owner-occupied home into an investment property
• Lessons learned from a nightmare tenant experience
• Transitioning from Defence into civilian employment
• Selling, upgrading, and building a larger family home
• Why Ben chose to work with a buyer’s agent
• Building a portfolio across multiple states
• Townsville and regional market success stories
• The importance of market selection and timing
• Why opportunity cost is one of the biggest risks investors face
• Ben’s thoughts on property investing in today’s market

Today, Ben’s portfolio sits at more than $3 million in value: a result of consistent action, long-term thinking, and making the most of the opportunities available to Defence members.

Want help building your own property strategy?

Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury
Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency 

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we sit down with Zach Plath, co-founder of VetComp and former Australian Army infantry soldier, to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in the Defence community — DVA claims and veteran compensation.

Zach shares his journey from serving in the Army to building one of Australia’s fastest-growing veteran advocacy businesses, helping thousands of current and former Defence members navigate the DVA claims process.

We discuss the common myths that stop people from claiming, why waiting can cost veterans both time and money and how compensation, medical support, and long-term benefits can play a significant role in a veteran’s financial future.

For serving members, this episode provides valuable insight into the importance of documenting injuries early, understanding your entitlements, and avoiding the misinformation that can circulate within Defence.

Topics covered:

• Zach’s journey from infantry soldier to VetComp co-founder
• What VetComp does and how it supports veterans
• Why many Defence members delay DVA claims (and why they shouldn’t)
• Common myths around compensation and medical discharge
• The importance of reporting injuries while serving
• How the DVA claims process actually works
• Current serving members vs veterans: who can claim?
• Age-adjusted compensation and why timing matters
• Understanding White Cards and Gold Cards
• Mental health support available through DVA
• Long-term medical and financial benefits veterans may be entitled to
• How veterans are using compensation payments to improve their future
• Practical advice for Defence members preparing to separate

Whether you're currently serving, transitioning out of Defence or have been out for years, this episode provides important information that could help you better understand your entitlements and make more informed decisions about your future.

Want help building your own property strategy?

Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury 
Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency 

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we explore a topic we’ve never covered before: how military discipline, planning and decision-making frameworks can be applied to building a successful property portfolio.

Host Kane Dury sits down to discuss the lessons learned from nearly 13 years in the Australian Army, building a multi-property portfolio and helping Defence members navigate the often-complex world of property investing.

With market sentiment shifting, interest rates remaining a hot topic and headlines dominated by uncertainty, this episode focuses on the fundamentals that matter most: strategy, patience, process and execution.

We also discuss some of the biggest mistakes investors make, why time on the sidelines can be incredibly costly and how Defence members can use their unique experience and mindset to create long-term financial success.

Topics covered:

• Applying military planning and discipline to property investing
• Why strategy should come before market selection
• Building and scaling a property portfolio over time
• Supply, demand and the real drivers of Australian property prices
• Why market sentiment often creates opportunity
• The dangers of constantly changing your investment strategy
• Time in the market vs timing the market
• Lessons learned from buying, holding and selling property over 20 years
• Common investor mistakes that can cost hundreds of thousands of $
• The true cost of waiting on the sidelines
• Using Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) as a strategic tool
• How Defence members can leverage their unique advantages
• Why patience is one of the most valuable investing skills

Whether you're buying your first investment property or working towards a larger portfolio, this episode will help you think more strategically about your property journey and avoid many of the mistakes investors often make along the way.

Want help building your own property strategy?

Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury
Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency