If you're talking about maximum rewards with minimum time- expense, nothing beats property investment.

However, successful property investment requires a certain level of market knowledge and business discernment. Also, an investor will need an extensive network of contacts and information sources, as well as a deep understanding of the real estate market.

Anyone can give the Wheel of Fortune a spin in property investment.

Even if you have no intentions of making property investment a full- time occupation, you can broaden your financial foundation with some well- calculated purchases and sales. If you have been thinking on these lines, please keep some ground rules to effective property investment in mind:

AVOID SETBACKS In other words, your financial statement for property investment must always remain in the green. It is virtually impossible to reverse the trend once you start going into loss. The basic rule is to buy cheap, sell at a profit - and stay in profit, no matter how small the margin.

Play it very safe in the beginning.

No one but an expert and seasoned investor can translate an unwise purchase into a profitable sale.

LISTEN TO EVERYTHING; BELIEVE NOTHING

As soon as your friends and relatives hear that you are into property investment ( no matter on how low a scale) they will offer you a lot of 'inside information'. On the property market, advice is usually free because it is worthless. Even if the acquaintance offering advice is into property investment too, be extremely careful. After all, why has he or she not acted on the advice rather than offering it to you? If the advising person is an amateur in property investment too, it is a case of the blind leading the blind.

Your only hope of getting worthwhile information for property investment is by diligent research and study of market trends. By all means, follow on tips given by wellmeaning friends and relatives, but never take them at face value.

In simple language, don't buy because somebody else thinks that its a good idea.

INVESTIGATE BEFORE INVESTING

No matter how good a property looks, or how reasonable the price, check everything. The price may be low because certain legal sanctions or complications incurred during a previous ownership have rendered it a non- selling proposition.

Other factors to investigate in property investment are the propertys appreciation potential and the reputation of the developer.

One of the most vital aspects of property investment is total financial preparedness when a lucrative deal presents itself.

Even if you have a strong personal monetary base, you will still need additional funds readily available if you intend to upgrade your investment business. For that reason, it is wise to have pre- approved loan coverage from a reputable loan company for any property investment that may occur.