"The horror stories of people doing their dough is limited to...

"The horror stories of people doing their dough is limited to the off the plan apartments that drop more than 50% or the very high end multi-million dollar places that halved as well."

Id agree with that. And it was more consentrated in the tourist/ Aussie dollar related areas/ tourism and overseas buyers. GC, Sunshine Coast and FNQ.

I still did well and made money doing reno's in Brisbane during the 5 year post 2008.

I think Brisbane and surrounds present some good buying now. Large blocks on 15km circle.

Someone here got a large 1000sqm land and rentable house, that was cash flow positive in Tingalpa, $350-$390k area.
Will prove very good buying in 5-10 years.