Property investors masterclass: sign up now to learn about buying, selling, renovations, rentals and more

If you’ve ever considered a change of career but found a dozen reasons not to take the plunge, you might be inspired by an event in Bradford this month delivered by a businessman who helps people do it every day.

Business guru and millionaire Samuel Leeds runs a training academy that teaches aspiring entrepreneurs property investment strategies designed to improve both their lifestyles and earning power.

As part of a short UK tour this month, Samuel will be sharing his tips and advice when he presents an investors crash course and provides a taste of life in the property world.

The special event in Bradford takes place on Saturday, October 21 when people can pay just £1 per ticket to learn some of Samuel’s basic principles for financial success.

The academy’s students come from all walks of life and many of them never set out to work in the property sector. That was certainly true of Charlie Mandley who studied sports coaching at university and then went on to work in a rugby club.

Now making a living by sourcing deals for investors Charlie is just 24 and says he’s enjoying more financial freedom.

With only £2000 capital to invest at the start, it was a small start for Charlie but he now sells several deals each month for which he charges a finder’s fee. He chose the deal-selling approach because he didn’t have money to spend on serviced accommodation or multiple occupancy homes.

“I needed some cash behind me,” he explains. “The quickest way for me to do that was to go out, find the investor, find a deal, package it up and sell it.”

He says investors generally seek his services because they lack time to do the legwork themselves and don’t need the hassle of cancelled appointments or other problems.

Charlie’s parents, although supportive, did express doubts about the idea and, when his first deal took some time to happen, the misgivings continued. But that didn’t stop them helping to pay for his training at Samuel Leeds Investors academy.

Charlie believes that building up good relations in the sector plays a major part in making progress and he takes that element seriously. A networking event might cost a fee to attend but he says that meeting the right investor is well worth the initial expense.

Once there, he looks for property investment opportunities and chats to whoever shows an interest in what he has to offer.

“I talk about what they want and what their needs are and where they’re looking. Then I take their details and go and find it,” he explains.

Charlie also stays in close contact with the training academy, attending regular events and chatting to other students to share ideas and knowledge. Many of his deals come directly from his academy contacts.

Word of mouth remains a good way to find properties for Lincoln-based Charlie who recently sold a deal in central London after a landlady passed on his details to a contact.

Of course there are rejections and setbacks too which are invariably tough but Samuel Leeds’s students are taught not to take them to heart. Like everyone, Charlie has had his fair share of disappointments including ten potential deals on an apartment block that recently falling through.

“It’s not the end of the world because you just keep moving forwards,” he says. “It is disheartening even so. It wasn’t because of anything bad. The landlord just wanted tenants.”

But Charlie’s good days exceed his bad ones and his ambitions are growing as he looks to invest in a block of 15 flats.

His advice to anyone considering a similar career is to ask people who are doing well as many questions as possible.

“The biggest lessons I’ve learnt are to get out there, take action and keep going. Don’t quit when you get nos.”

If learning more about property investment appeals to you and you’ve got £1 to spare, you can join Samuel Leeds at Cedar Court, Rooley Lane, BD5 8HW. On October 21. Tickets can be booked online (late cancellation/no show fees apply).

Disclaimer: This article is paid for, sponsored content and does not reflect the views of LincolnshireWorld or National World. People should always seek independent advice in matters of finance and investments.