From reluctant student to entrepreneur: learn how property investments made Samuel Leeds a millionaire

It's quite some time since property investor Samuel Leeds was driving shaky old cars around the Walsall council estate where he grew up. But in many respects his journey from teenage tradesman to millionaire has been remarkably quick.

Just 15 years on and the successful entrepreneur continues to run a string of businesses and owns a luxury Range Rover which takes him in comfort to wherever he might want to go.

Achieving what he describes as financial freedom was a goal soon after he left school aged 16 with only a trio of B and C grade GCSEs.

On the advice of his stepfather Tim, he trained as a plasterer because the money was good and set about working for other people.

Room by room rental

It was while completing a plastering job in one sizeable property that his boss happened to mention how much the owner could make when he rented the finished house by the room.

The casual comment was Samuel's first introduction to the concept of HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) but it struck a chord and he didn't need a grade A in maths to do the sums and work out the potential for profit.

Not only would renting the accommodation to several people greatly increase the monthly income to be made but the conversion and refurbishment work would boost its resale value too.

Around the same time, Tim began to invest in property and Samuel's interest grew. He started to learn about mortgages and investments and met a property trainer after an introduction from Tim.

Property professionals

The idea of pursuing a different career path completely began to take shape and Samuel found himself enrolling to study business at night school and reading books on the topic whenever he could.

He achieved an NVQ and began networking with property professionals, offering to manage their accommodation free of charge simply to gain experience. As his knowledge increased, he later charged a fee for his services and continued to make links with investors.

At the age of just 17, the fledgling businessman bought his first house in Birmingham, followed by a second one shortly afterwards. His portfolio gradually increased and by the age of 25 he celebrated the impressive milestone of becoming a property millionaire.

Financial success and security have given the father-of-three a comfortable lifestyle as well as the chance to be less hands on in some areas of work by employing people to manage various property negotiations and developments.

Training courses

Still in his early 30s, Samuel's driving passion now is to teach his methods to others and show that making money from a standing start is not an impossible dream. He delivers the training himself and takes a personal pride in the achievements of his students whether they attend a short course or a 12-month programme.

He's particularly keen to see financial education on the curriculum in schools and hopes to influence policy in that area.

As well as working on his own property ventures, he continues to run all-day crash courses around the country. He charges a budget-friendly £1 fee for each one and reveals the strategies that have helped him succeed.

Property Investors Academy

The courses cover a range of elements from rentals and refurbishments to finding and selling property deals for maximum profit. According to Samuel, the events are often a starting point for people to explore or sign up for more in-depth training via his Property Investors Academy.

The sessions are essentially aimed at anyone who wants to know more about property deals and investments whether they're new to the business, a seasoned investor or at some stage in between.

Samuel will be on home ground for just one day later this month when he delivers a crash course in Birmingham with a focus on rentals.

Book tickets online

Topics on the agenda will include HMO legislation, tips on managing agent and landlord relations as well as advice about finding goldmine areas. There will also be live deals to explore on the day.

The course takes place on Saturday, November 25 at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel, Burlington Arcade, 126 New Street B2 4JQ.

Tickets cost £1 (although late cancellation/no show fees apply) and can be booked online where you'll also find more details.

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