Starting From Zero | How We’d Build a Property Business
This is an episode for anyone looking to break into property investment. Whether you're brand new to the game or considering a reset, this episode is your fast track to doing it the smart way.
What would you do if you had to start over—completely from scratch?
No money.
No contacts.
No properties.
Just your knowledge and experience. That’s the challenge Andy puts to Ian and Mike in episode of The Investor’s Corner Podcast.
This is an episode for anyone looking to break into property investment. Whether you're brand new to the game or considering a reset, this episode is your fast track to doing it the smart way.
Here’s What We Cover:
* A simple 30–90 day plan to get started
* The property strategies we’d lean into (Rent-to-Rent? HMO? Sourcing?)
* How much cash you really need to get going
* What we’d avoid completely if we had another shot at starting
* Honest advice, red flags, and the mindset shifts that make a difference
Raising Capital When You’ve Got Nothing
If we were starting with no money or contacts, we wouldn’t focus on chasing deals straight away -we’d focus on conversations.
Your ability to raise capital often matters more than the amount you’ve got in the bank. We’ve secured serious funding by building trust and showing up consistently. It’s not about being flashy—it’s about being credible.
Using Joint Ventures to Get Moving
When money’s tight, partnerships can make a huge difference. We talk about how joint ventures helped us get our first few deals over the line, and how tapping into your existing network (even friends and family) can open surprising doors.
But it’s not just about finding someone with cash. The right JV partner is someone who’s aligned with your goals, your values, and your timelines.
Choosing the Right Strategy (and Keeping It Simple)
With limited funds, your strategy matters. We break down the kinds of deals we’d focus on first—based on what actually worked for us:
- Below-market refurbs
- Distressed sales or leasehold properties under £200k
- Projects where you can add value and force equity
What We’d Avoid This Time Around
We’ve made plenty of mistakes. Here’s what we’d steer clear of if we had to do it all over again:
- Overleveraging too early
- Following self-proclaimed “gurus” with no skin in the game
- Buying in poor rental areas just because the price looks good
- Diving into complex HMOs or commercial conversions without experience
Our 30–90 Day Blueprint
This is the timeline we’d follow if we were starting from scratch:
Days 1–30:
* Get clear on what you want and what risk level you’re comfortable with
* Learn your local market: what rents, what sells, what doesn’t
* Start building your network: agents, investors, brokers, builders
Days 30–60:
* Get out to viewings
* Have early conversations with potential JV partners and lenders
* Begin looking for realistic, value-add deals
Days 60–90:
* Start making offers
* Line up your first JV or sourcing deal
* Begin the process of getting that first property over the line
It’s not about rushing, it’s about moving with intention and laying the right foundations.
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This Episode is Sponsored By:
Survey Network - Connecting you directly with surveyors in your area, ensuring you get the right survey for your property at the best price.