Why 99% of Investors Are Wrong About Problem Properties

https://www.progressiveproperty.co.uk/raf/

Sean is joined by Shimon Ruach, a property solicitor who uses creative property investing in the UK! From cycling through Manchester snow with no bus money to becoming the pioneer behind lease options and countless other strategies, Shimon shares his knowledge and experience of building wealth through problem properties that 99% of investors avoid. Discover why he deliberately targets properties with Japanese knotweed, subsidence, and structural issues and how this counterintuitive approach has made him a fortune. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Target problem properties for maximum profit. Properties with issues like Japanese knotweed, subsidence, or missing kitchens offer huge discounts because 99% of investors and lenders won't touch them, yet fixing costs are typically manageable with the right knowledge.
• Learn multiple strategies to maximise opportunities,  focusing on just one property strategy (like service accommodation or HMOs) means missing out on profitable deals daily; successful investors adapt their approach to fit each property's unique situation.
• Solve vendor problems, don't just buy properties, homeowners sell because they have problems or needs, not to make profit so understanding their real motivation through rapport-building allows you to structure creative deals that benefit everyone.
• Invest in education over everything else. The cost of proper property education should be measured against potential returns, not the price tag; spending £100 to learn nothing is more expensive than £10,000 that enables profitable deals.
• Stop making excuses about time and money, people who claim they have no time for property somehow find time for TV; those who say they can't afford education are really saying they can't afford to make money.
• Challenge banks and know your rights. Banks often refuse reasonable requests like interest-only payments or allowing tenants, but they have a legal duty under FSA guidelines to explore all options before repossession, creating opportunities for informed investors.

 

BEST MOMENTS

"If someone gives you 1 million pounds to play with, you don't have to be creative. As long as you don't waste it, you still make money. But 99% of investors like me started with property on the side."

"I don't have the time for property, but you do have time for TV? Doesn't quite add up, does it?"

"I'll make an offer you can't refuse. Don't worry, there's no head of a horse involved."

"Either you're a sheep like everybody else and you will stay a sheep like everybody else, or you try to do something and tomorrow you're no longer a sheep."

 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

MSOPI – Multiple Streams of Income:

https://www.progressiveproperty.co.uk

https://kevinmcdonnell.co.uk

ABOUT THE HOST

Sean Fitzpatrick is a property investor, educator, and the Face of Progressive Property. With a 6-figure portfolio and expertise in creative strategies, finance, and off-market deals, Sean shares success stories from the Progressive Property community, expert insights, and real-world strategies to help investors succeed. Tune in for practical tips and no-nonsense advice to accelerate your property journey.

 

ABOUT THE HOST

Kevin McDonnell is a Speaker, Author, Mentor &am