Why 99% of Investors Are Wrong About Problem Properties

Why 99% of Investors Are Wrong About Problem Properties

Author: Kevin McDonnell June 10, 2025 Duration: 31:18
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 & Professional Property Investor. He is an expert when it comes to creative property investment strategies. His book No Money Down: Property Invest talks about how to control and cash flow other people’s property to create financial freedom.   CONTACT METHOD https://www.facebook.com/kevinMcDonnellProperty/ https://kevinmcdonnell.co.uk/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@progressiveproperty YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0g1KuusONVStjY_XjdXy6g Twitter: https://twitter.com/progperty LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/progressiveproperty Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressiveproperty/ Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/progressivepropertycommunity Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Progperty   This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/ progressive, property, investing, rent, housing, buy to lets, serviced accomodation, block, auction, home, financial freedom, recurring income, tax, mortgage, assets: http://progressiveproperty.co.uk/

Hosted by investor and educator Kevin McDonnell, The Progressive Property Podcast is a regular source of actionable strategies for navigating the UK property market. This isn't about generic theory; it’s a practical resource dissecting the methods that work for building a portfolio, from foundational principles to advanced scaling techniques. You’ll hear detailed discussions on buy-to-let, flipping properties, and creative strategies like deal packaging, all aimed at constructing multiple streams of property income. The focus is on leveraging knowledge-and often other people's capital-to build assets, emphasising how to move forward effectively even if your own starting capital is limited. Each episode is designed to condense years of experience, helping you avoid common pitfalls and make informed, strategic decisions that save both time and money. For anyone serious about property investment, from taking the first step to systematising a large-scale operation, this podcast serves as a direct line to the nuanced knowledge required for long-term financial freedom. Tune in for candid conversations that cut through the noise, offering the specific skills and confidence needed to progress in the complex world of real estate investment.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 100

The Progressive Property Podcast
Podcast Episodes
The 3 Biggest Mistakes I have Made in Property [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:52
Kevin shares the 3 biggest mistakes he has made on his property journey, so you don’t have to make the same mistakes he did! Kevin talks about why he made these mistakes, what you can do to avoid them and talks about wha…
The Mid-Year Kickstart – 7 Steps to Start Your Property Journey NOW [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:31
At the halfway point of 2024, Kev gives a mid-year kickstart and talks about 7 steps you can take to start your property journey now. If you haven’t started your journey this year, or you’re feeling behind, this will hel…
Building a Brighter Future with Tricia Crocker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:06
Join Kevin as he interviews Tricia Crocker, a property investor who's made remarkable progress in just 18 months. Discover how Tricia went from juggling multiple jobs to successfully managing rent-to-rent properties and…
7 Estate & Letting Agent Hacks You NEED To Know [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:33
‘Overall estate agents are good at helping you to get the best deal, but they are also great at ensuring the best deal for themselves’ In this fascinating episode, Kevin shares 7 tricks that are vital for anyone who is a…
No Money? No Problem! Kicking Off Your Property Empire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:35
Kevin shares his expertise on starting a property empire with no money down. He challenges conventional wisdom, debunks common excuses, and reveals how anyone can kickstart their property journey, regardless of their fin…
The Rollercoaster Journey of Life and Property with Jamie Brookes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:49
Jamie joins Kevin on the podcast to talk about what prompted him to change his life and start investing in property. He shares the knowledge that has helped him build and grow his portfolio and also reveals why buy-to-le…
Election Special - Can they secure Investors Votes on July 4th? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:50
Kevin shares his candid views on the upcoming UK election. For the first time ever, Kevin reveals he will be voting Conservative, explaining his reasoning and urging listeners to carefully consider their vote. With a pot…