Change of career increases earnings and improves work-life balance for couple keen to secure family’s future

Most parents want nothing more than safety and security for their children which should ideally be an achievable goal. But, in today’s fast-paced and changing world, finding the best way to reach it can feel like quite a challenge.

So does the old expression “as safe as houses”, still hold true when it comes to financial planning for the future? One hard-working couple who are putting that theory to the test would most likely answer yes after they say they improved their family’s prospects by investing in the rental market.

The change of fortunes for Omar and Julia Pike was prompted by signing up to a one-day property investors course hosted by self-made millionaire Samuel Leeds who teaches his business strategies to anyone eager to learn them.

UK property investors tour

Now the property investment expert is bringing his popular crash course to Bradford where interested parties can learn about his techniques for an admission fee of just £1 (although late cancellation/no show fees apply). The event is part of a brief UK tour and will take place on Saturday October 21.

It was one such course that kick-started the property journey of Omar and Julia who initially discovered Samuel on YouTube. They attended the event and left inspired to know more, driven mainly by a desire to better support their six children both now and in the future.

The pair went on to purchase some training packages before joining the academy’s year-long programme to help them reach their goal of working in property full-time.

Different renting options

Among their specific areas of interest are the rent-to-rent sector where an investor will pay property owners an agreed monthly rental fee but then let the property themselves in a different way such as room by room or as temporary accommodation.

They also learned about serviced accommodation, multiple occupancy and deal selling, giving them a springboard to explore other options in the industry.

Julia especially enjoys the task of dressing properties for tenants and both she and Omar, a former railway engineer see their new income as added security particularly as Jamaican-born Omar has sickle cell disease which could leave him unable to work.

Commercial opportunities

The couple have since added three more properties to their growing portfolio and are currently eyeing up a commercial development opportunity ripe for conversion.

They needed patience and persistence initially when rejections were more plentiful than agreements but say that hearing the success stories of other academy students encouraged them it stick with it. Weekly online calls with peers and mentors were a big support too as well as learning from Samuel himself.

Inspiring others

The Pikes still find it astonishing that the 31-year-old is so young and already a millionaire several times over. “When we were 11, he was just a baby,” says Julia, a former hairdresser. “He is such an inspirational person to us. He’s taught us so much.”

Unusually for investors, the Midlands-based husband and wife team have branched out into different locations with an interest in properties dotted around the country including Birmingham and Brighton.

Their new career has given them more flexibility to fit work round their busy family life and extra time to spend with their children. Impressed by their results and career satisfaction, Omar’s aunt is now keen to partner her nephew in a joint venture that could expand the family business still further.

Confidence is key

Based on their first-hand experience, Julia and Omar have a few words of wisdom for future investors: “When you have knowledge, you’re confident. When you’ve got confidence, you can do anything,” they advise.

They also say that hard work and persistence are essential and urge fellow students to learn from mixing with like-minded people and =mentors which they credit with being crucial to their own success.

Book now for £1

People in and around Bradford can discover for themselves what Samuel Leeds has to offer at this month’s crash course at Cedar Court, Rooley Lane, BD5 8HW. For tickets, details and timings, just click here.

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