In this very special first episode of 2026, I sit down with Dominic Beecheno, property coach, mentor, and business strategist with nearly two decades of experience helping investors move from thinking to doing.

We go deep into the real reasons most people never get past the starting line — fear, overthinking, self-sabotage, and waiting for the “perfect” moment that never comes. Dominic shares what he’s learned from working with over 3,000 investors, the patterns that hold people back, and the mindset shifts that actually lead to action.

This episode isn’t about hype or hustle. It’s about clarity, better decisions, and understanding what really stops progress — so you can finally move forward with confidence.

Perfect for anyone stuck between wanting to invest and actually doing their first deal.

In this episode Danielle speaks with Lisa Tope, a chartered physiotherapist whose first property deal quickly became what she now calls the flip that flopped. Lisa shares how a desire for financial security and a turning point in her personal and professional life led her into property investing, only to be met with delays, damp issues, builder breakdowns and spiralling costs.

She talks honestly about the decisions she would handle differently, the importance of self reflection and professional support, and how resilience carried her through a deal that shifted from a planned flip to a long term hold. Lisa also reflects on how this experience shaped her confidence, strengthened her mindset and ultimately guided her towards specialised supported housing, where her passion for people and property now come together with purpose.

In this episode Danielle speaks with Simon Wilkinson, whose journey spans a career in the army, years working offshore and a surprising first step into property through a deal he did not even realise was creative finance at the time. Simon shares how family, mindset shifts and a desire for more control over his future pushed him to learn, invest and eventually take on a major HMO conversion project that tested every part of his patience, resilience and judgement.

He talks openly about the red flags he overlooked and the structural problems that appeared partway through the build. With strong lessons learned and a renewed focus on simpler, stronger deals ahead, Simon reflects on what he would do differently, what kept him going and how property is helping shape his plans for his family and the future.

In this episode of First Deal Diaries, Danielle sits down with Nic and Matt Reeves, a Bristol based couple who shifted from supporting other people’s property projects to building their own. With years of experience in planning, design and construction, they share how turning fifty, reassessing their future and wanting to help their children onto the property ladder prompted them to seek education, find the right community and begin shaping an ethical approach to investing.

They talk through the full journey behind their current deal, a corner plot semi secured well below asking price, now progressing through a complete refurb, planning gain and a forthcoming new build. Nic and Matt explain how they sourced the opportunity, why their planning knowledge gave them confidence and how consistent visibility and relationship building helped them raise more than three hundred thousand in private finance. Their story is a clear reminder that steady steps, strong values and persistence can open doors you never thought possible.

In this episode of First Deal Diaries, host Danielle Saunders sits down with HMO specialist Rob Martineau to explore his journey from long days on the tools to building a focused HMO management business on the south coast. You will hear how his background in refurbishments became a real advantage when stepping into the guaranteed rent model, how one well written landlord letter opened the door to two HMOs, and what it takes to bring tired properties back up to standard while navigating missing information, compliance, and the pressure to move quickly.

Danielle and Rob also dive into the mindset shifts behind the scenes, from overcoming procrastination to building strong daily routines with meditation, affirmations, and greater self awareness. Along the way, Rob shares practical insights on choosing letting agents, managing HMOs professionally, staying ahead of compliance, and creating a business that supports long term freedom. If you are gearing up for your first deal or refining your strategy, this conversation offers grounded lessons, encouragement, and a timely reminder that real progress begins when you take action.

In this episode of First Deal Diaries, I sit down with Zac Gould, an expat investor balancing life in Dubai with a growing UK property business. Zac talks through how a poolside moment with a book changed the course of his career, leading him and his wife Rachel to launch Hazel Green Homes and focus on high end HMOs.

He shares the realities of doing your first deal from thousands of miles away, from building a trusted team to navigating time zones and finding the right strategy. Zac also opens up about the challenges he faced, including the sudden loss of his lead contractor eight weeks into a full back to brick refurb and the pressure of Derby’s new Article 4 deadline.

We explore how he stayed calm under pressure, why he chose HMOs for strong cash flow and design led living, and what it really takes to keep a UK project moving when you live overseas.

If you are an expat planning to invest in the UK or a first time investor wanting a clear view of what a project can really look like behind the scenes, Zac’s story offers insight, reassurance and plenty of practical lessons drawn straight from experience.

In this episode of First Deal Diaries, I sit down with Jim Hobson, a retired Army veteran who now runs his own IT consultancy business alongside building a property portfolio. Jim shares the story behind his first deal — a three-bed house in Gloucester that he transformed into a six-bed professional HMO.

From drainage setbacks and redesigns to project management headaches, Jim opens up about the realities of turning plans into profit. We talk about resilience, leadership, and the lessons that come from trusting your gut and building the right team.

If you’re balancing a career with your first property project, this episode is packed with practical advice, perspective, and proof that discipline and determination can take you a long way in property.

In this episode of First Deal Diaries, I chat with Dan Norcross, who swapped a 25-year engineering career for life as a property investor and founder of Regal Relocations. Dan shares how he spotted a gap in the contractor accommodation market, secured six houses in just 24 hours, and built a £20K-a-month serviced accommodation business alongside his full-time job.

We talk honestly about the highs, the hurdles, and the lessons learned — from juggling corporate life and spreadsheets to managing rapid growth. If you’re thinking about starting in property or scaling your first deal, this one’s packed with practical insights, mindset shifts, and proof that it’s never too late for a career change!