In this episode of The Property Journey Unfiltered, Zac and Eve sit down with Jake Colwill, co-founder of Innova Property, who has built an impressive portfolio of HMOs, blocks of flats, and commercial-to-residential conversions. Jake takes us through his no-money, no-training, full-send approach to property investing—from flipping his first flat to scaling a portfolio that won him HMO Investor of the Year.

We talk about:

- How he started with no cash and no formal training

- The power of networking over expensive courses

- Scaling from flipping homes to 15 deals in one year

- Winning HMO Investor of the Year & his biggest project yet

- The reality of self-managing vs. using letting agents

- Market predictions and property investment strategies for 2025

This episode is packed with real talk, no fluff—perfect for anyone wanting to start or scale in property.

Connect with Jake: Find him on Instagram ⁠@innova.property⁠

Listen now and take action—because waiting for the “perfect” deal is costing you more than you think!

In this episode of From The Ground Up, we sit down with Adam from For The Landlords, a seasoned property sourcer and portfolio builder with over 1,000 properties under his belt. Adam takes us behind the scenes of his innovative approach to property sourcing, renovation, and management, sharing the strategies that have made his team one of the UK’s most efficient and trusted in the field.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Streamlined Processes: Adam explains how his team operates like a well-oiled machine, with specialized departments for sourcing, renovations, lettings, and maintenance. Each team member stays in their lane, ensuring efficiency and consistency.
2. Deal Analysis 101: Learn Adam's simple yet effective formula for evaluating property deals, including how to calculate maximum offers, price renovations, and spot where value can be added.
3. Lessons Learned: From horror stories like discovering £20,000 worth of asbestos to common pitfalls such as overpaying for properties, Adam shares valuable lessons for investors at all levels.
4. The Changing Property Market: We discuss how property sourcing has evolved from print ads to the digital age, the impact of rising rents, and why social media is now crucial for reaching modern investors.
5. Sustainability in Property Investing: Adam emphasizes the importance of thinking long-term with every deal—from creating scalable renovation systems to building relationships with agents and contractors.
6. Building Wealth the Right Way: We explore the balance between cash flow and equity growth, avoiding the over-leverage trap, and how to secure reliable returns in an unpredictable market.

With real-world insights, actionable tips, and honest reflections, this episode is perfect for both seasoned landlords and those just starting their property journey.

Where to Find Adam:

• Website: ⁠forthelandlords.com⁠
• Instagram & TikTok: @landlord.lessons
• YouTube: For The Landlords

In this compelling episode of From the Ground Up, Zac speaks with Wendy, a Bristol-based property developer, mentor, and Amazon bestselling author. Wendy shares her incredible journey from a professional figure skater to building a thriving career in property.

Drawing parallels between the discipline of competitive sports and the determination required in business, Wendy emphasises the importance of resilience and taking action. For property investors and entrepreneurs, Wendy provides valuable insights into key strategies that shaped her success, including mastering HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) and navigating complex developments like barn conversions and commercial-to-residential projects.

Wendy highlights the importance of selecting the right investment areas through local market research and the value of mentorship in accelerating growth. The discussion also explores challenges facing landlords with evolving housing legislation, where Wendy offers her perspective on adapting strategies, such as exploring serviced accommodation, to maintain profitability and future-proof investments. Wendy’s story is a masterclass in personal growth and overcoming limiting beliefs, reminding listeners that knowledge alone isn't enough—decisive action is the real differentiator.

Packed with practical advice and inspiration, this episode is essential listening for anyone ready to scale their property business and build sustainable success from the ground up.

In this episode of From The Ground Up, we sit down with Shaz Ahmed, a property finance expert and founder of his own brokerage Elan Property Finance, to discuss the ins and outs of funding for property investors. From bridging loans to development finance, Shaz shares his expert advice on navigating the complexities of securing finance and overcoming common hurdles.

Here’s what you’ll learn: 🔑 The benefits of working with a specialist broker. 🏡 Bridging vs development finance—what’s the difference? 📉 The biggest challenges new investors face and how to overcome them. 📱 How Shaz has built a strong brand through social media and networking.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your property portfolio, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you achieve your goals.

Follow Shaz on Instagram at @WhereIsShaz and tune in to hear how he’s changing the game in UK property finance.

In this episode of From The Ground Up, we’re joined by James Adams, a former economics teacher who made the bold leap into property development—and hasn’t looked back. James shares his inspiring journey from the classroom to running a thriving residential development and investment business.

We explore the challenges and achievements of his career shift, the creative process behind his standout projects, and the invaluable lessons he’s learned about balancing risk, managing finances, and building a sustainable property business.

Whether you’re thinking about making a similar move or simply curious about the world of property development, James’ story is full of insights and inspiration.

Tune in now to hear how James turned his passion for property into a successful career! 🎙️✨

In this episode, Zac and Eve sit down with property investor James Lynch, whose impressive success story offers valuable insights for anyone looking to break into property investment. James recounts the details of his standout deal: acquiring a 40-unit block of flats in Pembrokeshire, which brings in around £20,000 in monthly rental income and yielded a remarkable £500,000 equity gain—achieved without any refurbishments. This deal exemplifies James's powerful title-splitting strategy, where he purchases entire blocks, splits them into individual leasehold units, and maximises each property's value with minimal upfront investment.

James explains how he structured this deal with 100% financing, enabling him to scale quickly and unlock high returns without tying up substantial capital. The conversation explores his journey from a corporate job to full-time property investment, highlighting the importance of building relationships, consistent follow-up, and focusing on one strategy for faster results. For aspiring property entrepreneurs, this episode reveals how smart financing, strategic acquisitions, and a high-yield approach can turn a single deal into a game-changing asset.

Connect with James on Linkedin- jameshlynch

In this episode of From The Ground Up, we delve into the journey of Guillaume Black, CEO of Property Filter, who made the bold leap from engineering to the property industry. Guillaume shares how a need for better work-life balance inspired his career shift, and the invaluable lessons he's gathered along the way.

Property Filter is a UK-based platform that supports property investors and sourcers in efficiently finding, assessing, and securing deals. It equips users with tools for locating motivated sellers, running direct-to-vendor campaigns, and managing deal pipelines, alongside data insights, calculators, and automated due diligence.

Join us as Guillaume discusses his insights on market cycles, the value of focusing on a single property strategy for long-term success, and how technology is transforming the property investment landscape. He highlights the critical role of data in uncovering high-potential deals and explains how a customer-centric approach can drive business growth.

We also explore the mindset necessary for property success, looking at how thoughts shape outcomes and why high standards and attracting the right talent are key to effective leadership. Guillaume’s story illustrates the impact of continuous learning and the powerful role tech-driven solutions play in the property world.

Whether you’re just starting out or expanding your property portfolio, this episode offers practical takeaways to help you navigate the market and build a foundation for lasting success.