From plasterer to millionaire property investor: Businessman Samuel Leeds set to share his secrets of success

Life can often take an unexpected turn but becoming a dedicated trainer and mentor has been quite a departure for a teenager who struggled at school and left as soon as he could with just three GCSEs.

But an enterprising Samuel Leeds subsequently signed up for night school, discovered a flair for business and went on to make millions of pounds as a property investor.

One of his proudest achievements since then has been to launch his own training academy and teach others how it's done.

With his own early experience of education far behind him, Samuel is quite happy to share his story as well as his strong belief that exams and university aren't right for everyone. He was often in trouble at school, had a short attention span and generally felt misunderstood.

Learning different lessons

Perhaps motivated by feeling unengaged with "the system", the businessman is now driven to show people that great opportunities can exist for anyone and education takes many different forms.

Samuel says he's helped thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds to become financially free by following his approach to property, even if they start out with no money to invest.

His students have ranged from professional sportsmen and physiotherapists to university graduates and waitresses who, he says, often go on to switch careers and make a good living from property.

Evening classes pay off

And that's just what happened for Samuel whose own beginnings were fairly modest. He grew up on a council estate in Walsall, West Midlands and initially trained as a plasterer. He did well at the trade but never really thought of it as a job for life.

Party inspired by his stepfather Tim, who had paid off the family mortgage and begun to invest in property, Samuel's interest was sparked when he saw the potential for profit.

An introduction to a property trainer followed which increased his enthusiasm and, before long, he was was using his spare time in the evenings to study business.

Family pulls together

Support from family helped Samuel to buy his first house when he was still 17 as Tim agreed it could go in his name. His grandmother then offered a loan to buy a second one and the bold beginner was on the first rung.

Since then, Samuel has honed his skills and built up experience in various parts of the business. He still invests and sometimes develops properties but now has employees to take care of some of the legwork, leaving him more time free for training.

The Samuel Leeds Property Investors Academy offers short and intensive courses covering various aspects of the business plus a 12-month programme for those wanting to learn more.

UK tour date

For almost 10 years, he has offered a taste of his high-energy training style in the shape of all-day courses delivered on topics ranging from buying, selling, renting and refinancing.

The crash courses are where many people start, says Samuel, who uses the format to take his offer on tour to towns and cities, charging an admission fee of just £1 (although late cancellation/no show fees apply).

One of his next stops will be on home turf in Birmingham when he presents a session about rentals on Saturday, November 25.

Get the lowdown on rentals

People will learn specifically about the rent-to-rent style of investing which essentially involves renting accommodation from a landlord and letting it for a profit, often to multiple tenants.

Samuel will cover the ins and outs of the strategy such as choosing the right area, liaising with landlords and agents, the legislation involved and how to make money as quickly as possible. His audience will also see him find live deals on the day.

"Whether you are a brand newbie or an experienced property tycoon you will massively benefit from attending the crash course," he says.

Online booking and details

People can go online to book a place at the event to be held at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel, Burlington Arcade, 126 New Street, B2 4JQ.

For tickets, timings and general information, please log on to Property Investors.

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