Opinions expressed by Digital Journal contributors are their own.
Samuel Leeds has drawn wide attention as a TikTok guru and the founder of Property Investors, and he has redefined property training with his own unique spin that focuses on mentorship, results, and access. Leeds believes in transparency when it comes to his property investments. He even went so far as to allow a documentary to be made about his property portfolio that did a deep dive into his £20 million portfolio.
“I’ve made millions, but I’ve also lost millions. If you’re going to teach property, you have to be honest about both,” Leeds says.
Unlimited mentorship as a core philosophy
Leeds was ambitious from a young age. At 16, he left school and worked as a plasterer. It was while he was on a job that he became intrigued with the property business.
“We were turning a place into an HMO, and I remember the builder telling me how much money the owner was going to make. I thought: ‘Jeez, that’s interesting,’” Leeds says.
Inspired by a property business networking event, in 2009, when he was only 17, he purchased his first property with the help of a relative. This was just the first of 450 property transactions.
“That first deal changed everything. It gave me confidence. I realised I didn’t have to work for someone else. I could build something myself,” Leeds says.
Over the next few years, he would evolve his property investments from properties he would lease to large developments and hotels. Today, he estimates his portfolio to be worth £20 million and works closely with his wife, Amanda, on his entrepreneurial ventures.
Embracing mentorship and social media
In 2016, Leeds began uploading videos with advice on investing in property on YouTube, and in 2020, joined TikTok. His videos were a hit, with some of them receiving as many as 40 million views. Some of the more popular videos were “Rent2Rent Explained for Beginners” and “23K a Month at 23.” He also promoted a book he wrote about his ventures.
Intending to democratize property ownership, he had started selling his training sessions through Property Investors. Now through Leeds Academy, for a flat fee, his students learn all aspects of investing from tax planning to legal consultations. The gateway to entry is his £1 live events, though for 12 months of coaching, the price is £12,000. Leeds considers himself adept at taking complicated subjects and making them simple for his students.
According to Survation, an independent research company, 86% of graduates closed a property deal in the first year, and 95% say they would recommend Leeds’ program to others.
“I think that message is quite liberating to a lot of people who are earning the minimum wage and struggling with the cost-of-living crisis,” Leeds says.
Leadership in helping others
Leeds wants to change accessibility in the industry by giving people high-level mentorship and comprehensive support. It’s his values and willingness to speak on the ups and downs of investing in property that have drawn people to his videos and mentorship program.
Leeds has founded Samuel Leeds Finance, a lending company that will fund property projects, to help students get their projects off the ground. He knows how difficult it can be to obtain funding. It’s one of the biggest barriers for new investors, even if they find a good deal. When Leeds started in the property business as a teenager, a family member allowed him to buy a property in their name because he was too young to get a mortgage. His new company is poised to invest in the students he mentors.
“I invest in my students. If they find a great deal, I want to back them with my own money and help them win,” Leeds says.
Leeds’ dedication to helping others also extends to his philanthropic work. A spiritual man, he is committed to empowering others. Recently, he funded a 64-bed hospital ward in Uganda.
“Legacy isn’t about how much money you make. It’s about how many people you impact,” Leeds says.
