I've been investing in property since 2001 and on a full time basis since 2003. Since then I have witnessed and, like many portfolio landlords and developers, suffered from the Credit-Crunch yet survived to tell the tale.

In that time I have built a substantial property portfolio in addition to building a property sourcing business and lettings and management company which I sold in 2013. I have sourced, refurbished, traded and managed hundreds of properties for both myself and clients and in doing so have executed all major strategies with a particular focus on HMOs and flipping properties. I have raised more than £50m in private and institutional finance for investment and development deals allowing me to build a portfolio with very little of my own money.

I have also mentored and coached many investors and helped them achieve whatever it is they've wanted from property, usually 'financial freedom' or what they perceive to be financial independence. I've witnessed their goals, dreams, frustrations, ups and downs in their search for financial freedom. Some have made it, some haven't. What amazes me every year is the sheer volume of aspiring investors wanting to make it happen. I often wonder if I was starting out now would I want to pursue this life, given how different the investment landscape is and how different the market is to when I started.

When I remember back to the days of Mortgage Express and ‘free’ houses and if you were lucky enough to do a good enough deal, not only could you get the house for free but depending on the level of discount you could negotiate and net yourself £10k, £20k or even up to £50k to put into your pocket on the day of completion. It was madness but many people were doing it.