Richard Blanco grew up in Newark, Nottinghamshire and his career path developed from a performing arts background having studied theatre and dance. During the 1990s recession, he was involved in turning some disused buildings into an arts centre and then set up and became a director of one himself. Richard has continued to work in training and consultancy with a specialism in HR and diversity and is also a writer, performer and director in contemporary theatre.

I ask how and why he got bitten by the property investing 'bug'.

"My property business activities began in 2003, although I had bought my first home in London some eighteen years ago, which I am still living in today." Richard replies.

Investing in property brought together my enjoyment of financial strategy and reviving old buildings while maintaining positive relations with a wide range of tenants, and my aim is to provide them with a lovely home and with great customer service. I am now also the London region representative for the National Landlords Association and I really enjoy meeting up with members at various events and hearing about their experiences.

"Over the last ten years I have been able create a portfolio with four houses, five flats and two shops, and all apart from one are in the East and North East London area. My aim in the next few years is to continue buying one property a year providing I can find properties at the right price which can be restored or converted to my own renovation standards.