How To Think Like A Property Investor: Getting Your First Million

When it comes to achieving financial freedom, there’s no magical “house fairy” that slips property deeds under your pillow. Wealth isn't handed to you in the real world - it’s built. And it all starts in your mind, long before you sign the dotted line on your first (or tenth) property deal.

I recently joined Jason Cozens, Mario Innecco and Andy Schectman for an episode of The Resilient Compass podcast, where we uncovered the mindset shifts that separate struggling investors from those who achieve lasting wealth. Below, I’ll break down the most powerful insights from our conversation - so you can start thinking like a true investor.

Mind Over Money

One point all of us agreed on during the podcast is this: if you don’t firmly believe you can succeed, no strategy or course can help you. 

Growing up, I left home at 17 with just £170 to my name. Yet I refused to let a lack of immediate resources stop me from buying my first property before turning 18. The mindset that propelled me forward was simple:

• Ask yourself bigger questions.
• View money solely as a tool for growth.

Where many people see insurmountable obstacles, property investors see fixable problems. And when you adopt that perspective, your mind begins to spot opportunities others overlook.

Lessons from Our Podcast Guests

Mario: A Contrarian Eye on the System

Mario brought valuable insights on how younger generations often get trapped in speculative assets (like meme coins or penny stocks) because they don’t see a straightforward path to prosperity. His contrarian view: understanding the true nature of inflation, currency devaluation, and monetary policy can free you from financial panic. 

Once you grasp how the system works, you can make strategic choices, like investing in real, tangible assets such as property, to shelter yourself from what he calls “rubbish currencies.”

Andy: Pay Yourself First

Andy reminded us that consistency is key. For over three decades, he’s bought bullion (gold/silver) every two weeks without fail. His disciplined approach to “paying yourself first” shows how small, steady actions can compound into significant wealth. 
Property investment follows the same principle: even if you start with a single buy-to-let, you can keep adding, improving, or diversifying over time. In a few short years, those consistent efforts can dramatically reshape your income.

Jason: Commitment & “Can Do”

Jason highlighted the power of hard work and networking, sharing how resourcefulness can take you further than you think. He talked about an investor who tackled a property refurbishment with minimal experience - learning skills from online tutorials and bringing in just one tradesman for support.

The takeaway? A “can-do” mindset is one of the most valuable assets in property. Whether it’s learning how to find deals, approach private investors, or even get very hands on for your first property, the tools to upskill are more accessible than ever. Surround yourself with the right community, stay committed to growth, and you’ll be surprised at what you can achieve.

Property: The Perfect Playground

So why did property sit at the centre of these conversations?

1. Tangible Control
   Real estate gives you direct influence. You can refurbish an old building, switch from residential to serviced accommodation, or convert a run-down commercial lot into something extremely profitable, often multiplying its value many times over.
   
   
2. Leverage & Cash Flow
   While many investments only yield returns once you’ve sold them, property can provide ongoing monthly income from tenants or short-term lettings. Even better, you can leverage mortgages and creative financing to amplify your returns, accelerating how quickly you can grow.
   
   
3. Stability and Security
   Land and buildings are real, tangible assets. As Mario stressed, when inflation creeps up and currencies weaken, physical property tends to hold its value more reliably than many paper assets.
   
   

Building Multiple Streams of Income

On the podcast, I touched on the “25% rule”: Never rely on a single source for more than a quarter of your income. 

Property excels here; you can start with one strategy like buy-to-let, then branch into serviced accommodation (Airbnb-style), commercial flips, or mixed-use properties. A diversified approach not only boosts earnings but also protects you if one sector experiences a downturn.

We even discussed stories of individuals who went from zero capital to managing a string of high-return serviced units, earning over £30,000 in monthly revenue. Another example came from someone learning they had hundreds of thousands of pounds in a pension they never knew was transferable into property investments. 

These cases show that big changes can happen swiftly if you’re open to new information and willing to take action.

Wealth Creation vs. Wealth Preservation

No conversation about mindset and property is complete without exploring how you protect the wealth you create. Andy’s bullion strategy and Mario’s contrarian approach both underscored this:

• Diversify: Property can make you wealthy, but holding other tangible assets (gold, for instance) helps preserve that wealth.
• Utilise Multiple Currencies: I shared how I split my resources across various countries, bank accounts, and structures. This approach safeguards against unpredictable government policies or sudden economic shifts.

The key takeaway? Once you start generating significant income, set up robust systems that shield your assets so you keep them or reinvest with confidence. It’s all about safeguarding your hard work for the long term.

From Conversation to Concrete Action

Ready to get into that real growth mindset? Here are practical steps inspired by our podcast:

1. Embrace Resilience
   Expect setbacks, financing hiccups, renovation mishaps, or sudden market changes but decide in advance that these won’t derail you. Pivot, adapt, and keep going.
   
   
2. Work & Learn Relentlessly
   I worked 100+ hours a week at age 17, stacking up multiple jobs to save for a property deposit. If that’s what it takes to get started, do it. Meanwhile, invest time in lifelong education: read books, watch tutorials, and consider structured mentorship.
   
   
3. Spot Hidden Opportunities
   Look for value in overlooked places, a dated commercial site you can convert, a house that’s been on the market too long, or even underused pension funds. If you’re not sure how, learn from those who’ve done it.
   
   
4. Network & Collaborate
   Join communities of fellow investors. Build connections with people who share your drive like Mario, Andy, and Jason, so you can stay inspired and access insider deals.
   
   

Final Thoughts: Mindset Is Your Superpower

The biggest revelation from our podcast was something we all fundamentally agree on: you control your destiny far more than any government, employer, or external circumstance. Believing in your ability to create income streams, particularly in property, transforms your outlook from “I can’t afford this” to “how can I make it happen?”

If you want to hear the full, in-depth discussion, catch the podcast replay to gain even more insights straight from Mario, Andy, Jason, and me. 

You’ll learn about everything from leveraging commercial real estate to storing gold in multiple countries, and most importantly, you’ll see the unshakable, success-driven mindset in action.

Take the Next Step

• Ready to level up? Explore our courses, webinars, or property investment programs to get the structured guidance you need.
• Have questions? Join our Facebook group (or whichever social platform you prefer) to connect with fellow investors, ask questions, and get inspired by real-life success stories.

Remember: The only person standing between you and the financial life you want is you. Commit to that decisive change in mindset, and let property be the springboard to a more prosperous, resilient future