This week, I sit down with Jose McClure from Unit Management, a family-run 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 flex space provider with nearly 60 years of history. 

Founded by Jose's father, the company has steadily expanded over the years and now operates 22 buildings across 20 locations.

After 20 years in residential property, Jose joined the family business four years ago. He now shares what it’s like to step into a company with deep roots and navigate the fast-changing world of flex space.

In this episode, Jose dives into:
The challenge of proving yourself in a family business
How Unit Management unintentionally became flex space pioneers
Why some buildings buzz with life and others just don’t ⚡🤷 

He also sheds light on the not-so-glamorous side:
The constant headache of business rates 💸
The complexity of pricing flexible space
The "organised chaos" that is commercial property management 🤯

Whether you're curious about the flex space industry or the shift from residential to commercial property, Jose’s story gives a candid peek behind the curtain.

Tune in for a lively chat about family, business, property, and the unpredictable world of flexible workspace! 🎧✨





JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property (and avoid some of these heating headaches), why not consider joining the CPI Network? We're a community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences, and empower each other in our Commercial Property endeavours.

Useful Links:

Jose's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-manuel-mcclure-uml/

Unit Management Website: https://www.unitmanagement.co.uk/

CPI Website -https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/

Our Sponsors -https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/

This week, I sit down with Jose McClure from Unit Management, a family-run 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 flex space provider with nearly 60 years of history. 
Founded by Jose's father, the company has steadily expanded over the years and now operates 22 buildings across 20 locations.
After 20 years in residential property, Jose joined the family business four years ago. He now shares what it’s like to step into a company with deep roots and navigate the fast-changing world of flex space.
In this episode, Jose dives into:
<ul>
<li>The challenge of proving yourself in a family business</li>
<li>How Unit Management unintentionally became flex space pioneers</li>
<li>Why some buildings buzz with life and others just don’t ⚡🤷 </li>
</ul>
He also sheds light on the not-so-glamorous side:
<ul>
<li>The constant headache of business rates 💸</li>
<li>The complexity of pricing flexible space</li>
<li>The "organised chaos" that is commercial property management 🤯</li>
</ul>
Whether you're curious about the flex space industry or the shift from residential to commercial property, Jose’s story gives a candid peek behind the curtain.
Tune in for a lively chat about family, business, property, and the unpredictable world of flexible workspace! 🎧✨
 
<hr>
 
JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property (and avoid some of these heating headaches), why not consider joining the CPI Network? We're a community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences, and empower each other in our Commercial Property endeavours.
Useful Links:
Jose's LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-manuel-mcclure-uml/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-manuel-mcclure-uml/</a>
Unit Management Website: <a href="https://www.unitmanagement.co.uk/">https://www.unitmanagement.co.uk/</a>
CPI Website - <a href="https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/">https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/</a>
Our Sponsors - <a href="https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/">https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/</a>

The Commercial Property Investor Podcast is for aspiring property investors. You might be tired of Residential investing and want to move into the exciting world of commercial real estate investment. You just need the knowledge and confidence to get started and an abundance mindset to grow your portfolio. Host Jerry Alexander & his guests share the key steps to Commercial Property success. You will be kept up-to-date through weekly interviews & conversations relating to many Commercial Property strategies including:

Flexspace, Coworking, Aparthotel, CMO & Multilet property, Commercial to Residential conversion, Retail, Office space, industrial and Self storage.

Weekly inspiration from the world of Commercial Property Investing

Commercial Property Investor Podcast

Are you tired of Residential investing and want to move into the exciting world of commercial real estate investment? You just need the knowledge and confidence to get started and an abundance mindset to grow your portfolio. Host Jerry Alexander & his guests share the key steps to Commercial Property success. You will be kept up-to-date through weekly interviews & conversations relating to many Commercial Property strategies including: Flexspace, Coworking, Aparthotel, CMO & Multilet property, Commercial to Residential conversion, Retail, Office space, industrial and Self storage.

Are you tired of Residential investing and want to move into the exciting world of commercial real estate investment? You just need the knowledge and confidence to get started and an abundance mindset to grow your portfolio. Host Jerry Alexander &amp; his guests share the key steps to Commercial Property success. You will be kept up-to-date through weekly interviews &amp; conversations relating to many Commercial Property strategies including: Flexspace, Coworking, Aparthotel, CMO &amp; Multilet property, Commercial to Residential conversion, Retail, Office space, industrial and Self storage.

Family Business, Flex Space, and Organised Chaos: Jose’s Journey at Unit Management

In this episode, Jerry interviews Richie, a former Army officer who transitioned into the world of property investment and has achieved financial independence. Richie shares his journey, the challenges he faced, and the strategies he used to build a profitable property business, including a niche offer in Self Storage. They discuss the importance of balancing family life with business, the value of taking action, and Richie's approach to creating passive income streams. This episode is packed with valuable insights for aspiring and experienced investors looking to make impactful moves in commercial property.

Key Topics Covered

1. Balancing Family and Work:
Richie discusses how his initial years in property investment required sacrifices, often working evenings and weekends alongside his Army job.
Now, with the flexibility his business provides, Richie enjoys more time with his family, including helping with homeschooling his young children.
He emphasizes the importance of achieving time freedom, allowing him to prioritize family life without being tied down by a traditional 9-to-5 job.

2. Working Smart, Not Long:
Richie has structured his businesses to allow him to work only 20-25 hours a week, focusing on strategic growth and minimizing time spent on daily operations.
He highlights the goal of reducing his operational hours even further, enabling him to concentrate on new opportunities, development, and raising funds for future projects.

3. Richie's Top Three Tips for Investors:
Take Action: Richie stresses the importance of taking practical steps rather than just accumulating knowledge. Action drives results, while knowledge without action remains unused.
Go Where the Air is Thinner: Instead of competing in over saturated markets like small residential properties, Richie advocates exploring commercial property and self-storage, where there’s less competition and more substantial returns.
Leverage Finances Wisely: Richie explains how he purchased £3 million in property using none of his own money by leveraging other people's time, knowledge, and finances, demonstrating the power of partnerships and creative financing.

4. Mentorship and Giving Back:
Richie has recently formalized a mentorship program, “Elevate Property Mentoring,” aimed at helping others progress in property investment and execute larger deals.
He shares his passion for guiding others to success, with plans for an open day on November 21st to introduce potential mentees to his Sheffield property project.

5. Embracing New Opportunities and Self-Storage Investments:
Jerry and Richie discuss the self-storage niche as an emerging, high-potential market within property investment.
Richie talks about his own journey of exploring different property sectors, learning the business model, systemizing operations, and then moving on to new ventures, emphasizing the importance of organized growth.

6. Looking to the Future:
Though Richie has reached his financial target, he is motivated to continue growing his investments, balancing his time between new ventures and family.
The conversation ends with an optimistic look at the future, with Jerry and Richie speculating about where Richie's businesses and life goals will lead him in the next few years.

Key Takeaways
Prioritize Action Over Knowledge: Knowledge without action is useless. Take consistent steps every day if you want to create meaningful change.
Move into Less Crowded Markets: Seek opportunities in less saturated areas, like commercial and self-storage properties, for better returns.
Utilize Other People's Resources: Leveraging other people's time, money, and expertise can exponentially grow your business without depending solely on your own resources.
Systematize for Freedom: Building efficient systems allows you to scale your business without losing personal freedom and flexibility.
Family Time Matters: Financial freedom isn't just about money; it’s about creating time and flexibility to spend with loved ones.

Resources Mentioned
Elevate Property Mentoring: Richie's mentorship program focused on guiding property investors through their first big deals. Website (coming soon): Elevate Property Mentoring.
Open Day Event: Richie's open day on November 21st in Sheffield, showcasing one of his projects and offering insights into his mentorship program.

Richie's details:

Email: Richie@elevatepropertymentoring.com

Storage website: www.citysafestorage.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richie-miller/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/ricardo.monty.5





JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not consider joining the CPI Network? We're a community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences, and empower each other in our Commercial Property endeavours.

Useful Links:

CPI Website -https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/

Our Sponsors -https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryalexander.commercial/

In this episode, Jerry interviews Richie, a former Army officer who transitioned into the world of property investment and has achieved financial independence. Richie shares his journey, the challenges he faced, and the strategies he used to build a profitable property business, including a niche offer in Self Storage. They discuss the importance of balancing family life with business, the value of taking action, and Richie's approach to creating passive income streams. This episode is packed with valuable insights for aspiring and experienced investors looking to make impactful moves in commercial property.
<hr>
Key Topics Covered
1. Balancing Family and Work:
<ul>
<li>Richie discusses how his initial years in property investment required sacrifices, often working evenings and weekends alongside his Army job.</li>
<li>Now, with the flexibility his business provides, Richie enjoys more time with his family, including helping with homeschooling his young children.</li>
<li>He emphasizes the importance of achieving time freedom, allowing him to prioritize family life without being tied down by a traditional 9-to-5 job.</li>
</ul>
2. Working Smart, Not Long:
<ul>
<li>Richie has structured his businesses to allow him to work only 20-25 hours a week, focusing on strategic growth and minimizing time spent on daily operations.</li>
<li>He highlights the goal of reducing his operational hours even further, enabling him to concentrate on new opportunities, development, and raising funds for future projects.</li>
</ul>
3. Richie's Top Three Tips for Investors:
<ul>
<li>Take Action: Richie stresses the importance of taking practical steps rather than just accumulating knowledge. Action drives results, while knowledge without action remains unused.</li>
<li>Go Where the Air is Thinner: Instead of competing in over saturated markets like small residential properties, Richie advocates exploring commercial property and self-storage, where there’s less competition and more substantial returns.</li>
<li>Leverage Finances Wisely: Richie explains how he purchased £3 million in property using none of his own money by leveraging other people's time, knowledge, and finances, demonstrating the power of partnerships and creative financing.</li>
</ul>
4. Mentorship and Giving Back:
<ul>
<li>Richie has recently formalized a mentorship program, “Elevate Property Mentoring,” aimed at helping others progress in property investment and execute larger deals.</li>
<li>He shares his passion for guiding others to success, with plans for an open day on November 21st to introduce potential mentees to his Sheffield property project.</li>
</ul>
5. Embracing New Opportunities and Self-Storage Investments:
<ul>
<li>Jerry and Richie discuss the self-storage niche as an emerging, high-potential market within property investment.</li>
<li>Richie talks about his own journey of exploring different property sectors, learning the business model, systemizing operations, and then moving on to new ventures, emphasizing the importance of organized growth.</li>
</ul>
6. Looking to the Future:
<ul>
<li>Though Richie has reached his financial target, he is motivated to continue growing his investments, balancing his time between new ventures and family.</li>
<li>The conversation ends with an optimistic look at the future, with Jerry and Richie speculating about where Richie's businesses and life goals will lead him in the next few years.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Key Takeaways
<ul>
<li>Prioritize Action Over Knowledge: Knowledge without action is useless. Take consistent steps every day if you want to create meaningful change.</li>
<li>Move into Less Crowded Markets: Seek opportunities in less saturated areas, like commercial and self-storage properties, for better returns.</li>
<li>Utilize Other People's Resources: Leveraging other people's time, money, and expertise can exponentially grow your business without depending solely on your own resources.</li>
<li>Systematize for Freedom: Building efficient systems allows you to scale your business without losing personal freedom and flexibility.</li>
<li>Family Time Matters: Financial freedom isn't just about money; it’s about creating time and flexibility to spend with loved ones.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Resources Mentioned
<ul>
<li>Elevate Property Mentoring: Richie's mentorship program focused on guiding property investors through their first big deals. Website (coming soon): <a href="https://www.elevatepropertymentoring.com">Elevate Property Mentoring</a>.</li>
<li>Open Day Event: Richie's open day on November 21st in Sheffield, showcasing one of his projects and offering insights into his mentorship program.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Richie's details:
Email: <a href="mailto:Richie@elevatepropertymentoring.com">Richie@elevatepropertymentoring.com</a>
Storage website: <a href="http://www.citysafestorage.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.citysafestorage.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1731621892174000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2wLKzFnlKlQ5_zt_55ORXe">www.citysafestorage.com</a>
Linkedin: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/richie-miller/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.linkedin.com/in/richie-miller/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1731621892174000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3nD-04JvgsPpD7kpFnoGM4">https://www.linkedin.com/in/richie-miller/</a>
FB: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ricardo.monty.5">https://www.facebook.com/ricardo.monty.5</a>
 
<hr>
 
JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not consider joining the CPI Network? We're a community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences, and empower each other in our Commercial Property endeavours.
Useful Links:
CPI Website - <a href="https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/">https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/</a>
Our Sponsors - <a href="https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/">https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/</a>
Linkedin: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jerryalexander.commercial/">https://www.instagram.com/jerryalexander.commercial/</a>

Building Financial Freedom Through Smart Property Investing with Richie Miller

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a097373c-4fb5-483d-b18c-b17300c85a5c/clips/1dce40d5-620b-4301-9ac6-b227016b9220/transcript

In this episode, we dive into a crucial topic for commercial property investors: recession-proofing your portfolio. With an economic downturn always on the horizon, it’s essential to be prepared. Jerry shares practical strategies and mindset shifts that can help investors navigate and even thrive during challenging economic periods. From past recessions to the COVID era, we explore key lessons learned, plus insights into which property types and portfolio strategies offer resilience.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding the Cyclical Nature of Commercial Property:
The commercial property market can experience sharp downturns, with significant price drops when demand weakens and financing becomes harder to secure.
Unlike residential markets, commercial properties can see larger fluctuations, making preparedness essential for stability.

Lessons from Past Downturns:
Jerry recalls past recessions, the Celtic Tiger crash, and the 2008 financial crisis, noting the value of flexibility and low debt leverage for surviving downturns.
Building on examples from other investors, he shares why cash flow, conservative LTVs, and adaptable business models can be vital for resilience.

Property Types & Investment Approaches to Consider:
Certain sectors, like industrial properties and essential retail (think grocery and pharmacy), tend to hold up better in economic slumps.
Jerry discusses how multi-let properties and flexible leases can provide more stability than single-tenant properties, which are more vulnerable during downturns.

Diversifying and Choosing Resilient Property Types:
Investing in multi-let properties or second-hand buildings can offer advantages over high-cost, single-use properties.
Resilient sectors include warehousing for e-commerce, essential retail, and health and wellbeing spaces.

The Power of Cash Flow and Client Relationships:
Cash flow becomes critical during recessions, allowing investors to maintain flexibility and seize opportunities.
Maintaining strong relationships with clients and prioritising essential service tenants can enhance portfolio stability during economic uncertainties.

Debt Management and Financing Options:
Keeping debt manageable and planning for potential revaluations can prevent costly refinancing issues during downturns.
Jerry emphasises the importance of having a financial buffer and staying adaptable with financing options, such as bridge loans, to maintain liquidity.

Finding Opportunities Amid Downturns:
Downturns can also present unique buying opportunities, allowing prepared investors to acquire properties at reduced prices.
Long-term planning and adaptability are key to not only weathering economic storms but capitalising on them.

Resources Mentioned:
Check out episodes 53 and 196 with Gavin Gallagher, where he shares his experience navigating the Celtic Tiger collapse.
Follow us on Instagram @jerryalexander.commercial.
Looking to build a resilient portfolio? Check out our Get in the Swim programme.

If you found this episode helpful, please leave us a review on iTunes or Spotify, and subscribe for more strategies to help you build a stable, recession-proof commercial property portfolio! Tune in next week for our interview with Richie Miller, who shares his experience with a diverse portfolio, including a self-storage business and a mega HMO.





JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not consider joining the CPI Network? We're a community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences, and empower each other in our Commercial Property endeavours.

Useful Links:

CPI Website -https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/

Our Sponsors -https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/

In this episode, we dive into a crucial topic for commercial property investors: recession-proofing your portfolio. With an economic downturn always on the horizon, it’s essential to be prepared. Jerry shares practical strategies and mindset shifts that can help investors navigate and even thrive during challenging economic periods. From past recessions to the COVID era, we explore key lessons learned, plus insights into which property types and portfolio strategies offer resilience.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding the Cyclical Nature of Commercial Property:
<ul>
<li>The commercial property market can experience sharp downturns, with significant price drops when demand weakens and financing becomes harder to secure.</li>
<li>Unlike residential markets, commercial properties can see larger fluctuations, making preparedness essential for stability.</li>
</ul>
Lessons from Past Downturns:
<ul>
<li>Jerry recalls past recessions, the Celtic Tiger crash, and the 2008 financial crisis, noting the value of flexibility and low debt leverage for surviving downturns.</li>
<li>Building on examples from other investors, he shares why cash flow, conservative LTVs, and adaptable business models can be vital for resilience.</li>
</ul>
Property Types &amp; Investment Approaches to Consider:
<ul>
<li>Certain sectors, like industrial properties and essential retail (think grocery and pharmacy), tend to hold up better in economic slumps.</li>
<li>Jerry discusses how multi-let properties and flexible leases can provide more stability than single-tenant properties, which are more vulnerable during downturns.</li>
</ul>
Diversifying and Choosing Resilient Property Types:
<ul>
<li>Investing in multi-let properties or second-hand buildings can offer advantages over high-cost, single-use properties.</li>
<li>Resilient sectors include warehousing for e-commerce, essential retail, and health and wellbeing spaces.</li>
</ul>
The Power of Cash Flow and Client Relationships:
<ul>
<li>Cash flow becomes critical during recessions, allowing investors to maintain flexibility and seize opportunities.</li>
<li>Maintaining strong relationships with clients and prioritising essential service tenants can enhance portfolio stability during economic uncertainties.</li>
</ul>
Debt Management and Financing Options:
<ul>
<li>Keeping debt manageable and planning for potential revaluations can prevent costly refinancing issues during downturns.</li>
<li>Jerry emphasises the importance of having a financial buffer and staying adaptable with financing options, such as bridge loans, to maintain liquidity.</li>
</ul>
Finding Opportunities Amid Downturns:
<ul>
<li>Downturns can also present unique buying opportunities, allowing prepared investors to acquire properties at reduced prices.</li>
<li>Long-term planning and adaptability are key to not only weathering economic storms but capitalising on them.</li>
</ul>
Resources Mentioned:
<ul>
<li>Check out episodes 53 and 196 with Gavin Gallagher, where he shares his experience navigating the Celtic Tiger collapse.</li>
<li>Follow us on Instagram @jerryalexander.commercial.</li>
<li>Looking to build a resilient portfolio? Check out our Get in the Swim programme.</li>
</ul>
If you found this episode helpful, please leave us a review on iTunes or Spotify, and subscribe for more strategies to help you build a stable, recession-proof commercial property portfolio! Tune in next week for our interview with Richie Miller, who shares his experience with a diverse portfolio, including a self-storage business and a mega HMO.
 
<hr>
 
JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not consider joining the CPI Network? We're a community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences, and empower each other in our Commercial Property endeavours.
Useful Links:
CPI Website - <a href="https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/">https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/</a>
Our Sponsors - <a href="https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/">https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/</a>

Building resilience with your Commercial Property Portfolio: Insights from Past Downturns

In this episode, Jerry interviews Lee O'Donoghue, a Residential property investor with a fast evolving approach to commercial real estate. Lee shares insights on financing, managing commercial multi-let buildings, and the hands-on approach he and his wife take to adding value to properties. The discussion dives into the strategies Lee has used to grow his portfolio, the lifestyle he has crafted around his investments, and the challenges he's encountered along the way.

Key Takeaways:


Starting Out in Property Investment:
Lee his latest journey in property investment with his brother as a JV partner.
The choice to invest in property and particularly Commercial property was driven by a desire for a flexible, semi-passive income stream and a manageable lifestyle.


Financing and Partnership:
Lee's main financial partner is his brother, with whom he has structured a joint venture to finance acquisitions and property development.
With two buildings completed and a third under development, Lee’s experience has allowed him to focus on quality projects, with a mix of commercial and residential elements.


Hands-On Project Management:
Both Lee and his wife actively participate in the refurbishment and management of their properties, handling everything from gutting buildings to design led renovations.
Lee emphasizes a strategic approach to the workflow: he manages the heavy lifting, while his wife oversees the finishing touches, ensuring efficient project turnarounds.


New Project: Expanding into Mixed-Use Developments:
The latest project, a warehouse, includes two adjacent properties and has offered new opportunities. This venture is more complex, involving warehouse subdivision and 2 residential units.
Lee discusses his approach to maximizing space and income by potentially subdividing the warehouse for multiple tenants and incorporating container storage.


Growth and Opportunistic Investments:
Lee and his wife adopt an opportunistic approach to acquisitions, evaluating a range of properties based on their potential for adding value rather than sticking to a rigid investment criteria.
They have successfully sourced properties using online property platforms and building a great relationship with a Commercial agent.


Lessons Learned in Commercial Property Management:
Navigating commercial property rates and utility costs, particularly water charges, presented significant learning curves.
Building a network and establishing credibility with agents has been instrumental in gaining access to new deals, especially as a relative newcomer.


Future Plans and Lifestyle Goals:
Lee's primary goal is to build a sustainable income stream that supports his desired lifestyle, allowing him and his wife to balance work with leisure activities such as his favourite, golf.
Although he initially focused on smaller projects, he now feels confident exploring larger and more diverse opportunities.

Quotes:
"My aim has always been to create a lifestyle that lets me enjoy life, not just grind for income."
"Water bills were the cost I hadn’t planned for—it’s the rainwater drainage fees that add up!"

Conclusion: This episode offers a grounded look into the realities of building a small-scale commercial property portfolio, with practical insights on financing, project management, and navigating property-related challenges. Lee’s journey emphasizes the value of adaptability, partnership, and finding a balance between ambition and lifestyle.



Resources Mentioned:
Follow us on Instagram for visuals and updates! @jerryalexander.commercial
Check out the Get in the Swim program.

Call to Action: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave us a review on iTunes or Spotify, and don’t forget to subscribe for more expert insights into the world of commercial property investing!





JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not consider joining the CPI Network? We're a community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences, and empower each other in our Commercial Property endeavours.

Useful Links:

CPI Website -https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/

Our Sponsors -https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/

In this episode, Jerry interviews Lee O'Donoghue, a Residential property investor with a fast evolving approach to commercial real estate. Lee shares insights on financing, managing commercial multi-let buildings, and the hands-on approach he and his wife take to adding value to properties. The discussion dives into the strategies Lee has used to grow his portfolio, the lifestyle he has crafted around his investments, and the challenges he's encountered along the way.
Key Takeaways:
<ol>
<li>
Starting Out in Property Investment:
<ul>
<li>Lee his latest journey in property investment with his brother as a JV partner.</li>
<li>The choice to invest in property and particularly Commercial property was driven by a desire for a flexible, semi-passive income stream and a manageable lifestyle.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Financing and Partnership:
<ul>
<li>Lee's main financial partner is his brother, with whom he has structured a joint venture to finance acquisitions and property development.</li>
<li>With two buildings completed and a third under development, Lee’s experience has allowed him to focus on quality projects, with a mix of commercial and residential elements.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Hands-On Project Management:
<ul>
<li>Both Lee and his wife actively participate in the refurbishment and management of their properties, handling everything from gutting buildings to design led renovations.</li>
<li>Lee emphasizes a strategic approach to the workflow: he manages the heavy lifting, while his wife oversees the finishing touches, ensuring efficient project turnarounds.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
New Project: Expanding into Mixed-Use Developments:
<ul>
<li>The latest project, a warehouse, includes two adjacent properties and has offered new opportunities. This venture is more complex, involving warehouse subdivision and 2 residential units.</li>
<li>Lee discusses his approach to maximizing space and income by potentially subdividing the warehouse for multiple tenants and incorporating container storage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Growth and Opportunistic Investments:
<ul>
<li>Lee and his wife adopt an opportunistic approach to acquisitions, evaluating a range of properties based on their potential for adding value rather than sticking to a rigid investment criteria.</li>
<li>They have successfully sourced properties using online property platforms and building a great relationship with a Commercial agent.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Lessons Learned in Commercial Property Management:
<ul>
<li>Navigating commercial property rates and utility costs, particularly water charges, presented significant learning curves.</li>
<li>Building a network and establishing credibility with agents has been instrumental in gaining access to new deals, especially as a relative newcomer.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Future Plans and Lifestyle Goals:
<ul>
<li>Lee's primary goal is to build a sustainable income stream that supports his desired lifestyle, allowing him and his wife to balance work with leisure activities such as his favourite, golf.</li>
<li>Although he initially focused on smaller projects, he now feels confident exploring larger and more diverse opportunities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
Quotes:
<ul>
<li>"My aim has always been to create a lifestyle that lets me enjoy life, not just grind for income."</li>
<li>"Water bills were the cost I hadn’t planned for—it’s the rainwater drainage fees that add up!"</li>
</ul>
Conclusion: This episode offers a grounded look into the realities of building a small-scale commercial property portfolio, with practical insights on financing, project management, and navigating property-related challenges. Lee’s journey emphasizes the value of adaptability, partnership, and finding a balance between ambition and lifestyle.
 
Resources Mentioned:
<ul>
<li>Follow us on Instagram for visuals and updates! @jerryalexander.commercial</li>
<li>Check out the Get in the Swim program.</li>
</ul>
Call to Action: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave us a review on iTunes or Spotify, and don’t forget to subscribe for more expert insights into the world of commercial property investing! 
<hr>
 
JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not consider joining the CPI Network? We're a community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences, and empower each other in our Commercial Property endeavours.
Useful Links:
CPI Website - <a href="https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/">https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/</a>
Our Sponsors - <a href="https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/">https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/</a>

Building a Lifestyle with a Commercial Property Portfolio: An Interview with Lee O'Donoghue

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a097373c-4fb5-483d-b18c-b17300c85a5c/clips/3c92c72f-4adf-423f-af91-b2190156d722/transcript

Family Business, Flex Space, and Organised Chaos: Jose’s Journey at Unit Management

Commercial Property Investor Podcast

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Commercial Property Investor Podcast

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