Deal Sourcing Property with Robert Metcalf

Discover how Robert Meta transitioned from IT to property development and built an app to streamline deal sourcing property, helping investors find profitable deals and achieve financial independence.

If you’re looking to break into property investment UK and achieve financial independence, deal sourcing property could be your ticket to success. In a recent episode of the Self-Unemployed podcast, host Colin Munro interviewed Robert Metcalf, a former IT professional turned aspiring property developer, who’s revolutionizing how investors find deals with his Property Pipeline Builder app. Robert’s journey from the rat race to creating a tool for sourcing investment properties is packed with insights for anyone looking to build wealth through property. Here’s how he’s making deal sourcing property easier—and how you can start your own journey.

What Is Property Deal Sourcing?

Deal sourcing property involves finding undervalued or high-potential properties for investors, often for strategies like buy-to-let, HMO, or flipping. Unlike estate agents who work for sellers to maximize sale prices, deal sourcers act on behalf of buyers, using expertise to identify deals that offer strong returns. As Robert explains, “A deal sourcer is acting on behalf of the investor to get the best value, to make the best deal.”

Deal sourcing is a business in itself, requiring skills in property analysis, networking, and investor relations. It’s ideal for busy investors who lack the time or local knowledge to scour markets themselves. By finding rundown properties that can be renovated or repurposed, deal sourcers generate value, saving investors time and money while earning a fee.

Robert’s Journey: From IT to Deal Sourcing

Robert Meta spent years thriving in IT, coding from age 10 and building a successful career without ever feeling challenged. “I was at the flat bit of the learning curve for many years,” he says, noting that his love for software made work feel effortless. Despite earning well, he realized he wasn’t building wealth. “I had no idea what to do with money,” he admits, with his only assets being a workplace pension and a small flat.

Inspired by YouTube videos on crypto and economics, Robert began questioning societal norms about money and jobs. “I started learning about what money really is,” he says, moving from crypto experimentation to property investment. His interest deepened after reading Samuel Leeds’ Buy Low Rent High during a New Zealand holiday, sparking a shift toward financial independence through property.

Attending a Samuel Leeds one-pound crash course was a turning point. “It blew my mind,” Robert recalls, describing the high-energy event and community that challenged his misconceptions. Six months later, he joined the Samuel Leeds Academy, diving into property while helping his mother manage a troubled rental in Ireland. This hands-on experience, combined with academy mentorship, fueled his passion for deal sourcing property.

Property Pipeline Builder: Revolutionizing Deal Sourcing

Robert’s IT expertise led him to create Property Pipeline Builder, a web app designed to systemize deal sourcing property. “You need to look at a lot of properties—Samuel says 10 a week,” he notes, but sifting through listings is time-consuming. His app helps deal sourcers prioritize and organize their workflow, ensuring they focus on the right deals.

Here’s how Property Pipeline Builder works:

• Organizes Leads: Stores property details from sources like Rightmove, deal sourcers, or direct leads (e.g., a house you walk past).
• Prioritizes Due Diligence: Guides users through calculations in the right order to quickly identify “deal breakers” (e.g., a room too small for an HMO). “If you spend two hours on a property and then find a deal breaker, that’s wasted time,” Robert says.
• Streamlines Process: Moves properties through a pipeline—lead, agent contact, viewing, offer—saving time and reducing errors.
• Mobile-Friendly: Runs on your phone, ideal for deal sourcers on the go.

Currently in an Early Access program for Samuel Leeds Academy members, the app is free at EvernetProperties.com. Robert’s seeking feedback to refine it, ensuring it delivers maximum value. “I want to save people time,” he says, emphasizing his goal to help deal sourcers scale their businesses.

Why Deal Sourcing Matters for Investors

For investors, deal sourcing property offers:

• Time Savings: Deal sourcers handle viewings and research, perfect for busy professionals or those investing remotely.
• Expertise: Sourcers know what makes a good deal—e.g., a property suitable for HMO conversion or a flip.
• Access to Good Deals: “Good deals come and go quickly,” Robert notes. Sourcers secure them before they’re snapped up.

For deal sourcers, it’s a scalable business. By building a reputation and investor network, you can earn fees while helping others build wealth. Robert’s app enhances this by automating the tedious parts, letting sourcers focus on high-value tasks like networking and negotiations.

How Samuel Leeds Academy Boosted Robert’s Success

Robert credits the Samuel Leeds Academy for his progress. “The community is amazing,” he says, highlighting mentorship, networking, and practical training. A mentor connected him with a Dublin-based student who offered free advice, showing the academy’s collaborative spirit. “It’s not a cult—it’s a community,” Robert clarifies, noting how easy it is to join via a one-pound crash course (link in the podcast description).

The academy’s events, like inner circles and webinars, provide ongoing support. Robert’s now giving back by sharing his CRM expertise and developing Property Pipeline Builder for academy members, proving the value of community in property investment UK.

Tips for Starting Deal Sourcing

Ready to dive into deal sourcing property? Robert’s journey offers these tips:

1. Educate Yourself: Attend a Samuel Leeds crash course to learn strategies and meet like-minded investors.
2. Systemize Your Process: Use tools like Property Pipeline Builder to organize leads and prioritize due diligence.
3. Network Relentlessly: Build relationships with estate agents, investors, and other sourcers to access off-market deals.
4. Start Small: View 10 properties a week, focusing on those with potential for HMO, flipping, or buy-to-let.
5. Embrace Feedback: Like Robert’s Early Access program, seek input to refine your approach and deliver value.

Robert’s Future in Property and Beyond

Robert’s just getting started. Alongside Property Pipeline Builder, he’s exploring partnerships and enterprise features for deal sourcing teams. His long-term vision includes expanding the app’s capabilities while staying free for individual academy members. “Business is about providing value,” he says, aiming to make deal sourcing more efficient for all.

Take the First Step in Deal Sourcing Property

Robert Meta’s story shows that deal sourcing property is a powerful way to enter property investment UK and work toward financial independence. Whether you’re an investor seeking deals or an aspiring sourcer building a business, tools like Property Pipeline Builder and communities like the Samuel Leeds Academy can accelerate your success.

Listen to the full Self-Unemployed podcast episode with Robert Meta for more insights. If you’re curious about deal sourcing property, sign up for a Samuel Leeds one-pound crash course (link in the podcast description) or visit EvernetProperties.com to try Property Pipeline Builder. Academy members, join the Early Access program and share feedback to shape this game-changing tool!

Got questions about deal sourcing property or Robert’s app? Connect with him via the Samuel Leeds Academy or share your thoughts in the comments below!