Financial Independence Through Property with Corey Rees

Podcast Episode

Discover financial independence through property with Corey Rees’ BRRR and service accommodation strategies for wealth without a 9-to-5.

Craving a life free from the 9-to-5 grind? In a thought-provoking episode of the Self-Unemployed podcast, host Colin Munro interviews Corey Rees, a 31-year-old property investor from Swansea who’s built a £1 million portfolio in just 3–4 years. Rejecting traditional jobs, Corey achieved financial independence through property using creative strategies like BRRR and service accommodation, learned through the Samuel Leeds Academy. From a council estate to global hustler, his story proves you can build wealth and purpose without capital tied up. Here’s how Corey did it and how you can start your journey to self-employment.

What Is Financial Independence Through Property?

Financial independence through property means generating enough passive income from real estate to cover your living expenses, freeing you from reliance on a job. Corey achieves this by structuring deals to recover all invested capital while owning cash-flowing assets. “I’m buying the BRR, making sure it’s in a prime location for Airbnb, and utilizing that strategy after getting all my money out,” he says. His approach combines:

  • BRRR Property Investment: Buying undervalued properties, refurbishing to increase value, refinancing to recover funds, and renting for income.
  • Service Accommodation Business: Running properties as short-term Airbnb rentals for higher cash flow than traditional lets.
  • Property Deal Sourcing UK: Finding and selling rent-to-rent or BRRR deals to investors, earning £3,000–£5,000 per deal.

These strategies, honed through the Samuel Leeds Academy, allow Corey to scale his portfolio and live on his terms, embodying the podcast’s self-employed ethos.

Corey Rees’ Journey: From Swansea to Property Mogul

Corey grew up on a council estate in Birch Grove, Swansea, where entrepreneurship was rare. “I never wanted to do a 9-to-5. I’m not fit for it—my personality, my short attention span,” he shares. Unsuited for conventional jobs, he bounced through call centers, even appearing on BBC’s The Call Centre before being sacked. His global travels—living in Australia, Japan, Canada, and the US—built resilience and an open mind. Farm work in Australia taught him hard work, while sales mentorship there earned him £4,000 a week, sparking his entrepreneurial drive.

Inspired by Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, Corey saw property as a path to passive income. “You don’t have to be there,” he realized, drawn to strategies that deliver financial independence through property. Returning to Wales, he dove into real estate, leveraging sales skills to source deals and build a portfolio worth nearly £1 million.

Samuel Leeds Academy Review: The Key to Corey’s Success

Corey was initially skeptical about the Samuel Leeds Academy, thinking his friends Gavin and Mitch were “ripped off” paying £12,000. But their success—selling deals and securing rent-to-rents—prompted him to join after a £1 crash course in 2021. Moving to Watford for immersion, Corey gave it his all, attending every Mastermind, Inner Circle, and mentor call. “I drove to most Inner Circles to speak,” he says, crediting the community for his growth.

The academy taught Corey advanced strategies like BRRR property investment and service accommodation, shifting him from buy-to-let to high-return models. He made back his investment through deals, saying, “I’ve made all my money back, so how could it not be worth it?” The mentorship, networking, and action-oriented environment were game-changers, though Corey’s since left to carve his own path, citing his need for the spotlight. For a full Samuel Leeds Academy review, Corey’s story shows it’s transformative for action-takers but requires commitment.

Corey’s Strategies for Financial Independence Through Property

Corey’s portfolio thrives on strategies that maximize income and recover capital. Here’s how he builds wealth:

  1. BRRR Property Investment: Corey buys undervalued South Wales properties, refurbishes to boost value, refinances to pull out all funds, and rents them out. “It’s a free asset,” he says, with no money left in the deal.
  2. Service Accommodation Business: He converts BRRR properties into Airbnb rentals in prime locations, earning £200–£300 more per month than traditional rents. This cash flow fuels further investments.
  3. Property Deal Sourcing UK: Corey sources rent-to-rent and BRRR deals for investors, earning £3,000–£5,000 per deal. “I made five grand selling a deal the other day,” he notes, showcasing a lucrative side hustle.
  4. Entrepreneurial Mindset for Property Investment: Corey’s superpower is rapid pivoting. “If I’m on the wrong path, I change instantly,” he says, moving countries or strategies to seize opportunities. He also embraces criticism, viewing online hate as ego-weakening: “The weaker my ego, the more power I have.”

Corey’s approach delivers:

  • Passive Income: Service accommodation and BRRR rentals generate steady cash flow, covering expenses without a 9-to-5.
  • Capital Recovery: Refinancing recovers all invested money, allowing unlimited scaling without personal funds.
  • Flexibility: Deal sourcing and Airbnb management offer active income alongside passive streams.
  • Purpose Beyond Wealth: As Colin emphasizes, financial independence frees you to pursue a higher purpose, serving others and impacting your community.

Corey’s £1 million portfolio and deal-sourcing business prove financial independence through property is achievable, even from humble beginnings.

Inspired by Corey’s journey? Here’s how to start:

  1. Join the Samuel Leeds Academy: Begin with a £1 crash course (link in the podcast description) to learn BRRR and service accommodation strategies.
  2. Master One Strategy: Focus on BRRR or deal sourcing before diversifying. “Go deep in one or two,” Corey advises.
  3. Take Massive Action: Attend Inner Circles, book mentor calls, and network relentlessly to build your skills and connections.
  4. Embrace Criticism: Use online hate or skepticism to weaken your ego and grow, as Corey does.
  5. Set Clear Goals: Visualize your dream life, like Corey’s global adventures, and use property to fund it.

Work with Corey Rees

Corey’s open to investors for financial independence through property projects. His team sources BRRR and rent-to-rent deals, manages refurbishments, and arranges refinancing, ensuring investors recover capital and co-own assets. Contact Corey on Instagram (@propertybycorey) or through the Samuel Leeds Academy community to explore opportunities.

Start Your Journey to Financial Independence Through Property

Corey Rees’ story—from council estate to £1 million portfolio—shows that financial independence through property is within reach. With BRRR, service accommodation, and deal sourcing, he’s built wealth and freedom, thanks to the Samuel Leeds Academy’s education and community. His entrepreneurial mindset for property investment—taking action, pivoting fast, and embracing criticism—sets him apart.

Listen to the full Self-Unemployed podcast episode with Corey Rees for more insights. Ready to begin? Join a Samuel Leeds £1 crash course or follow Corey on Instagram (@propertybycorey). Academy members, attend an Inner Circle to network with pros like Corey!