They say don't badmouth the competition. I disagree.   Let me address 3 lies I see in every 'competitor' and 4 ways you can verify them if they are professionals or just a billy bulls*** doing sourcing 'for a bit' whilst burning your cash.   Lie #1 'Passive income for Busy Professionals'   It does not exist in property. Every investor I work with must sign paperwork (lots of it) to buy a property. Once they own it it requires diligence on their part - being up to date with compliance, tenancies, insurances, licences. The really large portfolio landlords pay people or software to do this for them. Don't believe 20-something 'Ryan' who doesn't own his own home, let alone any other properties, when he tells you its passive. Its not. Property requires diligence.   Lie #2 'Hands-free Investing'   Also not accurate. A remote investor will always need to sign paperwork, keep records and make decisions because its their asset with their name on it. Need a refurb? You're making decisions. Tenants? They're yours to appease and resolve. Ultimately - the buck stops will always stop with you. Don't like it? Find another investment avenue.   Lie #3 'BMV'   Below Market Value is nice, but no 'competitor' worth their salt should state it as their business model. Its unrealistic. Its unlikely. Its false advertising. BMV normally means you need to do one of the following: 1) Repair it 2) Move fast beyond that of normal lending or conveyancing 3) Be prepared to buy from an awkward seller where chain collapse is likely. Do not believe 20-something Ryan - he's been told this is all you want from his 3-day weekend course by Mr Guru off YouTube and so promises what he can't deliver.   Now here is how you tell the difference between a professional and those who won't be here come Christmas:   1. Companies House. Look them up. Does the business actually exist? When was it incorporated? A company registered last month with no filing history is telling you something.   2. Information Commissioner's Office and HM Revenue & Customs - compliance is non negotiable. They must have registration. They must NOT show the logo.   2. Track record. Not a screenshot. Not a testimonial. Real clients, real properties, real outcomes you can verify - the good and the bad. Don't know where to independently verify? Visit: Zillah - Your credibility partner   3. Professional indemnity and public liability insurance. Do they have it? If they cannot evidence this? Walk away.   4. NAPSA: National Association of Professional Sourcing Agents registration. Ask for the number. Mine is 453. Not a necessity but hard to get accredited. If they aren't, ask yourself why.   The best operators already know each other and collaborate (with contracts). The majority know next to nothing!   Don't work with a 'sourcer' whose credentials disappear the moment you ask for them.   Work with a Partner who has the Companies House registration, the insurance, the NAPSA number, and the track record ready before you ask.   #theteacherlandlord #property

Posted by James Lovell-Smith at 2026-06-29 07:41:41 UTC