Platinum Coaches – Platinum Students Success – 20th August 2025

In this week’s webinar, you’ll discover how two young investors turned determination and strategy into life-changing success in real estate.

This webinar highlights the inspiring journey of Ellen and Will, a couple from Queensland who started their investing careers at just 26 years old. With the guidance of their Platinum coach, Christine Hamilton, they moved from living at home to becoming full-time property investors in only a few years. Their story shows how clear goals, smart strategies, and resilience can transform not only finances but also lifestyle.

Building the Foundation: From Zero to First Deal

Ellen and Will began with no property experience but a strong determination to create something different for their future. Ellen was introduced to property investing by her mother, who was part of the “I Love Real Estate” community, and this became the spark that set them on their path. With disciplined saving, they built a $100,000 deposit and purchased their first property in 2018. What began as a cosmetic renovation quickly grew into something bigger, with the couple adding substantial improvements that delivered outstanding results. When they eventually sold, they walked away with a profit of $282,000, along with rental income along the way. This deal gave them the confidence and financial base to continue.

Negotiating Off-Market Opportunities

Their second project demonstrated the power of creative negotiation. Rather than buying through an agent, they secured an off-market opportunity directly with the seller. Negotiating around the kitchen table, they struck a deal at $495,000 and transformed the property into a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home. The final sale at $970,000 delivered a profit of $313,000. What made this deal stand out was not just the profit, but the way it was sourced and negotiated. By building trust, being persistent, and structuring terms to suit both sides, they avoided agent fees and gained a significant edge.

Going Pro: The Shift to Full-Time Investing

With two successful projects behind them, Ellen and Will made the leap into full-time property investing. This shift brought with it both freedom and challenge. Gone was the steady comfort of a weekly wage. Instead, they had to adjust to managing cash flow carefully between deals and relying on lump-sum profits from settlements. They learned the importance of the right structures, setting up a consultancy trust, and discovering finance strategies such as porting loans to maintain lending options even without PAYG income. They also began to explore private lending and joint ventures as new ways to fund their projects, allowing them to keep growing even as traditional bank finance became more restrictive.

Diversifying with Granny Flats and Co-Hosting

As they built momentum, the couple added new layers to their strategy. At their current PPR in Central Queensland, they developed a large corner block with space for a granny flat. This secondary dwelling, once fully established, is projected to deliver over $36,000 in annual income, providing a reliable cash flow stream to support their ongoing projects. Ellen also embraced a new opportunity by starting a co-hosting business, using her skills to manage short-term rental properties for others. This not only provides additional income but also allows her to stay engaged in real estate while being at home with their young son.

Scaling with Bigger Projects and Lifestyle Goals

Their story is not just about making money—it is about shaping a lifestyle. Their property profits enabled them to relocate closer to family, create more time for their child, and pursue personal passions, such as Will’s love of fishing. What began as a dream for “someday” became a reality far sooner than expected, thanks to their willingness to act boldly and back themselves. They are now looking to step beyond renovation and flips into larger-scale development projects, with a clear vision of building a sustainable and scalable investment business.

From First Steps to Full-Time Freedom

Ellen and Will’s journey shows that anyone can start from modest beginnings and achieve extraordinary outcomes with the right mindset and guidance. They began with no properties, saved diligently, and created significant profits through manufactured growth. They learned how to negotiate creatively, structure their finances intelligently, and balance risk with opportunity. They also proved that diversifying income sources—whether through granny flats, co-hosting, or joint ventures—can provide stability when cash flow is tight. Most importantly, they demonstrated that investing is not just about the numbers. It is about designing a lifestyle, achieving freedom, and creating choices for the future.

By the end of this webinar, you will be inspired to see how commitment, education, and persistence can open doors you might never have imagined. Ellen and Will’s journey is proof that with focus and strategy, it is possible to build wealth, transform your life, and create the freedom to live on your own terms.

Action Items

• Attend the Ultimate Real Estate Mastery 3-Day Bootcamp to learn more about capital gains tax (CGT) and goods and services tax (GST).
• Continue exploring larger development opportunities as the next step in their property investment journey.