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

Commercial Property Investor Podcast

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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!

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