Two Journeys, One Dream

Before Jason and Deborah became a team, they each had their own incredible story. Deborah’s journey is one of resilience and determination.

As a young mother, she was pregnant with her first child when she bought her first investment property, fulfilling a dream she’d had since she was 20.

Years later, that property became a lifeline when her marriage ended. “He tried to make me sell it,” she recalls of her ex-husband, “but I kept it. That was my dream.” Holding on to that investment property wasn’t just about the money—it was about holding on to hope for a better future.

Jason’s path was equally remarkable. Born in Manchester, England, he faced upheaval when his family unexpectedly moved to Ireland. Struggling to adjust, Jason encountered bullying at school, but those early challenges taught him to stand up for himself. Later in life, he endured a toxic marriage that drained his spirit.

“Being the male, I know there’s not much spoken about emotional abuse against men,” he shares. “It took a long time for me to pluck up the courage to walk away.” Leaving his marriage and, heartbreakingly, his children was the hardest decision of his life.

By the time Jason and Deborah met in 2012, they had both faced their fair share of struggles. They were single parents, managing careers and children while dreaming of something bigger. When they found each other, they discovered not just love, but a partner who shared their vision for building a brighter future. Together, they decided to turn their dreams into a reality.

From Survival Mode to Dream Team

Life as a single parent is often about survival—figuring out how to keep moving forward, even when the odds feel stacked against you. Deborah knew that feeling all too well.

After her divorce, she had to get creative to make ends meet while raising two children. “When you have little kids and you come out of divorce, it’s survival mode,” she recalls. Renting out rooms in her home, she scraped by, determined to hold onto her property and her dream of a better life. “You just survive,” she says, “but you keep loving life.”

Jason’s survival story had its own twists and turns. Moving to Australia brought new opportunities, but it also meant rebuilding his life from the ground up. By the time he met Deborah, he had experienced enough ups and downs to know the value of a true partner.

When they came together, something clicked. Their individual survival skills transformed into a powerful synergy. Deborah brought focus and steadiness, while Jason contributed energy and bold ideas. “He’s left and right and all over the joint, and I’m the calm,” Deborah says with a smile. Their complementary strengths turned them into a formidable team, ready to take on the world of property investing.

They decided early on to treat their real estate journey like a business. This wasn’t just about making money; it was about building a legacy and creating financial security for their family. The lessons they learned from years of survival now fueled their ambition, and they were ready to go all in.

The Granny Flat That Sparked a Vision

Their journey into property investing started with what seemed like a small step: building a granny flat in the backyard of their home. The idea was simple—create a little extra cash flow to ease financial pressures. But this humble project quickly became the seed of a much bigger vision.

At the time, Jason and Deborah didn’t know much about advanced property strategies. “We didn’t even know what rooming strategies were!” Deborah admits. But they jumped in with determination, eager to make the most of their resources. Once the granny flat was completed, they rented out its rooms for $400 each, generating an impressive $42,000 per year. For the first time, they saw how real estate could work as a powerful cash-flow tool.

The granny flat project also reignited Deborah’s long-held dream of becoming a real estate investor. One day, she came across Dymphna’s I Love Real Estate program and knew it was a sign. “You’ve come back to me for a reason!” she thought.

Without hesitation, she signed up to the Ultimate Real Estate Success Program, determined to dive deeper into the world of property investing. When Jason came home, Deborah announced her decision. “I’m doing this. You coming or not?” she asked with hands on her hips. Jason, of course, was all in.

Attending their first bootcamp was a game-changer. They saw other investors achieving incredible results and realized, “This is a business for us.” The granny flat had sparked a vision, and now they were ready to take it to the next level.

The Shiny Object Syndrome and the Tumble Dryer

Jason and Deborah’s entry into the world of property investing wasn’t without its share of challenges—one of the biggest being Jason’s “shiny object syndrome.” With his high energy and endless curiosity, Jason was like a kid in a candy store when it came to property opportunities.

He scoured the internet day and night, exploring deals in every corner of the country. Deborah jokingly recalls, “He was all over the place—left, right, and everywhere. It was like living with a human tumble dryer!”

Jason’s enthusiasm, though admirable, quickly became overwhelming. The couple found themselves looking at everything from renovations to flips, in every state imaginable. While Jason’s passion for possibilities fueled their drive, it also spread their focus thin. Deborah, the calming force in their duo, knew they needed to narrow their sights. “We had to focus,” she says. “Otherwise, we’d never get anywhere.”

This was easier said than done. Jason struggled to let go of his “keyboard warrior” habits, constantly chasing the next shiny opportunity. But eventually, after what Deborah describes as a “meltdown moment,” they decided to streamline their efforts. Together, they set their sights on commercial properties—a decision that marked a turning point in their journey. With Deborah’s grounded focus and Jason’s creative energy, they struck a balance that allowed them to truly thrive.

Commercial Real Estate: The Game-Changer

Their decision to explore commercial real estate was transformative. It all began when they joined the I Love Real Estate Platinum Accelerator Coaching Program and sat down with their Platinum Coach.

He laid out a clear strategy for their next steps, and one word stood out: commercial. At first, the idea intimidated Jason and Deborah. “I’ve been renting factories for 20 years,” Jason recalls, “and I never thought owning one was even possible.”

Commercial real estate offered two major advantages: cash flow and equity growth. With seven tenants, multiple factories, and a wealth of untapped potential, their first commercial property became the ultimate learning experience. But it wasn’t easy. The journey to secure the deal spanned six months of persistence, patience, and creative problem-solving.

Jason’s relentless energy proved to be an asset during the negotiation phase. He reached out directly to the owner—a woman going through a tough divorce—and kept the conversation alive over months. “Sometimes I had the phone out here,” he jokes, holding his hand far from his ear, “because she just needed to vent.” But he stuck with it, nurturing the relationship until the timing was right. In the end, their perseverance paid off, and they landed a property with incredible potential for both growth and cash flow.

The Power of Rooming and Rentals

One of the most important lessons Jason and Deborah learned was how to maximize income through smart rental strategies. Early in their journey, they were introduced to the concept of rooming houses. While initially unfamiliar with the strategy, they quickly saw its potential. Deborah recalls the moment they decided to implement rooming in their newly built granny flat. “We had no idea what we were doing, but it worked!” Renting out two rooms brought in $400 per week per room, generating a total of $42,000 a year in cash flow.

This success encouraged them to rethink their entire rental portfolio. For years, Deborah had been renting one of her properties to a long-term tenant at a significantly below-market rate. “She had been with me for 15 years, and I didn’t want to raise the rent,” Deborah says.

But after learning from the I Love Real Estate community, they adjusted the rent, increasing their income by an additional $10,000 per year. “That small change made a big difference,” she says.

Their ability to pivot and optimize their properties for cash flow became a cornerstone of their strategy. They began to see opportunities for growth in every property they owned, unlocking potential that had been hidden in plain sight.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Jason and Deborah credit much of their success to the incredible team they built around them. From coaches to accountants, mentors to agents, they leaned on the expertise of the I Love Real Estate community to guide their journey. Deborah calls this group their “Dream Team,” a name that reflects the invaluable role these professionals played in helping them turn their vision into reality.

Their Platinum Coach, was particularly instrumental. He provided the structure and strategic direction they needed to stay focused. Deborah describes the process of working with their coach as both enlightening and grounding. “We would have been lost without his guidance,” she says. “Having a clear plan was what made all the difference.”

Jason and Deborah also took full advantage of the resources available to them, from attending boot camps to working closely with other investors. Their willingness to ask questions and learn from others accelerated their growth. “We knew nothing about property when we started,” Jason admits, “but this community taught us everything we needed to know.”

The couple’s gratitude for their team is evident in the way they talk about their journey. “It’s not just about us,” Deborah says. “It’s about everyone who helped us get here.” Together, with their Dream Team behind them, Jason and Deborah have created a foundation for lasting success.

Big Wins in Just 12 Months

Jason and Deborah’s progress over their first year was nothing short of extraordinary. In just 12 months, they went from cautious newcomers to confident property investors with two major commercial properties under their belt. “This is better than running a business,” Jason says with a grin, reflecting on the journey. “It’s more fun, too!”

Their first big win came with the commercial property they negotiated directly with the owner. Despite a lengthy and challenging six-month process, the effort was worth it. The property featured seven tenanted factories and had been poorly managed, leaving rents well below market value.

With some quick updates and rent adjustments, Jason and Deborah turned the property into a positive cash-flow machine, earning $94,000 annually. They also unlocked over $1.2 million in equity growth, thanks to strategic improvements.

Not content to stop there, the couple dove into their next deal with equal enthusiasm. By leveraging their growing expertise and relationships within the I Love Real Estate community, they secured a second commercial property.

This time, they teamed up with a joint venture partner, recognizing the power of collaboration. “I remember thinking I’d never do a JV,” Deborah says, “but now I can’t imagine doing this without one.”

The results speak for themselves: in less than a year, Jason and Deborah increased their cash flow to $153,000 annually and added millions to their portfolio’s value. Their story is proof of what’s possible with focus, hard work, and a willingness to learn.

What’s Next for Jason and Deborah?

For Jason and Deborah, the future is all about balance. While their success has been remarkable, they’ve realised the importance of slowing down and enjoying the life they’ve built together.

“We’re still working 12-hour days,” Deborah says, “but some of that is by choice.” Their next big goal is to reduce their workload and spend more time with family, traveling, and pursuing new passions.

One key focus for the couple is replacing their business income with passive income from their properties. “Our coach helped us put a peg in the sand,” Jason says, “so we know exactly how much we need to replace.” With that figure in mind, they’ve already started planning their next moves, including further commercial investments and potentially selling or optimising existing properties to meet their goals.

Their gratitude for the I Love Real Estate community remains a constant theme. “This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the people who guided us,” Deborah reflects.

From coaches to fellow investors, the network has become an integral part of their success story. Jason adds with a laugh, “If it weren’t for I Love Real Estate, I’d still be on the internet, running around like a headless chook!”

As they look ahead, Jason and Deborah are excited to see what the next year holds. Whether it’s new deals, more travel, or simply enjoying the fruits of their labor, one thing is clear: they’re just getting started.

“Having a clear plan was what made all the difference.”

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These stories and the results in them were captured at a specific point in time. The real estate market and the investing strategies used to succeed are constantly changing. The achievements and results of these investors may have changed since these stories were recorded. Each of these investors engaged in in-depth training, coaching and mentoring to be able to achieve these results. Their results are not typical and should not be taken as a guarantee of the results you may achieve. Your personal results will be in-line with the training, education and hard work that you personally conduct.

“We knew nothing about property when we started, but this community taught us everything we needed to know.”