Samuel Leeds, a 35-year-old property investor and founder of the Samuel Leeds Academy, bought his first home at age 17 using a 100% mortgage. Originally from Walsall in the West Midlands, he now lives in Dubai with his wife, Amanda, and their four children. Leeds became a millionaire by 21, and his businesses have reached £100 million in revenue this year. His journey from humble beginnings to financial success has made him a notable figure in the world of property investment and personal finance. Leeds grew up in a modest household, with his parents separating when he was seven. His mother worked as a mobile hairdresser, and his father, who was a gardener, later became a magician. Leeds worked with his father on market stalls and at children's parties, learning early that money is earned by providing value rather than demanding it. He also sold magic tricks to other students, which led to a misunderstanding at school where teachers mistakenly thought he was dealing drugs. At 16, Leeds left school and took on multiple jobs, earning an average of £25 a day. After reading Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, he changed his perspective on money, realizing that assets can generate income without constant personal involvement. His Christian faith also shaped his view of money as a tool to be used wisely, not as an ultimate goal. Leeds began his property investment journey in 2009 by purchasing his first house for £100,000, 20% below market value. Since he was too young to legally own property, his stepdad, Tim, took legal ownership. Leeds used purchase lease options, allowing him to control properties without upfront capital. By the age of 20, he owned seven properties. He later started sourcing property deals for others, earning between £3,000 and £5,000 per deal. His company, Deal Connect, sells about 25 property deals monthly. In 2014, he launched a YouTube channel with over 650,000 subscribers and started an education business in 2016. His lending company, Leeds Finance, expanded his property portfolio to include hotels. Despite his wealth, Leeds faces criticism for being a landlord and discussing money and taxes openly. He argues that landlords are often unfairly blamed for high rents, similar to how entrepreneurs are blamed for rising prices in other industries. Leeds believes that open discussions about money and taxes are essential for helping others build wealth. He also acknowledges a major setback when he bought a castle in 2018, which he later sold at a £3.5 million loss, teaching him to be more cautious. Despite his success, he focuses on reinvesting rather than splurging. His top financial tip is to prioritize increasing income over cutting expenses and to be generous with money even when resources are limited.