A 20-year old’s Journey to Property Investing and Financial Independence

Posted by Edison Karam

Looking Back: A 20-year old’s Journey to Property Investing and Financial Independence

Looking back, it’s amazing to see how everything has come together. A few years ago, I was a high school student with big dreams and even bigger ambitions. Today, I’m a property investor, a proud member of the Blue Wealth Property team, and someone who has built their future on a foundation of smart choices and hard work. My journey wasn’t conventional, but it’s been incredibly rewarding.

The Decision to Start Early

I was a high achiever in high school, always striving to do my best. My dedication paid off, and I ended up with a few Band 6s, which put me in a strong position to head to university. In fact, I was even offered a scholarship to pursue my studies, which is something I’ll always be grateful for. It was a recognition of my hard work, and for a moment, it seemed like the natural next step after school: heading straight into uni to pursue higher education.

But, as I thought more about my future, I realised something: I wanted to build financial independence earlier than most. While university seemed like the only logical path for many of my peers, I knew my passion for the property market would drive me to learn more outside of my studies. While at university, I spent every spare moment researching property, constantly seeking knowledge about the industry. This eventually led me to a buyers’ agent role while studying at university, where I could apply what I had learned and continue growing in the field.

Starting My Career in Property

It wasn’t easy—there were long hours and a lot of learning on the go—but every deal I worked on and every client I helped was a valuable experience.

Although I was focused on my career, I was also committed to saving. I knew that in order to create long-term financial success, I needed to start building my investment portfolio as soon as possible. I’ve always loved living with my parents, and continuing to do so allows me to save as much as I can without the burden of rent. I’m incredibly grateful to my parents for supporting me through this time—they’ve always been there to guide me and help me stay focused on my goals. Those savings, combined with the lessons I learned in my role as a buyers’ agent, led me to my first big investment.

My First Investment Property

My focus, education, experience, and dedication all paid off. At the age of 19, I bought my first investment property in Perth. It wasn’t a dream home but the right choice at the right time—an affordable, strategic investment that would help me grow my wealth. The feeling of signing those papers was indescribable. It was the beginning of my journey to financial independence, and I knew it was just the start.

The “Up-and-Coming” Property: A Funny Lesson

When I first started looking for investment properties, I got a little too carried away with my research and became obsessed with finding a ‘hidden gem.’ One night, I came across a listing for a property that was “perfectly positioned in an up-and-coming area.” Naturally, I thought, this was the one.

I immediately called the agent, asking about the property’s potential, the neighbourhood, and all the usual details. The agent seemed just as enthusiastic and kept mentioning how “great” the area was. Now, I was feeling pretty confident. I asked for the floor plan, and after doing some further research online, I convinced myself that this was a no-brainer investment.

When I finally did more digging into the area, I realised the “up-and-coming area” was a bit of a stretch. In reality, the area was perfectly positioned right next to a 24-hour kebab shop, a busy intersection, and, to top it off, an auto body repair shop.

The ‘up-and-coming’ part? Apparently, it referred to the “potential” of the very loud traffic noise from the busy street. And the “perfectly positioned” description? Well, I can’t say I ever thought a kebab shop would be considered a prime location—unless you were in the market for late-night snacks and the occasional car alarm.

It was a solid lesson: Not everything that glitters is gold. And just because an agent is enthusiastic about something doesn’t always mean it’s a great investment.

Joining the Blue Wealth Team

Looking back, I’m grateful for the scholarship I received and the opportunities that came with it. But I’ve come to realise that the best opportunities often come from making bold decisions and trusting your instincts. Choosing to go to university immediately and then jumping into the world of property investing has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. University provided me with a solid foundation, but my decision to start working in the property industry right after school truly set me on the path to success. Balancing both education and practical experience allowed me to learn and grow faster, and it helped me build the skills I needed to start investing early.

Fast forward to today, and I’m proud to have joined the team at Blue Wealth Property. Working with some of the best minds in the industry has been an incredible opportunity. I’ve learned even more about property investing, and I now have the privilege of helping others navigate the property market, just as I once did.

The Key to Your Journey

If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey, it’s this: It’s not about the path everyone expects you to take; it’s about the path that works for you. For me, that meant stepping off the traditional route and starting early in property, building my wealth, and learning from experience. And as I continue to grow my portfolio and career, I know this is just the beginning.

So, whether you’re working towards a scholarship, a career in property, or another goal, the key is to stay focused, keep learning, and never be afraid to take the unconventional route. The journey is yours to shape.

At Blue Wealth Property, we don’t just guide you through the property market—we empower you to make game-changing decisions. With our in-depth research, expert insights, and strategic approach, you’ll avoid the costly rookie mistakes that many investors make. We provide you with everything you need to make confident, informed choices that will truly set you up for long-term success.

If you’re ready to take your property investment journey to the next level, we’re here to help you make those bold moves with complete confidence. Don’t leave your financial future to chance—contact us at Blue Wealth Property, and together, we’ll unlock your path to wealth and success.

Posted by Edison Karam, on 11th Mar 2025