Gennavieve Lyons is a property investor who has been so successful she was able to retire from the workforce at 25. She now spends her time managing her global property portfolio, and educating others about how they can achieve their real estate goals.

How did you start in real estate? Have you always worked in this industry or did you do something else previously?

I had a passion for property from a young age; working 3 jobs to buy my first house at 18. Understanding the importance of educating myself, I have worked in real estate, mortgage broking and accounting, with the sole purpose of soaking up as much knowledge as possible. I also have a degree in journalism, and worked in radio as a news reader, before deciding that even though I loved my job, it was never going to provide the passive income needed to live life on my terms. So now fast forward a little, and I get to combine the two things I'm most passionate about by teaching/educating others to invest in real estate!

What do you love most about your job?

What I love most about my job is that it's not a 'job'. As my personal property portfolio provides my main source of income, the education and training I provide through Lyons Property Mentoring is what I choose to do with my time, and I believe that makes an important difference; because I'm genuinely in it to help others achieve the same results. Nothing makes me happier than when someone secures another property thanks to the work we have done together.

What’s your greatest career achievement?

I find that a very difficult question to answer, as I am one of those people who are constantly striving to better themselves and push to that next level. But if I had to I pick a moment, I guess it would have to be retiring from the workforce at 25.

What advice would you give to a young person thinking of starting out in real estate?

To get in as early as possible. The longer you wait, the more prices rise, the bigger deposit you need, the harder it is. And for the love of god, educate yourself first! While you save for that deposit, learn how to do the numbers, know what makes a good investment and enter the game with your eyes open!

Where do you live now?

Right now, my time is split between Queensland, where my family is, Perth, because you can't beat those beaches, and America, wherever I am flipping my next property.

What’s your dream home, anywhere in the world?

I grew up in very rural Queensland, so I have a soft spot for wide open spaces, so a few hundred acres in the hills is my idea of heaven. And a castle. I will eventually purchase a castle, either in France or England, I haven't decided yet.

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