Jean-Rémi invested in Gaillac from the US

Before the programme, Jean-Rémi had asked one of his banks, which wanted to steer him towards products that suited the bank. The programme gave him an order: financing first, then yield and debt ratio. He travelled back to France to meet banks in person. He secured a 25-year mortgage, when he had been aiming for 20. His rate is fairly high: he hopes to renegotiate it.

The building should bring in €30,000 in rent a year, for a €400,000 project, a gross yield of about 7.5%. Once charges and management are paid, it is close to paying for itself. One tenant already in place pays slightly below market rent: he can raise it when she leaves.

With a six-hour time difference and the Atlantic between him and France, Jean-Rémi thought he would never manage it. His mother, born in Gaillac, was the first to view the property. He handed management to a cousin in the area, an extra cost he accepts.

Frédéric told him to check listings three times a day: morning, lunchtime and evening. Jean-Rémi set himself six weeks to find a property and found it in February or March. He had planned to start with a studio to learn; listening to other members, he seized a bigger opportunity: a building with four flats and three garages in the town centre.