Meet Thomas O’Regan: From chef to 9 properties and a 6-figure passive income goal

How do you go from working 16-hour shifts as a chef to owning nine properties, building a $3.5 million portfolio, and chasing down $300K in passive income? You get clear on your vision and refuse to settle.

In this episode, I sit down with Thomas O’Regan, an everyday Aussie who proves that property success has less to do with income and everything to do with mindset. Starting on a combined income of $120K and a $45K deposit, Thomas shares how he and his wife built a cashflow-positive portfolio while staying aligned as a couple through it all.

We unpack the power of leverage, the importance of speed, and why the right community can change everything. Thomas isn’t a trust fund kid or a high-flying exec, he’s living proof that smart, strategic investing is possible for anyone.

If you’ve ever thought, “I could never do that”, this one’s for you.

Thomas O’Regan talks about:

00:40Thomas’s early investing mistakes and mindset shift
04:01Buying with a 45K deposit and 120K income
06:10What Thomas looks for in growth markets
11:03Navigating trust structures and investment trends
15:40Transitioning from chef to investor
21:00The cost of bad advice
26:04Why now is the time to get in
30:28Selling for growth: when ego gets in the way
34:02Being around people who celebrate success
38:10Using debt wisely and sleeping well at night
44:00Why he believes property changed his life

About Aaron:

Aaron-Christie David founded Atelier Wealth, a Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) approved Mortgage Broker. Aaron’s focus is clear – supporting property investors to make confident decisions to build their property portfolio. He has been recognised in the MPA Top 100 Broker rankings for the last three years. 

With over 10 years of financial services experience, with a career spanning Wizard Home Loans and Commonwealth Bank, Aaron’s decision to become a broker was to help more Australians fearlessly buy investment properties to achieve intergenerational wealth. 

Connect with Aaron:

Visit the website: https://atelierwealth.com.au/

Follow the Australian Investment Property Podcast’s Official Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/aupropertyinvestmentpodcast/

Follow Aaron on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaronchristiedavid

Follow Aaron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronchristiedavid/

Subscribe to Atelier Wealth’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@atelierwealth_au

About Thomas O’Regan:

Thomas O’Regan is a property investor and founder of O’Regan Property, dedicated to helping everyday Australians build long-term wealth through smart, cashflow-positive investments. After starting with just a $45K deposit and a modest income as a chef, Thomas has grown a 9-property portfolio worth over $3.5 million, proving that strategy and mindset matter more than salary.

Now working as a buyer’s agent, Thomas shares his expertise with clients across Australia, focusing on education, transparency, and results. His mission is simple: to make property investing accessible, sustainable, and life-changing.

Connect with Thomas O’Regan:

Follow Thomas O’Regan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-o%E2%80%99regan-762a77321/ 

Follow Thomas O’Regan on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThomasORegan-y2h 

Follow Thomas O’Regan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thomasjoregan