15k - options to invest?

monaymadlol

Hello, been reading a while and thought I'd join up to seek opinion and advice on this.


Probably stemmed from reconnecting some old peers who are doing rather well, and I know one should be happy and grateful with their lot, but it's nice to look to improve that lot, if it is in your realms. Obviously comparing is certainly unhealthy.


So, looking to see how I can make what I have increase or work harder for me, potentially get opinions to look at things differently and maybe get some motivation or more direct advice


Bit about me... Mid 30s, self employed, work around 3-3.5 days a week, income approx 30k, not married/no dependents, work to live ethic, first place bought nearly 5 years ago for around 90k now valued around 120k, no debts, pay into personal pension around 300 a month excluding relief for nearly 10 years (not looking to increase this), 3 months income in cash savings, around 2000 in a VLS SS isa (which I haven't added to in around 2 years).


Added to this, I have a passion/interest/hobby in rarities and collectibles. In the past 2 years, having bought right, they are worth 60-70k (half I've identified currently as won't ever sell because I enjoy these). Fairly liquid too, I can sell the lot within a month. But I enjoy it and therefore have an attachment to some of these. All insured.


So, talking to friends, they are like, you need to diversity. They have no interest in it, and talking more from a financial POV. Yes, part of my interest is financial, but I also have a passion.


A friend I met has suggested selling some, buying a flat under 100k to rent. They know an advisor who can get btl mortgages with 10% deposit, an agency also offering 7% pcm management.


Yes, I know btl is hard work, it's harder to do now, and generally it's quite a negative press around it, but seems still viable for goals (ie comfortable living, financial freedom, earlier retirement etc).


So my question is, would you sell around a quarter of These assets, approx 15k, and dip into this world?


If not, would you keep and hold bearing in mind these have gone up way more than certain assets classes... I've turned around £300 to 3000, 2000 to 4000, 5000 to 7000...not always in the same year, but I can make a few grand here\there from it and know the market, plus I enjoy it.


Some of these have possibly reached a peak (for now), so could liquidate to get more capital for more opportunities eg at auction which I've done occasionally before


Or, liquidate a little say 15k to put into ss isa for diversification, or pay off a large chunk of mortgage (currently on my 3rd 2yr fixed with nationwide paying arpynd 340pcm), or can my 15k work in other ways.. P2p lending etc?