The Truth About Real Estate Investing... For Canadians

Starting an Amazon Business   Does is seem like Amazon is everywhere? They sure seem to be creating jobs in the thousands each time they are in the news: 3,000 jobs in Vancouver and more recently announced another 1,000 in Ottawa.   I’m fasting on Amazon along with breakfast too but I can’t help but buy lots of books on my kindle as I love reading it to fall asleep each night in the dark.  But our household still buys tons off Amazon: phone cases, organic coconut milk, belts, hard drives, nail clippers, web cam, microphones (I simply look around my desk and sadly see hundreds of dollars spent buying off Amazon LOL).   The Amazon marketplace is often the first place I look to shop for convenience and home delivery. That’s where this week’s episode comes in as my friend and client Kensen Wah took the deep plunge to leave his successful career at a big bank to start his Amazon business and he’s here on the show to share how he started and his progress.   Show Notes: Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8

Mortgage Market Update With Dave Butler   This week’s guest is none other than Dave Butler of Butler Mortgage, one of the top producing mortgage brokers in the country and my personal Mortgage professional.  Dave is going to update us on the latest in the lending markets in terms of government restrictions on lending, where interest rates are going, choosing between fixed or variable interest, the dirty secrets of the private lending market and how to limit risks when private lending.   Dave also shares how he built his business with long term relationships in mind so this is not just about real estate but about business building as well from a very successful businessman.  I hope you all enjoy this interview as much as I did!!!   The audio could be better as my wifi signal in the office was degrading but it was temporary and did improve but trust me, the content is worth the trouble!   Dave's website: https://www.butlermortgage.ca/ Dave Butler Broker / Owner FSCO Lic. M08001279   Butler Mortgage Inc. FSCO L

Investing in Rural Real Estate Outside Winnipeg, MB with Candice Bakx-Friesen   I was talking to my friend Stephen Jones at the May REIN meeting about the affordability crisis in the Golden Horseshoe’s real estate market.  Stephen lives in the East, I in the West but the challenges are no different, where will the next generation live?   Stephen theorized if our kids did not have investor parents, they would have to move to Winnipeg for affordability reasons.  I countered, “no, they will be living with you!” to which we both laughed, could you imagine? He’s got four kids too, imagine if all the kids got married and moved back home with their spouses and started having kids.   Speaking of Winnipeg, this week’s guest on the show is Candice Bakx-Friesen, a rural investor since 2001, Realtor, Trainer to Realtors, Coach to investor, speaker, mother and wife.     If you’ve never been exposed to investing in rural real estate investing, you are in for a treat as we have a professional in guest Candice. On this episo

Why would anyone want to build a $1 Million RSP? With Kathleen Van Den Berg   It all started with an article I sent CFP, MBA Kathleen Van Den Berg, an article titled How to build a million dollar RRSP — it isn't as hard to get there as you think and she corrected me in stating "think they are asking the wrong question.   Why would anyone want to build a $1M RSP?” To which I responded, I don’t know! Let’s flush it out on the podcast!! hahaha   We also cover some hot topics such as how much we need to retire, financial advice for folks at different stages of their lives, and for having trouble getting their 6th or 11th or 15th mortgage, you will want to hear about the benefits of whole life insurance as I personally know folks who were out of credit who not have credit thanks to a little known insurance called whole life.       To Connect with Kathleen: web: http://www.kavwealthstrategies.com/ linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-van-den-berg-mba-cfp-clu-7b20b258/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/KAVWeal

If you’ve heard our previous interview, you know listening to Oliver Manalese will expand your mind and today’s interview is no different. He was co-owner of Rent Busters, a leading Rent To Own company and he gave it all up to pursue more fulfilling work as a personal performance coach.  We talk about business, investing, how he was a catalyst for a mutual friend (a successful real estate investor) who ended their divorce and got back together with his wife making his kids the happiest kids in the world.  The stuff that really matters. This same friend is travelling the world with the whole family including Trinidad, Croatia, Australia, Thailand, more places than I can count.   Pretty cool eh?   If you’re interested in what Oliver offers he’s hosting an Upcoming Workshop Reinvention Roadmap - June 16-17 www.reinventionroadmap.ca   Promo Code - erwinsguest to save 33%   Show Notes: Here is us at Crossfit cheering on team member Tim Hong https://www.instagram.com/p/BhZfINaB-_8/?igref=ogexp&utm_sou

Former CMHC Underwriter for apartment buildings Pierre-Paul Turgeon is a veteran apartment building investor and the country’s best teacher in multifamily investing is back on the show.  Not only is he a leading expert on investing, he is a philanthropist who offered vacant units in his buildings rent free to victims of the Fort McMurray Fires plus food and clothing.  He is exactly the type of guest we enjoy having on the show for an update on the Alberta market, lessons on apartment building investing, mindset for success and if you stay to the end, we get a bit controversial talking politics and pipelines.  Interesting and informative stuffs.  Pierre even keeps it real revealing he’s had recent cash calls, something most investors do not talk about.   Pierre Paul is back in Ontario later in May to give an all weekend workshop May 25th-27th and you can quickly learn and obtain the tools to be a professional apartment investor.    For more information and register go to: https://www.multifamilyinvestingcanada

My friend Mike Iuliano is many things, a backyard gardener, a foodie expert of restaurants in the Niagara Region, same with apartment buildings in the Niagara Region.   Mike lead a coalition of Niagara landlords to fight the city of St. Catharines in Ontario Superior Court and won thus allowing all us student rental investors to operate our safe, clean rental properties for young adults.  Mike’s advice and lessons are now more important than ever as a couple Niagara Region towns are implementing licensing as well as St. Catharines which is getting started with theirs.   Mike is also a savvy stock investor who consistently outperforms the market and when folks know how to make money, that always peaks my interest.  He also trades Cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin so if that interests you, you will want to have a listen on how he does it.   Finally he is a Cancer survivor and it has shaped how he now lives his life.  You don't want to miss this episode!!   To get in touch with Mike: linkedIN: https://www.linke

Rob Break is the newest member of the Rock Star family as a real estate agent and coach, and we are happy to have him!! Rob has invested in countless investment properties and guided investor clients through the same in the Durham region.   As Rob is the host of possibly the top real estate podcast in Canada, we are in for a treat as he shares tips on podcasting, favourites guests, tips on investing in the Durham region and wholesaling real estate.   our mic of choice AudioTechnica ATR2100   To Listen: On iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/truth-about-real-estate-investing…/id1100488294 Google Play: http://goo.gl/CAM5Mn On Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=87335&refid=stpr Download as an MP3 by right clicking here and choosing “save as”   To connect with Rob:   Website and podcast: http://breakthroughreipodcast.ca/     Until next time, Just do it, I believe in you. Erwin Hamilton, St. Catharines, Toronto, Land Development and Real Estate Investor    

Tony is many things, a father, husband, real estate investor, real estate agent, and not just any real estate agent but rather the preferred agent for Ottawa by both Keyspire and the Real Estate Investment Network   He has also literally been homeless and lived on the streets of Ottawa when he was a teenager but turned it around including a long stint working for the Government of Canada with great pay and one those wonderful defined benefit pensions we all envy but don’t forget, you have to trade a good portion of your life for that guaranteed money.  The wasn’t good enough for Tony who decided to leave the steady job and pension to purse real estate as a full time endeavour.   Tony and I discuss his recent solo week long vacation, how the market is fairing in Ottawa, Ontario and his recommended investment strategies.  So without further ado, I give you Tony Mr Ottawa Miller  

Understanding your personality is essential to success and will advance your business and career.  That is why we invited Leadership Coach and Consultant with 20 year experience as a Corporate Leader and Executive Lisa Mitchell on the show to explain the types of personalities, the preferences for each personality and the areas to develop for improvement.   If possible, I would suggest you pause this episode and if you’ve never done a personality test before, go to www.TonyRobbins.com/disc and complete the personality test.  The results are almost instant, have a read then continue to listen to my discussion with Lisa.   To Follow Lisa:   website:  www.greenappleconsulting.ca   contact info:  lisa@greenappleconsulting.ca   or 647-988-4003   Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/lisa-mitchell-7437636 

Everyone’s favourite combination Property Manager, Paralegal, licensed Realtor Diane Digiandomenico is back for round 2 at my request to explain her thoughts on the new standardized lease that comes into effect at the end of April.   Before we start, so that no one sues Diane or I...   The content on this web site and podcast is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice or an opinion of any kind. Users of this web site and podcast are advised to seek specific legal advice by contacting their own legal counsel or Diane regarding any specific legal issues. Erwin and my companies do not warrant or guarantee the quality, accuracy or completeness of any information on this web site and podcast. The articles published on this web site and podcast are current as of their original date of publication, but should not be relied upon as accurate, timely or fit for any particular purpose.   Please seek professional advice as you should in any real estate or

I’ve known Ian Szabo for a very long time, since about 2008 when I first joined REIN and there was a lot more of him.  He’s since lost 40-50 pounds and written two best selling books: Reno to Riches and Fix & Flip.  At the time he’d started his transformation already from his renovation business to full time investing for himself.  Ian then wanted to give back to the community by starting his flip school and his current focus, Ian’s short bus talks where he video logs from a refurbished, pimped out short school bus.  You see, Ian rode the short bus in school with the other kids with learning disabilities giving him limited beliefs about himself.  Ian has since purchased a short bus, repainted it a deep orange, installed a roof top patio, installed new benches complete with flat screen TV and Play Station gaming console.  Ian just recently interviewed Gary Vayneychuk the media baron who LOVED the short bus.  I’ll include a link in the show notes.  Ian is one of the super successful yet humble good guys in

All Time Best Selling Canadian Real Estate Author Don R Campbell ep3   This week’s guest is none other than all time best selling Canadian real estate author Don R Campbell and spoiler alert, he’s a fan of the show!!   "I like your podcast, I think it’s real, it’s fresh, you have got good guests that area real life guests, it’s awesome” Don R Campbell; All Time, Best Selling, Canadian Real Estate Author   We cover a lot of subjects: politics, Bitcoin and cryptocurrency investing, stock investing strategy, we throw back to when Don wrote his first book and what major re-write he did, being real, the dangers of the real estate investing industry, who the best economist is (it’s not who you think), and so much more.   I hope you enjoy hearing my interview of one of the greatest minds in real estate as much as I enjoyed giving the interview.   If you would like to learn from Don and attend ACRE, short for Authentic Canadian Real Estate just north of Toronto on March 2-4th then Google Toronto ACRE (A-C-R-E). Disco

Ryan Hindmarsh was referred to me by my then client James Maggs over six years ago.  James is now the VP of my Coaching Services team and it’s funny how much can change in six years… For Ryan, he wrote a goal six years ago to buy investment property outside of his two family home in Toronto in order to make money in his sleep.  He then reached out to his BFF James Maggs because he knew he was already investing and the result is assets minus liabilities equals $2 million without investing a dime of Ryan’s own money.   Ryan is a driven individual.  He starred on his varsity basketball team for the University of Saskatchewan graduating in Kinesiology, training elite athletes including NHL’ers.  Moved to Toronto to become an in demand personal trainer earning the highest fees I’ve heard of.  Started a sports clinic business with zero clients and building it up to be one of Toronto’s leading clinics.     Then Ryan wanted a new challenge, after personally witnessing the transformation of his own business via leader

The Certified Financial Planner Who Recommends Real Estate   Kathleen Van Den Berg, aside from having a long name has an alphabet of academic designations after her name: MBA, Master of Business Administration; CFP, Certified Financial Planner; CLU, Certified Life Underwriter; I may be missing some other letters but I know Kathleen also has her mortgage license.   I first met Kathleen through an introduction by a mutual friend and I find her presentations and our conversations fascinating as she is the only fee based CFP who will talk to me hahaha.  The fee based CFP’s I’ve been referred to simply don’t have time for me.  First of all, the ones I’ve reached out to require 1-2 million of investable assets, typically not real estate since they don’t make money on real estate.   That’s where Kathleen is different, she’s open about her own real estate portfolio, the fantastic returns she’s getting and recommends some real estate to everyone even though she doesn’t directly make money selling real estate.  She’s a

I was talking to one of my fellow students during a break during Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class who is still a student.  He’s in electrical engineering so as always, I’m rhyming off unsolicited advice on fields of study to make money. I recommended learning about SEO (search engine optimization) and Block Chain as that’s the future right?   Why is SEO a big deal? Search engine optimization may be the reason you found me or one of my websites, but I’m merely a student of the subject, that’s why I sought out the teacher in Hamilton real estate investor and client of ours John Vuong.  He’s an ultra successful entrepreneur because his firm, Local SEO Search is providing tons of value to small and medium sized businesses in driving traffic to their websites and landing pages to translate into more sales.  John’s time is really expensive too, so he doesn’t even see the houses he’s buying as he has that kind of track record and success rate with his real estate team.  John was kind enough to spare us an hour of his time

We are BAAACKKK!  And we survived FOUR days and three nights in Las Vegas!!! LOL   I have a group of real estate buddies I hang out with for several reasons, we all like to have fun, we have flexible work schedules to meet during the week so we can reserve weekends for work and family, and most importantly we love to talk business and real estate.  Business and pleasure wrapped into one, dropped in the middle of the Las Vegas strip for some masterminding and fun.   The masterminding could have been better as it took much of a back seat to the fun HAHAHA.  The initial plan was to block off six hours allotting 30 mins for each member to share their 2017 accomplishments and 2018 goals.  Unfortunately, like the vodka we were drinking, those 30 minutes were distilled down to 5-6 minutes each. That was all the time we had to spare.  Those who presented first enjoyed a how you say, more sober audience...   We hit a club, gambled, ate many great $15 steaks, saw O: the Cirque de Soleil show, shot some automatic machin

Hello real estate investors!!   Welcome to another episode of the truth about real estate investing show.   Happy New Years to you all! We have many terrific guests lined up for 2018 so make sure to subscribe so you may learn their lessons to ensure you achieve your new years resolutions and I’m sure they include increased financial security and freedom!!   In case anyone is interested, the Real Estate Investment Network is hosting it’s annual weekend workshop call the Authentic Canadian Real Estate Systems (or ACRE for short) on March 2nd - 4th near Toronto Pearson Airport at the Pearson Convention Centre.  For my friends and listeners to the show, REIN has provided me a discount code and I tested it just now to save you $300 per guest.  If you’ve been to other events that are out there, the full retail price of $687 which has never gone up to my recollection, I’m a REIN member so my admission is included in my monthly fee…. but anyways, the full retail price is a fantastic deal already and my discount code

Hello Halton, Toronto, Hamilton, Brantford, St. Catharines, Niagara, Welland, Thorold real estate investors!!!   It’s December so we’re into full swing holiday mode!!!! Christmas lights are clipped into our eavestroughs, our light up Santa got blown over on our front lawn, the usual stuffs! This year we started a new tradition, the Royal Botanical Garden’s Santa’s Signature Experience.  My wife booked it after reading the raving views on a Facebook mom’s group and the experience lived up to the hype.   included is a return trip on The RBG Express (a train ride), hot chocolate and a cookie, storytelling and crafting with Santa’s helpers, admission to RBG for the day's activities, and of course your visit with Santa.   Santa’s Cabin was just off the hook, it had beautifully decorated fireplace, giant tree, the room in general and the star of the show, Santa!!!!!!!! Santa asked my kids if they knew they had brought Christmas magic with them. My kids had no clue what he was talking about then Santa reached behind

Hello Halton, Toronto, Hamilton, Brantford, St. Catharines, Niagara, Welland, Thorold real estate investors!!!   This week we close on another investment property, our 2nd this year with plans to buy our third hopefully in December.  Last week was November’s REIN meeting and I finally remembered to update and submit my list of properties I had purchased as a REIN member.  Lucky enough, Don Campbell was in town to present live and I awarded my gold pin for 17 properties.  Don and the whole REIN executive and members have been a huge part of my journey and REIN just announced ACRE, the best weekend of real estate training on March 2-3rd, link: http://info.reincanada.com/toronto-acre-2018. The price is a rock bottom $687 plus tax but hopefully I can get you listeners a discount code so hang tight! For those of you’ve been around, you know $687 is a great return on investment knowing other organizations charge $1,500 for a weekend event and I’ve invested thousands more for other business events.   Funny story abo