Where Should I Invest? Real Estate Investing in Canada

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah Larbi sits down with Natalie Cloutier, a real estate developer, author, and builder who has carved out a unique niche in the Canadian investing landscape: Build to Rent. Starting with $0 at just 19 years old, Natalie and her husband built their first home using an auto-construction loan and that single decision launched a long-term strategy now responsible for multiple duplexes, fourplexes, and sixplexes. Natalie breaks down the real numbers, the risks, the rewards, and the mindset behind creating cash-flowing rentals from the ground up. She also shares the truth about Bill 23, the municipal pushback that followed, and the often-overlooked challenges developers face behind the scenes. If you’ve ever wondered how to build new multifamily housing or whether Build-to-Rent can actually work in today’s market, this episode delivers the clarity you’ve been missing. What You’ll Learn How Natalie’s “Build to Rent” strategy works from land acquisition to refinance The financing structure needed to build rentals with minimal money left in the deal How Bill 23 created unexpected chaos for builders Why municipalities can make or break your development timeline The biggest mistakes investors make when expanding into construction How Natalie handles permitting, design, and working with new city staff Why choosing the right JV partner matters more than the deal How she used rebates, credit hacks, and marketplace finds to finish units affordably What inspired her new book The Build to Rent Strategy Why cash flow matters more than unit count When to step back from development (and why mental fatigue is real) How to start with nothing and still build long-term wealth Natalie Cloutier is a real estate investor and developer specializing in the Build-to-Rent model, constructing duplexes, fourplexes, and sixplexes across Ontario. With a background in architectural technology, Natalie handles permitting, design, and construction management, while her JV partners handle financing and tenant placement. She is the author of The Build to Rent Strategy, a transparent, numbers-focused guide for aspiring builders and investors. Listen now at https://sarahlarbi.com/podcast-home/ Contact Natalie Cloutier here: Website: https://www.thenewbuildcouple.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenewbuildcouple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenewbuildcouple Book: The Build to Rent Strategy (available via her website) This episode has been brought to you in part by: Ryan Carson, Carson Law – https://www.carsonlaw.ca/ or email ryan@carsonlaw.ca James Lloyd, US Properties https://www.usproperties.ca/ or email james@usproperties.ca Matt Pickering, National Bank matthew.pickering@nbc.ca Mid-Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com/ Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com/ Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com The post Building Multi-Family From The Ground Up to Rental Success first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah Larbi sits down with Kenold Knight, a financial advisor, entrepreneur, and mentee of self-made billionaire Michael Lee-Chin, to explore strategies for building long-term wealth beyond real estate. Kenold shares how he helps clients develop a written financial framework, avoid common pitfalls, and focus on sustainable investments. He dives into his “Three Ps” (Predict, Plan, Persevere), the 5 laws of wealth creation, and why investing in emerging sectors like clean energy and healthcare could shape the future of smart portfolios. If you’re looking to get out of the “shiny object” cycle and start creating intentional wealth, this is the episode for you. What You’ll Learn: The importance of a written framework for wealth building How to diversify your investments without diluting focus What mentorship from Michael Lee-Chin taught Kenold Where clean energy and healthcare fit into the future of investing How to recover after financial losses The three Ts of investing to guide your choices Why discipline beats hype when it comes to creating wealth Kenold Knight is a financial advisor and educator who blends personal development with financial strategy. Mentored by billionaire Michael Lee-Chin, Kenold helps Canadians build wealth with purpose, structure, and long-term vision. His background in coaching brings a refreshing clarity to personal finance and investing.Listen now at https://sarahlarbi.com/podcast-home/ Contact Kenold Knight here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenoldknight/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenoldknight/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenold.knight/ This episode has been brought to you in part by: Ryan Carson, Carson Law – https://www.carsonlaw.ca/ or email ryan@carsonlaw.ca Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages https://streetwisemortgages.com/ or email dbarsoum@streetwisemortgages.com Mid-Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com/ Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com/ Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com The post The Billionaire Blueprint for Building Long-Term Wealth first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, I chat with Chad Carter a former sports chiropractor turned real estate investor who’s building a turnkey single-family portfolio in Rochester, New York, specifically designed for Canadian investors. Chad shares how he went from buying his first properties with family to partnering through joint ventures and now launching investment funds to scale his business. We talk about how he’s using institutional credit lines from US lenders to acquire, stabilize, and refinance properties and how he’s achieving double-digit returns while keeping things efficient and repeatable. From managing Section 8 tenants and overseeing light renovations to structuring LP/LLC deals for Canadians and navigating financing. Chad offers real-world tips for anyone curious about cross-border investing. Whether you’re brand new to US investing or wondering how to grow your existing portfolio, this is a crash course in what’s working right now. What You’ll Learn: Why Chad chose Rochester, New York, as his investment market How his team uses institutional credit lines to acquire and refi The difference between Canadian and US financing structures How to manage Section 8 tenants and property management in the US Advice for Canadians getting started with their first US property Why buying off-market from wholesalers can unlock better deals How his new fund structure works for passive investors Chad Carter is a sports chiropractor turned real estate investor, helping Canadians access cash-flowing single-family properties in Rochester, New York. With a background in healthcare and entrepreneurship, Chad launched Maplebridge Investments to scale his US real estate portfolio through joint ventures and investment funds. He specializes in turnkey, scattered-site single-family homes and is passionate about helping fellow millennials and Canadians achieve real estate freedom through cross-border strategies. Listen now at https://sarahlarbi.com/podcast-home/ Contact Chad Carter here: Website: https://www.maplebridgeinvestments.com/ and https://www.beyondbordersgroup.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchad.beyondborders/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beyondbordersgroup/ This episode has been brought to you in part by: Matt Pickering, National Bank matthew.pickering@nbc.ca James Lloyd, US Properties https://www.usproperties.ca/ or email james@usproperties.ca Mid-Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com/ Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com/ Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com The post Building Cash Flow in the U.S.: Cross Border Turnkey Strategy first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, host Sarah Larbi sits down with Ryan De Laurentis, an Ontario-based real-estate investor who’s completed more than 70 flips and hundreds of wholesale deals. Ryan shares his no-fluff approach to flipping — from managing renovations and sourcing materials to knowing when to pivot, drop your price, and protect your capital. He dives deep into the lessons that shaped his rules for flipping and the mindset that keeps him profitable, even in tougher markets. You’ll hear how he learned to prioritize simplicity over perfection, why he believes “cheap sh*t sells” and how humility and discipline are often the most powerful tools in an investor’s toolkit. Whether you’re new to flipping or ready to scale your business, this episode breaks down the numbers, systems, and strategies that turn good flips into great ones. What You’ll Learn: The hard lessons that inspired Ryan’s personal rules for flipping Why “cheap sh*t sells” — and how to appeal to the largest buyer pool How to analyze deals realistically and avoid costly surprises Managing trades, renos, and timelines like a pro When to pivot, drop your price, and move on The importance of relationships in getting better deals Why incorporating can save flippers thousands in taxes How Ryan’s Flip Savvycourse and masterclass help investors build repeatable, profitable systems Ryan De Laurentis is a full-time real-estate investor, flipper, and educator based in Ontario, Canada. After completing more than 70 successful flips and hundreds of wholesale transactions, he launched Flip Savvya course and masterclass designed to teach investors how to analyze, budget, and execute flips that actually scale. Through Flip Savvy, Ryan helps Canadians turn their flipping side hustles into full-time, sustainable businesses built on strategy, systems, and real-world experience. Listen now: https://sarahlarbi.com/podcast-home Contact Ryan De Laurentis here: Course and Masterclass – https://flipsavvy.ca/ Website – https://certainli.ca/ and https://dciproperties.ca/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-delaurentis-868b3816/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ryan.j.delaurentis X – https://x.com/ryandelaurentis This episode has been brought to you in part by: Ryan Carson, Carson Law – https://www.carsonlaw.ca/ or email ryan@carsonlaw.ca Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages https://streetwisemortgages.com/ or email dbarsoum@streetwisemortgages.com Mid-Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com/ Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com/ Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com The post Being Flip Savvy: Lessons and Strategies from 70+ Flips first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah Larbi sits down with Daniel Foch, co-host of The Canadian Real Estate Investor Podcast, to talk about navigating today’s real estate landscape with clarity, data, and strategy. Known for his sharp analysis and data-driven approach, Daniel breaks down current trends in the Canadian market, highlighting where he sees both risk and opportunity. From the evolution of rental demand to the importance of yield over appreciation, this episode is packed with valuable insights for investors seeking more than just surface-level advice. What You’ll Learn: Why data, not hype, should drive your real estate decisions Where Daniel is seeing opportunities amid economic slowdowns The importance of multifamily homes on arterial roads How rental demand and tenant quality are shifting Tips for launching a niche real estate podcast The difference between buying for yield vs. appreciation Why stress-testing your deals matters more than ever Advice for small investors in uncertain markets He also shares a behind-the-scenes look at his successful podcast, why he prefers research over interviews, and how content can build credibility in a crowded space. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your portfolio, Daniel’s no-fluff approach offers a fresh lens on what it really means to be strategic in today’s market. Daniel Foch is a real estate broker, entrepreneur, and co-host of The Canadian Real Estate Investor Podcast. With a background in research, data analysis, and market strategy, Daniel brings a unique perspective to real estate investing. He focuses on helping investors interpret economic trends, identify smart opportunities, and build portfolios that can weather market shifts. When he’s not podcasting or investing, you’ll find him digging into spreadsheets or exploring neighbourhoods on the rise. Ready to stop guessing and start investing with a strategy? This is the episode that brings clarity to chaos. Listen now at sarahlarbi.com/podcast-home Contact Daniel Foch here: X: https://x.com/daniel_foch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielfoch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielfoch/ Website: https://fochfamily.com/daniel-foch and https://thecanadianinvestorpodcast.com/podcast/the-canadian-real-estate-investor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.foch/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@daniel_foch This episode has been brought to you in part by: US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca Carson Law – https://www.carsonlaw.ca/ Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com The post Navigating the Current Canadian Real Estate Market: What You Need to Know first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah and Kelly sat down with Carrie Soave, an AI strategist and real estate entrepreneur who’s helping investors adapt to the fast-changing tech landscape. Carrie shared how she transitioned from being a licensed agent to running a million-dollar company powered by AI, with a lean team and smart systems. She shared why AI isn’t just the future, it’s the present and how ignoring it could cost you your edge. They covered how tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are reshaping everything from marketing to lead gen, plus how Carrie helps business owners create their own custom GPTs and automations to streamline tasks and boost profit. If you’re overwhelmed by AI or not sure how to start, this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence to explore what’s possible. What You’ll Learn: Why AI is making many real estate tasks faster, cheaper, and smarter The tools and platforms Carrie recommends for investors and entrepreneurs How Carrie built an efficient AI-powered business with minimal overhead What to watch for in the future of fully autonomous AI agents Tips for getting started if you feel behind on tech How to future-proof your real estate business by adapting now Carrie Soave is a real estate entrepreneur and AI consultant who helps business owners and investors save time, reduce costs, and scale using artificial intelligence. She left traditional real estate behind and now builds custom AI tools, agents, and automations that make businesses more profitable and resilient. Carrie believes AI should be accessible and practical, not intimidating, and she teaches others how to embrace it, one tool at a time. Listen now at sarahlarbi.com/podcast-home If you’ve ever wondered how to use AI to grow your business, this is the episode that will get you started. Contact Carrie Soave here: Website: https://carriesoave.ca/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@carriesoave Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriesoaveandassociates/# LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-soave-35312862/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarrieSoaveRealtor TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carriesoaveandassociates This episode has been brought to you in part by: US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com Jamil Rahemtula – https://jamilrahemtula.com Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com The post Harnessing AI: Future-Proofing Real Estate Investing first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah and Kelly sat down with returning guest Marcin Drozdz to talk about what it really takes to scale in real estate through capital raising. Since his last appearance, Marcin has focused on expanding his portfolio, navigating market shifts, and doubling down on the high-income skill of raising capital. He shares what’s working right now when it comes to investor conversations, lead generation, and team building, and why it’s more important than ever to have systems in place as markets tighten. From scaling up to a nine-figure fund to managing relationships with high-net-worth investors, this episode is full of tactical insights and real-world experience. What You’ll Learn: Why capital raising is the number one skill real estate investors should master How to identify and package your “unfair advantage” to stand out to investors What’s happening in the U.S. market and how Canadian investors can play smart How Marcin structures his teams and builds trust with long-term partners The importance of high-income skills and investing in your own development Where new investors should start when it comes to scaling with confidence Marcin Drozdz is a capital-raising expert and strategist who has built a career around helping others grow their portfolios by mastering the skill of attracting investment capital. With experience spanning both Canadian and U.S. markets, Marcin focuses on multi-family properties, strategic partnerships, and creating scalable systems for real estate success. His work today includes launching a new fund to acquire distressed assets and helping other investors build their own investor networks. Listen now at sarahlarbi.com/podcast-home Ready to raise capital with confidence? This episode is your playbook. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start raising, grab your free copy of Unlimited Investor Leads Marcin’s guide to attracting the right capital the right way. Contact Marcin Drozdz here: Website: https://www.marcindrozdz.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therealmarcindrozdz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmarcindrozdz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcindrozdz/ This episode has been brought to you in part by: Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com Jamil Rahemtula – https://jamilrahemtula.com Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.comThe post From Dream to Reality: Capital Strategies for Real Estate in 2025 first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah and Kelly sat down with Nick Hill, a real estate investor, mortgage broker, and co-host of The Canadian Real Estate Investor podcast. They had a no-fluff conversation about what it takes to build wealth in today’s market. From launching multiple businesses to managing burnout, Nick shares how he’s navigating an uncertain economy while staying focused on growth. This episode goes beyond strategy. It’s about mindset, resilience, and learning how to pivot when the numbers or your energy aren’t adding up. What You’ll Learn: How Nick started investing and what he’d do differently now The truth about managing multiple income streams without burning out Behind the scenes of building a hit real estate podcast Time-blocking tips and staying consistent through chaos How to invest when prices are high and confidence is low Why community, curiosity, and clarity still matter Nick Hill is a real estate investor, mortgage broker, entrepreneur, and co-host of The Canadian Real Estate Investor podcast. With experience across real estate, finance, and media, Nick brings a fresh and grounded perspective on what it takes to succeed in Canada’s evolving market. He has built multiple businesses, interviewed the country’s top investors, and continues to help clients and listeners make smarter long-term investment decisions. New to investing or ready to scale? This one’s for you. Listen now: sarahlarbi.com/podcast-home Contact Nick Hill here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybuddynick/ Website: https://www.realist.ca/ and https://www.land-bank.ca/   This episode has been brought to you in part by: US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com Jamil Rahemtula – https://jamilrahemtula.com Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.comThe post Building a Resilient Business in a Volatile Economy first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

Thinking about expanding your portfolio across the border? In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah Larbi and Kelly Casimiro reconnect with Jamil Rahemtula, an investor-focused realtor and cross-border expert, who breaks down exactly how Canadians can enter the U.S. real estate market. From setting up the right entities to navigating financing and Section 8 housing, Jamil offers a clear, practical look at what’s possible when you invest strategically in markets like Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. He shares how to avoid the most common pitfalls, structure your deals properly, and find the sweet spot between cash flow, appreciation, and landlord-friendly laws. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why U.S. markets offer stronger cash flow opportunities than many parts of Canada How to structure your LLCs or partnerships for legal and tax efficiency What Section 8 is, how it works, and why it’s an underrated cash flow strategy The basics of U.S. financing for Canadians: DSCR loans, VTBs, and more How to overcome challenges like credit building, remote management, and finding local teams Why long-term value lies in diversification, not just location Jamil Rahemtula is a seasoned real estate investor and agent with hands-on experience investing in both Canada and the United States. He specializes in helping Canadians find profitable opportunities in U.S. markets and navigate the legal, logistical, and financial steps of cross-border investing. Jamil is passionate about education, transparency, and helping others build wealth through smart, strategic real estate moves. Contact Jamil Rahemtula here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JREALTYNETWORK/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamilrealty/ Website: https://jamilrahemtula.com/ This episode has been brought to you in part by: Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com Jamil Rahemtula – https://jamilrahemtula.com Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com The post Helping Canadian Real Estate Investors Understand US Entry and Section 8 first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah and Kelly sat down with Fritz Vilegas, a registered nurse, twin mom, and real estate investor whose story is rooted in resilience, purpose, and community. Originally from the Philippines, Fritz immigrated to Canada, worked multiple jobs to save her first down payment, and began a real estate journey that has grown across Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Alberta. Fritz’s path wasn’t easy especially during the pandemic when burnout led her to reevaluate everything. But with determination, education, and support from her wife and mentors, she’s built a portfolio that supports her values and her vision for the future. Today, she’s not just investing, she’s showing others how to do it too. What You’ll Learn: How Fritz started investing while working three jobs and helping her parents buy their first home Why burnout during the pandemic became a turning point in her investment strategy The mindset shifts required to invest remotely from Nunavut across multiple provinces How she transitioned from single-family homes to multifamily and joint venture deals Why helping other nurses invest in real estate became part of her mission The importance of mentorship, education, and community in growing your portfolio Fritz Vilegas is a full-time registered nurse, mother of twins, and real estate investor based in Nunavut, Canada. Since buying her first property in 2018 to support her family, she has built a portfolio spanning three provinces, with a focus on multifamily properties and JV partnerships. Today, she empowers other nurses and busy professionals to build wealth through real estate so they can reclaim their time and create lives of purpose, freedom, and balance on their own terms.Listen now at www.sarahlarbi.com/podcast-home Ready to build wealth while staying true to your values? Don’t miss this episode. Contact Fritz Vilegas here: Email: fritzvrei@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fritzvillegas/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fritzvill/ This episode has been brought to you in part by: Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com Jamil Rahemtula – https://jamilrahemtula.com Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com The post Real Estate Adventures From the Philippines to Nunavut first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.