Where Should I Invest? Real Estate Investing in Canada

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah and Kelly sat down with Debbie Balfour, a real estate investor and coach whose story goes far beyond spreadsheets. From launching her investment journey in 2019 to navigating a devastating house fire and a sudden layoff within two months of each other, Debbie’s resilience has helped her rebuild, not just her portfolio, but her entire life. She opens up about what it’s really like to adapt when your strategies stop working, when regulations change, or when life throws you curveballs. This is a grounded, honest conversation about aligning your investments with who you are and what you want your life to look like. What You’ll Learn: How Debbie rebounded from personal loss while keeping her investing goals intact Why understanding your investor profile is the most important (and most skipped) first step How to combine short, mid, and long-term strategies for income and growth What to do when government regulations or rising rates kill your cash flow How to rethink risk, time, and return when you’re rebuilding from scratch Why coaching, mentorship, and community matter, especially when things get hard Debbie Balfour is a Real Estate Investing Success Coach, entrepreneur, and professional investor based in British Columbia. After losing her family home in a fire and being laid off from her corporate job, she turned her real estate business into a foundation for freedom and purpose. Debbie helps new and scaling investors create personalized investing strategies that match their goals, risk tolerance, and lifestyle, without burning out. She’s also the host of Let’s Talk Real Estate Investing and a passionate advocate for investing with intention. Contact Debbie Balfour here: Email: Debbie@DebbieBalfour.com Website: https://www.debbiebalfour.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiereicoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbie.balfour.16 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 Strategies to Adapt and Succeed From Major Setbacks first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

Babar Moghal, a skilled real estate developer focused on scalable rental communities and senior housing in Alberta, shares his transformative journey from small BRRRRs to large multifamily projects. He discusses the importance of strategic pivots in the evolving market, the advantages of Alberta’s landlord-friendly policies, and the dynamics of building strong partnerships. Babar also emphasizes community impact and the essential roles in a development team, providing valuable insights for aspiring investors and developers alike.

Dalia Barsoum, the founder of Streetwise Mortgages and a specialist in income property financing, shares invaluable insights on navigating the evolving real estate climate. She discusses strategies for handling mortgage renewals in a rising rate environment and highlights hidden opportunities in Ontario's market. Dalia offers advice on vendor takebacks to mitigate appraisal gaps, and explores emerging trends like turnkey properties and student rentals generating cash flow. She also examines financing options under Bill 23 and the emergence of new investors in the landscape.

In this engaging conversation, Amy Brooke, a former CPA who became a full-time real estate investor, shares her transformative journey. She reflects on buying her first property at 19 and the lessons learned from over-leveraging and market uncertainties. Amy discusses her focus on lifestyle-aligned investing, which includes spending part of the year in Spain. She also explores various strategies like BRRRR and property conversions, emphasizing the importance of defining personal success in a competitive market.

Ever thought about walking away from the security of a 9–5 to build your own real estate business? In this episode of Where Should I Invest Sarah and Kelly sit down with Kyle Guthro, an investor, licensed agent, and entrepreneur who left a high-paying corporate job to pursue a life and business on his own terms. And he’s not holding anything back. Kyle walks us through his 18-year journey in real estate from buying his first rental during the 2008 crash to building a multi-million dollar portfolio, launching a construction business, and stepping fully into entrepreneurship. We also talk about the real cost of growth: failed partnerships, financial pressure, burnout, and how to build your mindset to survive and thrive through it all. If you’re thinking about making the leap or wondering how others actually do it, this episode is full of hard-earned wisdom, practical tips, and real talk. What You’ll Learn: What it really takes to leave a corporate job for full-time real estate Kyle’s first deal, how he scaled, and the lessons he learned along the way Why money management and mindset are as important as property strategy What “burning the boats” means and how to know when it’s time Behind-the-scenes stories of risk, failure, and bouncing back stronger How Kyle structures his businesses and what he teaches new entrepreneurs Why surrounding yourself with the right people can make or break your journey Listen now https://sarahlarbi.com/podcast-home/ Kyle Guthro is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, licensed agent, and speaker who left the corporate world to build a business that aligned with his values and helped others do the same. Since 2008, Kyle has built a multi-million dollar portfolio across Southern Ontario using strategies like Airbnb, buy-and-hold, fix-and-flip, multifamily, and private lending. He’s also an award-winning sales professional and public speaker who’s shared the stage with Grant Cardone and played a key role in launching Cardone’s Canadian licensing program. Kyle has advised organizations like REIN and REWL, and even made an appearance on the reality TV show Listing Large. Now, he’s focused on helping other entrepreneurs break free from the rat race through coaching, education, and honest conversations about what building a business really takes. This episode is a powerful reminder that success takes strategy but also sacrifice, resilience, and community.Contact Kyle Guthro here: Threads: https://www.threads.com/@kyleguthro Website:  https://www.kyleguthro.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyleguthro/# YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kyleguthroThis 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 Crafting Freedom: Building a Life on Your Own Terms Through Real Estate first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

What if your next investment wasn’t in your backyard but across the border? In this episode of Where Should I Invest, I sit down with James Lloyd and Voytek Mardula from USProperties.ca to talk about why Detroit is becoming one of the most attractive markets for Canadian investors. I recently bought a property through them, and share my own experience from why I chose Detroit to how the numbers made sense. We dig into Section 8 rentals, Airbnb strategy, cross-border financing, and how Canadians can start building wealth in the U.S. without the overwhelm. Whether you’re just starting to explore U.S. investing or you’ve been sitting on the fence, this episode breaks it all down clearly and honestly. What You’ll Learn: Why Detroit is still undervalued and packed with investor opportunity What’s really going on with Section 8 housing, and what to watch for The full turnkey process with USProperties.ca: from acquisition to management Why short-term rentals in Detroit are outperforming expectations How James and Voytek manage over 600 doors (including 20+ Airbnbs) What Canadians need to know about financing, structure, and legal setup The step-by-step process I went through and how to start your own James Lloyd is the Canadian Sales Manager at USProperties.ca. With 18+ years in hospitality and sales, he guides Canadian investors through every step of buying in the U.S., from financing and legal setup to long-term portfolio growth. Known for his hands-on support and no-fluff approach, James helps remove the overwhelm and make cross-border investing approachable. Voytek Mardula is a lifelong entrepreneur and real estate investor with over 13 years of experience managing and renovating rental properties in both the U.S. and Canada. As the operations lead at USProperties.ca, he oversees the renovation, management, and scaling of over 300 doors in the Detroit area and has built a strong reputation for delivering reliable turnkey results. Together, they’ve helped hundreds of Canadians invest in Detroit and scale profitable U.S. portfolios with ease. Listen now at https://www.sarahlarbi.com/podcast-homeAnd don’t miss our FREE live webinar on June 10 at 7 PM EST, where we’ll walk through Detroit deals, numbers, and strategies. Sign up at https://sarahlarbi.com/latest-events/ Contact James Lloyd here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-37898b44 Contact Voytek Mardula here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/voytek-mardula-04b28824Website: https://www.usproperties.ca/ 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 Cash Flow and Scalability with US Property Investments first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

Fernando Nunes, a seasoned business development coach and real estate investor, shares his transformative journey from Ontario rentals to investing in U.S. self-storage and boutique hotels in Portugal. He reveals how adopting a lifestyle-first approach can lead to greater freedom and fulfillment. Topics include the benefits of lower costs of living abroad, strategies for building trusted teams in foreign markets, and the importance of simplifying financial goals. With insights on Portugal's real estate market, he emphasizes how to design life by prioritizing experiences over material accumulation.

Curious about hotel investing but not sure where to start? In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Kelly and I are joined by hotel investor and entrepreneur Sujay Mehta, founder of Bloom Ventures. Sujay shares how he went from exploring a development opportunity in his community to building a growing portfolio of branded hotel properties across the U.S., including partnerships with industry leaders like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt. We get real about what makes hotels different from other real estate strategies, how to spot a great deal, and why even small changes in hotel operations can add up to massive cash flow improvements. If you’ve ever looked at hotels and thought “too big,” “too complicated,” or “too far off,” Sujay breaks down exactly how it’s possible to get started even with limited capital or no prior experience. This one’s packed with practical insights, mindset shifts, and clear advice you can take action on today. Whether you’re looking to pivot from residential investing or explore new verticals, this is a must-listen masterclass. What You’ll Learn: How hotel investing compares to multifamily and where the cash flow differences really are How Sujay bought his first 75-room hotel using an SBA loan and a friends-and-family raise Tips for finding hotel deals (including off-market strategies) The biggest profit opportunities in hotel operations, down to the bagels What it means to truly “own a business within a building” The mindset and work ethic required to build a hotel portfolio from the ground up How beginners can start small with Airbnbs, capital partners, or boutique properties Sujay Mehta is a hotel investor, entrepreneur, and founder of Bloom Ventures. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Sujay has acquired and developed over a dozen hotels, working with global brands like Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott. Known for his hands-on approach and ability to create cash flow through operational excellence, Sujay also supports other investors through coaching, angel investing, with the Hotel Investor Academy. His deep focus on long-term value, transparency with partners, and no-nonsense work ethic has made him a respected voice in both real estate and entrepreneurship. This episode is your roadmap to entering one of real estate’s most misunderstood but most profitable asset classes. Listen now and share this episode with anyone who’s ready to think bigger in their investing journey. Contact Sujay Mehta here: Website:  https://bloom.ventures Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sujmehta/ Hotel Investor Academy: https://community.boutiquehotelacademy.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.comThe post The Strategic Shift: Why Choose Hotel Investing Over Multifamily first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

Looking to sharpen your marketing skills as a real estate investor? In this episode of Where Should I Invest, we sit down with marketing coach and entrepreneur Jean-Claude “JC” Nasr, who shares powerful insights that can help you stand out and attract the right clients even if you’re juggling a full-time job. JC keep things practical and down-to-earth in a conversation about building a smart and effective marketing strategy in today’s digital world. He breaks down how to truly understand your audience, create content that connects, and make social media work for you without burning out. If you’ve ever struggled with how to get noticed or wondered where to start with marketing, this episode has what you need. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your business, tune in for advice you can actually apply right now. Hit play, and let’s take your real estate investing journey to the next level with a marketing plan that finally makes sense. What You’ll Learn: Understanding Marketing Basics: JC emphasizes that most small business owners lack a fundamental understanding of marketing, which can lead to costly mistakes. He advocates for business owners to learn marketing principles themselves before hiring professionals. Solve a Problem: The key to effective marketing is to focus on solving a problem for your audience. JC shares that content should be centered around providing value and addressing the needs of potential clients. Two Essential Formulas: JC introduces two formulas for success: “Money follows attention” and “Attention is created by value.” He explains how these concepts can guide content creation and marketing strategies. Utilizing VAs Effectively: JC discusses the importance of hiring virtual assistants (VAs) to handle marketing tasks, allowing business owners to focus on high-value activities. He provides insights on how to delegate effectively. Free Marketing Tools: The episode highlights the power of free platforms like social media for marketing. JC encourages listeners to leverage these tools to build their brand and connect with their audience without incurring high costs. Jean Claude Nasr, known as JC on social media, is a dynamic marketing coach and entrepreneur based in Ottawa, Canada. With over five years of experience in the marketing industry, JC has dedicated his career to helping small and medium business owners understand and master the art of marketing. He is the founder of Revelation Marketing and Revelation Marcademy, where he empowers clients to enhance their social media presence and develop effective marketing strategies. JC’s journey began with a formal education in marketing, leading him to work in a marketing agency where he honed his skills in sales and post-production. His passion for helping others succeed is evident in his hands-on approach, guiding clients through the complexities of marketing while emphasizing the importance of problem-solving and value creation. As a sought-after speaker and trainer, JC shares his expertise through engaging workshops and online courses, focusing on practical strategies that yield results. He believes that every business owner can become their own marketer, and he equips them with the tools and knowledge to do so effectively. In addition to his coaching, JC is also launching an innovative app and has authored a book aimed at further supporting entrepreneurs in their marketing endeavours. His charismatic personality and no-nonsense approach make him a relatable and inspiring figure in the world of marketing. Connect with JC to learn how to elevate your marketing game and drive your business forward! Contact JC Nasr here: Website https://revelationmarketing.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/jeanclaudenasr_marketingcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-claude-nasr/ https://www.facebook.com/jeanclaude.nasr.31/ 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 Check out Sarah’s online coaching programs https://sarahlarbi.com/online-programs/ The post Attention Getting Social Media Strategies for Real Estate Entrepreneurs first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

In this engaging conversation, Liz Lamond, a visionary real estate developer and insurance strategist, reveals how whole life insurance can revolutionize wealth-building strategies for investors. She explains the concept of infinite banking and how to leverage cash value for real estate investments. Liz emphasizes creating generational wealth, particularly for kids, inspired by her book 'Child Millionaire.' Discover how policy loans can provide financial freedom and the added tax advantages of corporately owned life insurance policies.