Recorded: September 2025
Guest: Jimmy La and Kartik Singla, SDG Canada
Host: Erwin Szeto, The Truth About Real Estate Investing for Canadians Podcast

---

Canada’s housing crisis isn’t going away—and developers like Jimmy La and Kartik Singla are stepping up with bold, scalable solutions. In this episode, I had an insightful conversation with the co-founders of SDG Canada about their ambitious infill development strategy, the benefits of CMHC’s MLI Select financing, and how their Clapperton Village project in Barrie is reshaping the rental landscape.

Key Takeaways

• SDG Canada is building modular, energy-efficient rental housing tailored for multi-generational families. 
• Their Clapperton Village development includes 100+ units across nine buildings, with plans to expand to 150. 
• The project is powered by CMHC’s MLI Select program, allowing 95% financing and long amortization terms. 
• Amenities include EV chargers, co-working spaces, gyms, and even air/water quality tracking. 
• The Missing Middle Conference on Sept 12 at the Fairmont Royal York will bring together mayors, ministers, and developers to tackle housing challenges head-on. 

Why It Matters:

With Ontario falling short of its housing targets and immigration numbers rising, the need for smart, scalable rental housing has never been greater. SDG’s approach—low-rise, family-friendly, and financially viable—is a blueprint for the future.

Don’t Miss These Two Game-Changing Events

Missing Middle Conference – September 12th, 2025 | Fairmont Royal York, Toronto

Canada’s housing crisis won’t be solved by chance—it requires bold ideas and collaboration. That’s exactly what the Missing Middle Conference is all about. Hosted by Jimmy La and Kartik Singla of SDG Canada, this one-day event brings together the brightest minds in housing and development, including:

• Mayor Olivia Chow (Toronto), the Mayor of Burlington, and other city leaders
• Federal and Provincial Housing Ministers’ teams
• Top developers, consultants, and investors
• And of course, Erwin Szeto, host of The Truth About Real Estate Investing for Canadians

If you care about the future of housing, want to understand how to profit from infill development, or are simply seeking to network with leaders driving change, this is where you need to be.

🎟️ Reserve your spot now at themmc.ca
💸 Use code MMC15% for 15% off tickets

Wealth Summit 2025 – September 27th, 2025 | Oakville & Online

Wealth Summit 2025 – September 27th, 2025 | Oakville & Online

After you’ve learned how to create millions through real estate development, it’s time to protect and multiply that wealth. That’s where the Wealth Summit 2025 comes in.

We’re bringing back the same energy and insight that made our Wealth Hacker Conferences legendary, where Grant Cardone and Jesse Itzler once took the stage, but this year, the focus is on what really matters for long-term financial freedom:

• Best practices in financial and estate planning
• How to build or replace a pension
• Protecting your wealth and minimizing taxes legally
• Wills, power of attorney, and intergenerational wealth transfer

This will be an intimate, high-impact event with only 40 in-person seats in Oakville, plus limited online access. If you’re serious about securing your financial future, you won’t want to miss it.

🎟️ Save your spot now
⚡ Don’t wait—seats are already filling up!

---

Smart Rental Development in Ontario: What You Need to Know

1. What is the Missing Middle in real estate?

The Missing Middle refers to housing types between single-family homes and high-rise condos—like duplexes, triplexes, and low-rise apartments.

2. Why is SDG Canada focused on infill development?

Infill allows them to add density in existing neighborhoods, using underutilized lots to build 6–60 unit rentals that meet real demand.

3. What is CMHC’s MLI Select program?

MLI Select is a financing program offering up to 95% loan coverage and long amortization for energy-efficient, affordable rental projects. 

4. How many units is SDG Canada currently developing?

They have 100 units in the pipeline across nine buildings, with plans to scale to 150 units in Barrie.

5. Why is Barrie a good market for rental development?

Lower land costs, supportive city planning, and proximity to new university campuses make Barrie ideal for scalable rental housing.

6. What kind of tenants are SDG’s buildings designed for?

Multi-generational families, professionals, and renters are seeking larger units with modern amenities. 

7. What amenities are included in Clapperton Village?

EV chargers, co-working spaces, gyms, saunas, air and water quality tracking, and shared outdoor areas.

8. Will MLI Select still be available in five years?

Yes—projects are grandfathered into the program with 50-year insured mortgages, making refinancing viable long-term.

9. How does modular construction help with sustainability?

It reduces waste, speeds up build time, and enables energy-efficient designs that exceed code by 45%.

10. What’s happening at the Missing Middle Conference?

Mayors, housing ministers, developers, and investors will gather to align on solutions for Canada’s housing crisis. 

---

🎧 Listen to the full episode here

📜 Full Transcript

The full, cleaned-up transcript from my conversation with the co-founders of SDG Canada is available here for anyone who wants to dive deeper into their infill development strategy, the role of CMHC’s MLI Select financing, and how Clapperton Village is reshaping the rental landscape in Barrie.

To Listen:

On iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/canadas-housing-crisis-the-missing-middle-conference-2025/id1100488294?i=1000725725920

On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7cOMIueDkR3utoSJ8J4UuH?si=IY8j3GTvSli8icVpgvWFvg

Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/930a-66d033586541/the-truth-about-real-estate-investing-for-canadians-canada%E2%80%99s-housing-crisis-the-missing-middle-conference-2025

Audible: https://www.audible.ca/podcast/ITEM-NAME/B0FQ4GN8T7?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

YouTube: https://youtu.be/pGa85Erc9us

🦸‍♂️Household Hero? Here’s Your Next Step

If you’re a Canadian investor trying to build wealth safely and sustainably, Adam’s journey has valuable takeaways.

It might be time to revisit your current strategies—real estate, lending, or insurance—and ask:

• Do your investments match your long-term goals?
• Do you fully understand how your strategies work?
• Would a more conservative approach offer better peace of mind?

Real estate remains a powerful tool for building wealth, especially with careful underwriting and due diligence. Insurance can be useful too—but only if it supports your broader financial goals.

Need help with conservative, peace-of-mind investing—backed by Wall Street-style due diligence—plus financial planning with your best interests at heart? 

📅 Book a call

Until next time, happy Canadian and USA Real Estate Investing.

Erwin Szeto,

Your Cross Border Investment Guy

Why I’m Investing in the U.S.

I’ve been investing in Ontario since 2005. It’s been a great run—starting with properties in the $100Ks, now reaching $800K–$1M. How much higher can it go? I don’t know.

The remaining appreciation potential doesn’t justify the risk. That’s why I advise clients to look to the U.S., where rental properties range from $150K–$350K USD, with rents between $1,400–$2,600/month.

These cash-flowing numbers are night and day compared to Canada. Plus, landlords have rights, there’s no rent control, and income is in U.S. dollars—which are stronger than Canadian dollars.

If you don’t believe that U.S. dollars are stronger, ask 100 non-Canadians what they’d prefer to be paid in.

To regain control of your retirement, check out the cash-flow properties at:
👉 iwin.sharesfr.com

How SHARE Makes It Easier

The best part? My U.S. investments are more passive than my Canadian ones. I work with SHARE, an asset manager that guides me through the entire process.

SHARE helps with:

• Finding quality income properties
• Structuring the legal and tax side
• Managing the property manager and insurance provider
• Saving time and money with preferred rates

They even advise on when to refinance or sell. SHARE supports investors across the U.S., which is why I plan to own in Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas. It’s like having a JV partner—without giving up ownership or control.

Final Thoughts

If increasing cash flow is your goal, I don’t know of a better strategy for most Canadians. Once more: iwin.sharesfr.com is where to see what boring, cash-flowing investing looks like on the path to financial peace.

This is how I’m making real estate investing great again—for my family and hopefully for yours too.

---

Sponsored by… Me!

This episode isn’t sponsored—except by my wife Cherry and me. Real estate investing is our life. It’s helped us build wealth and achieve peace of mind about retirement and our children’s future.

Interested in our systematic approach to real estate investing—the same one used by most of my podcast guests? Then check out:
📍 infinitywealth.ca/events

Till next time—just do it. I believe in you.

Erwin Szeto
W: erwinszeto.com
FB: facebook.com/erwin.szeto
IG: @erwinszeto

---

Disclaimer

As a committed advocate for transparent and responsible investing, I want to disclose that I am an Advisor to SHARE SFR (Single Family Rental). I hold equity in the company and earn referral commissions from clients I refer.

My endorsement of their model—focusing on positive cash flow and direct ownership—is based on personal experience and belief. Still, every investor should do their own due diligence.

Recorded: August 2025
Guest: Boubah, Co-Founder of the Small Ownership Landlords of Ontario (SOLO)
Host: Erwin Szeto, The Truth About Real Estate Investing for Canadians Podcast

---

I’ll never forget our first non-paying tenant back in 2007.

The property was over 100 years old—charming in its own way—and brand new to us as owners. It was only our third investment property, and looking back… we really didn’t know what we were doing.

We missed obvious red flags, like the tenant’s SIN number being wrong. The two roommates were new to town, desperate for a place to rent, and we were too nice. We signed a lease. We accepted a personal cheque for the first and last month’s rent. And yes, we even handed over the keys before the cheque cleared. You know where this is going.

It was 2007, so expenses weren’t as brutal as they are today, but the ordeal still cost us around $10,000—including legal fees. The worst part? My partners were family. We were all upset, confused, and completely unprepared.

None of us even knew what an N4 was (a notice for eviction due to non-payment of rent). But our tenant sure did. When my family member handed him the notice at his workplace—Boston Pizza—he yelled at us to never come back.

Meanwhile, this same tenant was busy making himself at home—he even installed a heavy bag (the kind boxers use), drilled right into the living room ceiling. All while never paying a single dollar in rent. That was our introduction to Ontario’s rental system.

What no one told us in the early days was just how stacked the system is against landlords. How could I not change the locks on my own property when the tenant hadn’t even paid first and last month’s rent? Because if I did, the tenants could simply call the police—and in my experience, the police would side with them. The tenant. WTF?!

Fast Forward to Today…

It’s been nearly 20 years since that first painful lesson. Since then, I’ve coached more than 350 investor clients through their own journeys, and as a licensed Realtor since 2010, I’ve truly seen it all. And I can say with confidence: things have only gotten worse for landlords in Ontario.

That’s why I invited the co-founder of S.O.L.O. (Small Ontario Landlords Organization) onto my podcast. In this episode, we dive into the harsh realities of being a landlord in Ontario, where the system knows what’s broken, yet continues to side against landlords.

We talk about eviction parties, fraud teams, and how S.O.L.O. has grown into a 9,000-member grassroots movement. We also explore why so many Canadian investors are now looking south to landlord-friendly U.S. states—where the laws are clearer, the cash flow is stronger, and the risks are lower.

📅 Save the Date!

Cherry Chan and I are co-hosting an in-person meetup at our Oakville offices on Saturday morning, September 27th, 2025. Seating is extremely limited, so block off your calendar now. We’ll also be broadcasting the event as a webinar. And yes—lunch is sponsored, so you can stick around and network with fellow investors. Save a spot for yourself now

If you’re a landlord in Ontario—or thinking about becoming one—this episode is a must-listen. And if you’ve ever felt alone in the trenches, know this: you’re not. Tune in, learn, and let’s keep fighting the good fight… or, like me and so many frustrated landlords, consider taking the easier way out. 😊

---

🧠 10 Fast Facts Every Ontario Landlord Needs to Know

1. What is SOLO and who does it help?
SOLO (Small Ontario Landlords Organization) is a nonprofit that supports small landlords navigating Ontario’s rental system. It offers education, advocacy, and peer support to landlords facing tenant issues. 

2. Why is being a landlord in Ontario considered high risk?
Ontario landlords face long eviction timelines, limited legal recourse, and tenant-friendly laws that often delay resolution. The system is widely seen as stacked against property owners. 

3. How long does it take to evict a non-paying tenant in Ontario?
Evicting a non-paying tenant in Ontario can take 8 to 11 months, factoring in hearings, decisions, and sheriff scheduling. Professional tenants can stretch this process even longer. 

4. What is an N4 notice in Ontario real estate?
An N4 is a formal notice used by Ontario landlords to begin eviction proceedings for non-payment of rent. Many first-time landlords are unaware of this essential legal tool. 

5. Can landlords change the locks if rent isn’t paid in Ontario? 
No, Ontario law prohibits landlords from changing locks without a formal eviction order, even if rent hasn’t been paid. This legal restriction often surprises new landlords. 

6. What are eviction parties and why does SOLO organize them?
Eviction parties are community support events where volunteers help landlords clean up and emotionally recover after a tenant eviction. They reinforce that landlords are not alone. 

7. What is a professional tenant and why are they a problem? 
Professional tenants exploit Ontario’s rental laws to live rent-free for months by delaying hearings and abusing legal loopholes. They target small landlords who lack screening systems. 

8. Why are Ontario landlords investing in the U.S. instead? 
Many Ontario landlords are shifting to landlord-friendly U.S. states like Texas and Georgia for better cash flow, faster evictions, and stronger property rights. The risk-reward ratio is more favorable. 

9. What role does SOLO play in landlord advocacy?  
SOLO lobbies government officials, educates media, and supports legal reform to protect small landlords. It has met with the Premier and Minister of Housing multiple times. 

10. Is Ontario the worst jurisdiction for landlords in North America?
According to SOLO, Ontario is the only jurisdiction in North America where tenants can remain in a property without paying rent for extended periods. This makes it uniquely challenging for landlords. 

---

🎧 Listen to the full episode here

📜 Full Transcript

The full cleaned-up transcript from my conversation with Boubah is available here for anyone who wants to dive deeper into the nuances of protecting yourself as an Ontario landlord, navigating legal hurdles, and building a stress-free investment portfolio.

To Listen:

On iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ontario-landlord-crisis-tenant-fraud-evictions-solo/id1100488294?i=1000724039750

On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1gkYYhLHSFDZZr6ddVsnxM?si=4GA2cXr2QNeoC21mpARscA

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/40fe627d-dec7-4f5d-b7e5-90a550fffe46/episodes/0186684c-5f4a-48ab-bc77-637c9138dfec/the-truth-about-real-estate-investing-for-canadians-ontario-landlord-crisis-tenant-fraud-evictions-solo-ca-solutions

Audible: https://www.audible.ca/pd/B0FP5NFL51?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Youtube: https://youtu.be/M_wHsRgi50Y

🦸‍♂️Household Hero? Here’s Your Next Step

If you’re a Canadian investor trying to build wealth safely and sustainably, Adam’s journey has valuable takeaways.

It might be time to revisit your current strategies—real estate, lending, or insurance—and ask:

• Do your investments match your long-term goals?
• Do you fully understand how your strategies work?
• Would a more conservative approach offer better peace of mind?

Real estate remains a powerful tool for building wealth, especially with careful underwriting and due diligence. Insurance can be useful too—but only if it supports your broader financial goals.

Need help with conservative, peace-of-mind investing—backed by Wall Street-style due diligence—plus financial planning with your best interests at heart? 

📅 Book a call

Until next time, happy Canadian and USA Real Estate Investing.

Erwin Szeto,

Your Cross Border Investment Guy

Why I’m Investing in the U.S.

I’ve been investing in Ontario since 2005. It’s been a great run—starting with properties in the $100Ks, now reaching $800K–$1M. How much higher can it go? I don’t know.

The remaining appreciation potential doesn’t justify the risk. That’s why I advise clients to look to the U.S., where rental properties range from $150K–$350K USD, with rents between $1,400–$2,600/month.

These cash-flowing numbers are night and day compared to Canada. Plus, landlords have rights, there’s no rent control, and income is in U.S. dollars—which are stronger than Canadian dollars.

If you don’t believe that U.S. dollars are stronger, ask 100 non-Canadians what they’d prefer to be paid in.

To regain control of your retirement, check out the cash-flow properties at:
👉 iwin.sharesfr.com

How SHARE Makes It Easier

The best part? My U.S. investments are more passive than my Canadian ones. I work with SHARE, an asset manager that guides me through the entire process.

SHARE helps with:

• Finding quality income properties
• Structuring the legal and tax side
• Managing the property manager and insurance provider
• Saving time and money with preferred rates

They even advise on when to refinance or sell. SHARE supports investors across the U.S., which is why I plan to own in Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas. It’s like having a JV partner—without giving up ownership or control.

Final Thoughts

If increasing cash flow is your goal, I don’t know of a better strategy for most Canadians. Once more: iwin.sharesfr.com is where to see what boring, cash-flowing investing looks like on the path to financial peace.

This is how I’m making real estate investing great again—for my family and hopefully for yours too.

---

Sponsored by… Me!

This episode isn’t sponsored—except by my wife Cherry and me. Real estate investing is our life. It’s helped us build wealth and achieve peace of mind about retirement and our children’s future.

Interested in our systematic approach to real estate investing—the same one used by most of my podcast guests? Then check out:
📍 infinitywealth.ca/events

Till next time—just do it. I believe in you.

Erwin Szeto
W: erwinszeto.com
FB: facebook.com/erwin.szeto
IG: @erwinszeto

---

Disclaimer

As a committed advocate for transparent and responsible investing, I want to disclose that I am an Advisor to SHARE SFR (Single Family Rental). I hold equity in the company and earn referral commissions from clients I refer.

My endorsement of their model—focusing on positive cash flow and direct ownership—is based on personal experience and belief. Still, every investor should do their own due diligence.

 

In 2003, a Canadian couple was eager to invest in real estate. They joined REIN, took the quick start weekend course, and learned the basics. But like many would-be investors, they stalled before buying their first property. The perceived barriers felt too high. Looking back, they admit that 2003 was an incredible buying opportunity — one they completely missed.

Not Understanding Hard, Scarce Assets and the Monetary System

By 2009, they finally took the plunge, buying a two-bedroom townhouse in Windsor. But their understanding of real estate was incomplete.
They knew about cash flow and mortgage paydown, but they didn’t grasp the third wealth driver: equity appreciation — especially how it’s tied to monetary policy and money printing.

After the 2008–2009 financial crisis, central banks responded with massive money creation. This was the starting gun for one of the greatest real estate bull runs in history. But at the time, they didn’t see it. Nervous about prices and the economy, they sold the townhouse for a small loss. Today, that same property would likely be worth four times as much.

The Comeback: Five Duplex Conversions in 15 Months

It wasn’t until 2017 that they committed fully. Inspired by re-reading Real Estate Investing in Canada while on vacation, they bought five single-family homes in Cobourg, Ontario, and converted them into duplexes — all in just 15 months.

The strategy worked. They targeted “awesome assets in awesome locations” — downtown, near the beach, and within walking distance to top schools. At the time, purchase prices of $420K plus $60–80K in renovations could be refinanced for $550K, enabling them to recycle capital quickly.

When the Math No Longer Works

Fast forward to today: those Cobourg properties are still owned, but high interest rates and today’s pricing have changed the picture. Two are cash-flow positive; four are not. With purchase prices now in the $750K–$850K range and renovations easily hitting $150K, new acquisitions simply don’t make sense.

The conclusion is blunt: If the spreadsheet doesn’t show positive cash flow after all costs, it’s not worth doing.

Pivoting to Lifestyle-Driven, Scarce Asset Investing

The answer wasn’t to quit real estate — it was to pivot.
The focus shifted to properties that are not only financially sound but also scarce and personally meaningful. That led to purchasing a luxury six-bedroom, ski-in/ski-out short-term rental in Mont-Tremblant.

Why Tremblant? Regulatory clarity, year-round demand, and true scarcity. There are only about 25 six-bedroom-plus STR properties on the mountain. The property commands up to $5,000 a night during peak season, and underwriting ensures it breaks even after all costs — property management, maintenance, and repairs — while serving as a vacation home.

The Next Step: Ground-Up Development

With the numbers no longer working for simple buy-and-hold rentals, the next logical move was into more complex, higher-return projects. The latest venture is a ground-up commercial development in Southwestern Ontario — a leap that combines market knowledge, a trusted partnership, and years of experience managing risk.

It’s part of a broader investment philosophy: as markets change, so must the investor. Where once a basic duplex conversion could deliver solid returns, today’s environment often requires greater complexity, higher risk, and more creativity to make the math work.

Looking Ahead: More Complexity, More Opportunity

The portfolio now spans:

1. Five duplex conversions in prime Cobourg locations
2. A luxury ski-in/ski-out short-term rental in Mont-Tremblant
3. A ground-up commercial development project underway

There’s also an eye on U.S. real estate for its landlord-friendly laws, better cash flow potential, and diversification benefits.

The core philosophy remains the same: own hard, scarce, uncorrelated assets — a private business, quality real estate in prime locations, and Bitcoin.

In a market where the easy wins are gone, this journey is a reminder that the math matters, scarcity wins, and adaptability is the real competitive edge.

Or… You Could Skip the Complexity Entirely

Not everyone wants to take on $2-million luxury ski rentals or ground-up development projects that require years of work, carry substantial risk, and often feel like another full-time job.

That’s why there’s SHARE — the alternative for Canadian investors who want:

• Positive cash flow from day one
• Low-interest financing
• Passive, done-for-you investing in landlord-friendly U.S. markets

With SHARE, you get the benefits of owning income property without the headaches of sourcing deals, managing renovations, or dealing with tenants. Your investment works for you from day one — simply, securely, and profitably.

Learn more and get started today at http://iwin.sharesfr.com

To Listen:

🦸‍♂️Household Hero? Here’s Your Next Step

If you’re a Canadian investor trying to build wealth safely and sustainably, Adam’s journey has valuable takeaways.

It might be time to revisit your current strategies—real estate, lending, or insurance—and ask:

• Do your investments match your long-term goals?

• Do you fully understand how your strategies work?

• Would a more conservative approach offer better peace of mind?

Real estate remains a powerful tool for building wealth, especially with careful underwriting and due diligence. Insurance can be useful too—but only if it supports your broader financial goals.

Need help with conservative, peace-of-mind investing—backed by Wall Street-style due diligence—plus financial planning with your best interests at heart? 

📅 Book a call

Until next time, happy Canadian and USA Real Estate Investing.

Erwin Szeto,

Your Cross Border Investment Guy

Why I’m Investing in the U.S.

I’ve been investing in Ontario since 2005. It’s been a great run—starting with properties in the $100Ks, now reaching $800K–$1M. How much higher can it go? I don’t know.

The remaining appreciation potential doesn’t justify the risk. That’s why I advise clients to look to the U.S., where rental properties range from $150K–$350K USD, with rents between $1,400–$2,600/month.

These cash-flowing numbers are night and day compared to Canada. Plus, landlords have rights, there’s no rent control, and income is in U.S. dollars—which are stronger than Canadian dollars.

If you don’t believe that U.S. dollars are stronger, ask 100 non-Canadians what they’d prefer to be paid in.

To regain control of your retirement, check out the cash-flow properties at:
👉 iwin.sharesfr.com

How SHARE Makes It Easier

The best part? My U.S. investments are more passive than my Canadian ones. I work with SHARE, an asset manager that guides me through the entire process.

SHARE helps with:

• Finding quality income properties
• Structuring the legal and tax side
• Managing the property manager and insurance provider
• Saving time and money with preferred rates

They even advise on when to refinance or sell. SHARE supports investors across the U.S., which is why I plan to own in Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas. It’s like having a JV partner—without giving up ownership or control.

Final Thoughts

If increasing cash flow is your goal, I don’t know of a better strategy for most Canadians. Once more: iwin.sharesfr.com is where to see what boring, cash-flowing investing looks like on the path to financial peace.

This is how I’m making real estate investing great again—for my family and hopefully for yours too.

---

Sponsored by… Me!

This episode isn’t sponsored—except by my wife Cherry and me. Real estate investing is our life. It’s helped us build wealth and achieve peace of mind about retirement and our children’s future.

Interested in our systematic approach to real estate investing—the same one used by most of my podcast guests? Then check out:
📍 infinitywealth.ca/events

Till next time—just do it. I believe in you.

Erwin Szeto
W: erwinszeto.com
FB: facebook.com/erwin.szeto
IG: @erwinszeto

---

Disclaimer

As a committed advocate for transparent and responsible investing, I want to disclose that I am an Advisor to SHARE SFR (Single Family Rental). I hold equity in the company and earn referral commissions from clients I refer.

My endorsement of their model—focusing on positive cash flow and direct ownership—is based on personal experience and belief. Still, every investor should do their own due diligence.

 

If You’ve Ever Wondered…

• “Is whole life insurance actually a good investment?”
• “Can I trust private lending deals that promise 10–12% returns?”
• “How do I protect my money in a risky market?”

…you’re not alone. Adam Niman asked the same questions—and after more than 15 years in financial services and real estate investing, he’s got answers that might surprise you.

In a recent episode of The Truth About Real Estate Investing for Canadians, Adam pulled back the curtain on some of the most misunderstood—and oversold—financial strategies in Canada.

THREE Lessons for Canadian Investors

1. Be Skeptical of Anything That Sounds “Too Safe”

Participating life insurance is not a magic bullet. If someone promises guaranteed growth, tax-free wealth, flexible borrowing, and high returns—pause. Ask who benefits and follow the money. Like anything, do your own due diligence.

For transparency: my wife Cherry and I own participating whole life insurance for diversification and estate planning. Several of our friends and family do too. I agree with Adam—it’s not suitable for everyone. Just like investment properties or private lending, it depends on your situation.

Cherry and I invest directly in real estate—divesting from Ontario and growing in the U.S.—to build wealth. We use whole life insurance to diversify and for estate planning. It offers flexibility, conservative returns, and—most importantly—a way to cover the tax bill when we pass, helping preserve intergenerational wealth.

2. Don’t Lend Money Unless You’re Willing to Take Over the Property

This was a massive mistake I saw friends make in small-town Saskatoon and Northern Ontario. If you wouldn’t want to operate the property, don’t lend on it. That includes crack houses, boarded-up buildings, or sketchy, low-income neighbourhoods.

Always underwrite deals assuming the worst. If you’re not prepared to carry first, second, or third mortgages, renovate, refinance, or manage the property—you’re not a true lender. You’re a hopeful speculator.

3. It’s Okay to Fail—Just Learn Fast

Anyone who says they’ve never lost money hasn’t invested enough—or is lying. I’ve lost plenty, so I’m safe to trust :). For example, I have two Hamilton tenants behind on rent. One owes $10K, I’ve paid for paralegals, and both places had costly air conditioning issues.

Adam lost money on a Fortress Syndicate deal early on. But he didn’t quit. He took responsibility, tightened his criteria, used his own lawyers, and built better systems.

To Listen:

🦸‍♂️Household Hero? Here’s Your Next Step

If you’re a Canadian investor trying to build wealth safely and sustainably, Adam’s journey has valuable takeaways.

It might be time to revisit your current strategies—real estate, lending, or insurance—and ask:

• Do your investments match your long-term goals?

• Do you fully understand how your strategies work?

• Would a more conservative approach offer better peace of mind?

Real estate remains a powerful tool for building wealth, especially with careful underwriting and due diligence. Insurance can be useful too—but only if it supports your broader financial goals.

Need help with conservative, peace-of-mind investing—backed by Wall Street-style due diligence—plus financial planning with your best interests at heart? 

📅 Book a call

Until next time, happy Canadian and USA Real Estate Investing.

Erwin Szeto,

Your Cross Border Investment Guy

Why I’m Investing in the U.S.

I’ve been investing in Ontario since 2005. It’s been a great run—starting with properties in the $100Ks, now reaching $800K–$1M. How much higher can it go? I don’t know.

The remaining appreciation potential doesn’t justify the risk. That’s why I advise clients to look to the U.S., where rental properties range from $150K–$350K USD, with rents between $1,400–$2,600/month.

These cash-flowing numbers are night and day compared to Canada. Plus, landlords have rights, there’s no rent control, and income is in U.S. dollars—which are stronger than Canadian dollars.

If you don’t believe that U.S. dollars are stronger, ask 100 non-Canadians what they’d prefer to be paid in.

To regain control of your retirement, check out the cash-flow properties at:
👉 iwin.sharesfr.com

How SHARE Makes It Easier

The best part? My U.S. investments are more passive than my Canadian ones. I work with SHARE, an asset manager that guides me through the entire process.

SHARE helps with:

• Finding quality income properties
• Structuring the legal and tax side
• Managing the property manager and insurance provider
• Saving time and money with preferred rates

They even advise on when to refinance or sell. SHARE supports investors across the U.S., which is why I plan to own in Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas. It’s like having a JV partner—without giving up ownership or control.

Final Thoughts

If increasing cash flow is your goal, I don’t know of a better strategy for most Canadians. Once more: iwin.sharesfr.com is where to see what boring, cash-flowing investing looks like on the path to financial peace.

This is how I’m making real estate investing great again—for my family and hopefully for yours too.

---

Sponsored by… Me!

This episode isn’t sponsored—except by my wife Cherry and me. Real estate investing is our life. It’s helped us build wealth and achieve peace of mind about retirement and our children’s future.

Interested in our systematic approach to real estate investing—the same one used by most of my podcast guests? Then check out:
📍 infinitywealth.ca/events

Till next time—just do it. I believe in you.

Erwin Szeto
W: erwinszeto.com
FB: facebook.com/erwin.szeto
IG: @erwinszeto

---

Disclaimer

As a committed advocate for transparent and responsible investing, I want to disclose that I am an Advisor to SHARE SFR (Single Family Rental). I hold equity in the company and earn referral commissions from clients I refer.

My endorsement of their model—focusing on positive cash flow and direct ownership—is based on personal experience and belief. Still, every investor should do their own due diligence.

🎧 Podcast: From Environmental Law To Impact Real Estate

Featuring the Rodney Wilts –  the real estate game changer for Canadians

🎙️ [Listen to the episode here — https://youtu.be/DyvEbYkl6hg?si=bel1ldCGIiEnKmX5]

Nearly half of Canadians say they’re losing sleep over retirement — and honestly, they should be. Between high interest rates, rent control, and tenant protections stacked against landlords, traditional investing in Ontario is getting harder by the day. Just ask Guelph landlord John Esposito. He rented out a unit in 2022, only to be stuck with non-paying tenants for two full years, racking up over $135,000 in losses from unpaid rent and damage. Ontario’s Landlord and Tenant Board finally approved the eviction — but far too late.
👉 Read the full story

The Better Way: Purpose-Driven Real Estate That Actually Pays

Now contrast that with Rodney Wilts, my latest guest on The Truth About Real Estate Investing for Canadians.

A former environmental lawyer, Rodney co-founded Theia Partners, where he led the redevelopment of a 34-acre polluted industrial site into Zibi — one of the world’s only zero-carbon communities.

Built in partnership with Indigenous organizations and faith groups, Zibi is:

• 100% powered by renewable energy
  
• Mixed-use, mixed-income, and socially inclusive
  
• Winner of global planning and sustainability awards
  
• Delivering strong, double-digit returns
  

It’s proof that sustainability, impact, and profitability can coexist — and scale.

“

Safer, Smarter Investing With Less Risk

c

At our June iWIN meetup, we also heard from:

• Scott Dillingham (LendCity) on CMHC’s MLI Select — a game-changer for multifamily projects
  
• Andrew Kim (SHARE) on how Canadians are investing in U.S. real estate with:
  
  • Lower rates & down payments
    
  • No lender fees
    
  • Faster evictions
    
  • Better cash flow
    
  • Off-market “Subject-To” deals and seller leasebacks
    

I used this strategy myself last year in Texas — no vacancy, no upfront renos, and strong USD cash flow from Day 1.

C

Final Thoughts from Erwin

Real estate is changing. Ontario’s model is broken for most investors. But with the right partnerships and strategies — from ESG-driven developments like Zibi to turnkey U.S. rental portfolios — it’s still possible to build wealth and make a difference.

👉 Learn more about investing in U.S. rentals through SHARE: https://iwin.sharesfr.com/

📞 Ready to build wealth with purpose? Book a call with me: https://iwin.sharesfr.com/

I

To Listen:

📜 Click to read the full edited transcript (Rodney Wilts)

From Lawyer to Developer: How Rodney Wilts Is Building Zero-Carbon Communities With 15% Returns

A New Path From Environmental Law to Real Estate

I started my career in environmental law, advocating for green communities and working with architects and code officials to eliminate barriers to sustainable building. But I’ll never forget the day I visited Harold Kal—a pioneer in eco-friendly development. His office was buzzing with purpose, packed with giant drawings, energy. It hit me hard: this is what I want to do.

Eventually, I made the jump into real estate. It wasn’t easy, but I knew I wanted to use development as a tool for environmental and social change.

How a Derelict Factory Site Became Zibi

One day, commuting across Ottawa’s Shoal Air Bridge, I passed a boarded-up, barbed-wired industrial wasteland—just 800 meters from Parliament Hill. The site had sat untouched for years. I pitched the idea to my partners: “What if we transformed this into something great?”

We acquired the 34-acre contaminated site from Domtar and created Zibi: a master-planned, zero-carbon, mixed-use community straddling Ontario and Quebec. We:

• Built 4 million square feet of offices, condos, rentals, plazas, and parkland
• Created Canada’s first zero-carbon district energy system
• Won global awards for public consultation and urban planning
• Partnered with Dream and other stakeholders to deliver it all

Zibi is now home to residents, businesses, public spaces, and even the world’s only interprovincial zipline.

Solving Housing Affordability Beyond New Builds

Zibi was expensive: new apartments cost about $450,000 per unit to build. Meanwhile, we saw nearby 1970s buildings going for $175,000 a door. So we launched a strategy: buy older stock, upgrade it for energy efficiency, and keep it affordable.

These projects don’t make magazine covers, but they serve people—and deliver low double-digit IRRs.

Turning Parking Lots Into Housing With Purpose

Through Zibi, we gained recognition and were approached by First Unitarian of Ottawa. They had a 7-acre site—mostly unused parking—and wanted to align it with their values. Together with Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, we’re building:

• A 16-storey rental building (CMHC-backed)
• A 6-storey non-profit building for Indigenous tenants
• Directly on Ottawa’s LRT line, near the river

Despite legal challenges from affluent neighbors (which cost us $100,000 in appeals), we won at the Ontario Land Tribunal and expect to break ground next spring.

The deal is structured as a corporation to accommodate the church’s tax-exempt status, and they’re contributing land as equity. Their vacant lot will now generate recurring revenue—while delivering on their mission.

Why We Do This

We could have played it safe. But we’re driven by impact. And we believe real estate can deliver strong returns and meaningful social outcomes.

• We’ve built award-winning communities
• We’ve cleaned up 200 years of contamination
• We’re delivering housing across the affordability spectrum
• We’re still targeting 15% IRRs on projects like the Sherbourne LRT site

Want to Learn More?

👉 Visit: theiapartners.com

👉 Tour Zibi: zibi.ca

And if you’re interested in impact-driven investing that works — let’s connect.

BEFORE YOU GO…

Before you go, if you’re interested in what kind of properties I am looking at in the landlord friendly states of the USA please go to iwin.sharesfr.com for what I consider the best investment for most Canadians, most of the time.

I’ve been investing in Ontario since 2005 and while it’s been a great, great run. I started out buying properties in the 100,000s and now it’s $800,000 to $1,000,000.  How much higher can it go? I don’t know

To me, the remaining potential for appreciation does not match the risk hence I’m advising my clients to look to where one can find rental properties that are affordable range of $150,000 to $350,000 US$, with rents that range from $1,400 to 2,600/month plus utilities.   As many Canadians recognize, these numbers will be positive cash flow and are night and day compared to anything locally. Plus the landlord has all of the rights, no rent control, and income is US dollars which are better than Canadian dollars.

If you don’t believe me, US dollars are better than Canadian dollars, go ask 100 non-Canadians which currency they prefer to be paid in.

So to regain control of your retirement planning.  Go to iwin.sharesfr.com and check out what great cash flow properties are available in the USA.  

The best part is, my US investments will be much more passive compared to by local investments as I’m hiring an asset manager called SHARE to hand hold me through the entire process.  As their client and shareholder, Share will source me quality income properties, help me with legal structure and taxes, they manage the property manager and insurance provider while passing down to me preferred rates so I save both time and money.  

Share will even tell me when to strategically refinance or sell.  SHARE can even support investors all over the country for proper diversification hence my plan is to own in Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas.  Share is like my joint venture partner but I only have to pay them fees while I keep 100% ownership and control.

If your goal in investing is to increase cash flow, I don’t know of a better strategy for most Canadians most of the time.  One last time that’s iwin.sharesfr.com to see what boring, cash flowing real estate investing can look like on your path towards financial peace.

This is how I’m going to make real estate investing great again for my family and hope you choose the same.  Till next time!

Sponsored by:

This episode is brought to you by me! We don’t have sponsors for this show. I only share with you services owned by my wife Cherry and me.  Real estate investing is a staple in my life and allowed me to build wealth and, more importantly, achieve financial peace about the future, knowing our retirement is taken care of and my kids will be able to afford a home when they grow up.  If you, too, are interested in my systematic strategy to implement the #1 investment strategy, the same one pretty much all my guests are doing themselves, then go visit www.infinitywealth.ca/events and register for our next event.

Till next time, just do it because I believe in you.

Erwin

W: erwinszeto.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/erwin.szeto
IG: https://www.instagram.com/erwinszeto/

Disclaimer:

As a committed advocate for transparent and responsible real estate investment, I want to openly share my involvement with SHARE SFR (Single Family Rental) as an Advisor. I hold an equity position in this company and receive a referral commission for clients I introduce to their services. My endorsement of their business model – focusing on direct ownership of positive cash flow income properties – is consistent with my own personal investing since 2005, is based not only on a professional assessment but also on my personal experience and belief in their approach. Please note that while I stand behind my recommendations, it is crucial for each individual to conduct their own due diligence and consider their unique circumstances before making any investment decisions. As always, my priority is to provide you with honest, insightful, and practical real estate investment education.