Tom Karadza – From Zero to Profit 500 REI Business

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This week, we have a very special guest in Tom Karadza (https://twitter.com/tomkaradza), co-founder and co-owner on Rock Star Real Estate, a two time Profit 500 company, which makes Rock Star one of the 500 fastest growing companies in Canada. Rock Star manages a membership of over 800 investors called the Rock Star Inner Circle and you can learn more about it on their website www.rockstarinnercircle.com.

Even though Rock Star members invest in every real estate strategy imaginable, they are best known for rent-to-own, having members transacted on 1,800 – 2,000 rent-to-owns to date. If anyone out there has done more in Canada, kindly let me know because I don’t think any other group or company comes close.

During this interview we talk about the day Tom was yelled at in front of his co-workers for missing a sales target which was the catalyst for Tom to change paths and begin his and brother Nick’s journey to starting Rock Star Real Estate.

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We talk about the investment of Tom’s money, time, but more importantly, the sacrifices of family time and health to take the business where it is and shares his lessons learned. We talk about rent to own as a strategy, how it works, which markets the strategy is best for, what makes certain investors successful or not so.

For fans of gold and silver, like myself, Tom gives his recommendations on why gold and how much we should own.

We could have gone on for hours, so if you listeners enjoy this episode please let me know! preferably leave a review on whichever platform you are using to listen e.g. on iTunes (I read it all) or simply email me. Anyways, without further ado, I present to you Tom Karadza

Podcast available here:

Google Play: http://goo.gl/CAM5Mn
On iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/truth-about-real-estate-investing…/id1100488294
On Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=87335&refid=stpr

Download as an MP3 by right clicking here and choosing “save as”

Thanks for listening! Till next time!

How to Develop Land with Charles Wah

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Charles Wah was born and raised in Hamilton where he invests in many forms of real estate, from rent to own, long term hold, a commercial building and, for the topic of today’s discussion, land development where they have two proposed developments for a total of 150 townhouses.  Charles is a full time entrepreneur and co-founder of the Gateway Group, his real estate and development company.

Charles was a finalist for Canadian Real Estate Wealth Magazine’s newcomer of the year, he is a proud member of the Real Estate Investment Network, a Rock Star VIP member, Hamilton-Halton Builders’ Association, and Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. Charles is always looking to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs to network and raise each other up.

In his personal life, Charles is a sports fanatic, especially soccer. We’re actually attending Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference Final tonight to cheer on the Toronto Football Club and depending on when you’re listening to this, hopefully we won! So without further ado, I give you Land Developer, Charles Wah.

Podcast available here:

Google Play: http://goo.gl/CAM5Mn
On iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/truth-about-real-estate-investing…/id1100488294
On Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=87335&refid=stpr

Download as an MP3 by right clicking here and choosing “save as”

In this episode we discuss:

  • The family real estate business
  • Why Canada over Malaysia, I heard the beaches there are lovely
  • The decision to go full time real estate entrepreneur
  • Feedback on the different networks he belongs to: REIN, Rock Star, etc…
  • Why focus on land development?
  • Financing land acquisition
  • What’s a vendor take back mortgage?
  • Starting out
  • Target return on investment
  • Stage of land development
  • What to look for in a parcel of land
    • Location (transit, infrastructure, schools, shopping, other amenities, is the surrounding area mature or being developed?, etc)
    • Is the surrounding area mature or being developed?
    • Are there subdivisions in the area? If so, are they single family houses, townhouses, etc?
    • Sources of noise (commercial, industrial, road, highway, etc
    • Access to a highway
    • Lot size and layout (square, rectangle, pie shape, irregular, etc)
    • Lot grading (flat, sloped, etc) including any topographical constraints (e.g. steep slopes)
    • Zoning
    • Designation under the municipality's Official Plan (may differ from zoning)
    • What density is allowed in the current zoning and designation? What is the existing density in the surrounding area? Does your proposal fit the character of the neighbourhood?
    • Are there any environmentally sensitive features such as woodland, watercourses, etc? If so, are they regulated by any
    • local conservation authorities? What setbacks will be required from these features and how much of the property can be developed?
    • Are there municipal services (sanitary and water) available at the street?
    • Are there any existing buildings? If so, can they be rented out to mitigate costs in the short term? Are the buildings on septic or sewers, well water or municipal water? Are there any heritage designations?
    • Is the property on a major road or side road?
    • History of the site
    • Any possibilities of contamination in the soil?
  • Costs for development
    • Land Acquisition
    • Development Soft Costs and Professional Fees
      • Legal
      • Planner
      • Architectural
      • Landscape Architect
      • Traffic
      • Environmental
      • Geotechnical/Soil Tests
      • Noise/Vibration
      • Stormwater Management
      • Archaeological
      • Marketing
      • Financial Consultants
      • Engineering
      • Surveying
    • Servicing Costs (i.e. Hard Costs)
      • Demolition
      • Tree Removal
      • Silt Fencing
      • Signage
      • Earthworks
      • Miscellaneous Site Works
      • Stripping/Grading
      • Fill Requirement
      • Hydro
      • Street Lighting
      • Road Works
      • Sanitary
      • Water
      • Stormwater
      • Lots/Street Trees
      • Landscaping
      • Entry Features
      • Retaining Walls
      • Fencing
      • Parks
    • Municipal Costs
      • Application Fees
      • Engineering Fees
      • Utility Fees
      • City Development Charges
      • Regional Development Charges
      • Park Levies
      • Special Area Levies
      • Credits/Recoveries
      • Local Improvement Charges
    • Finance Costs
  • Skills a developer needs
  • Tools and resources
    • Google Earth Pro
    • Hamilton Maps (http://map.hamilton.ca/)
      • City Of Hamilton’s online interactive mapping tool which contains lots of useful information. For example, not only can you see zoning but you can also view infrastructure on the map such as sanitary and water to see if the land is serviced.
    • MPAC (https://www.aboutmyproperty.ca/)
  • Advise for novices

From Refugee to Real Estate Land Developer

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You can read Tahani’s bio here: http://www.tahani.ca/about.aspx

How I like to introduce Tahani, is that she is living large. A super successful real estate investor who started out buying new construction, has owned 39 properties, and now constructs her own properties – including a 48 town houses project. But she comes from the humblest beginnings having lived her early life in a Jordanian refugee camp. She married at the age of 15 to a stranger and immigrated to a country she’d never heard of where we speak a language she did not know. Tahani’s story of determination and entrepreneurial spirit inspires me. I knew I had to share it with all of you.

My apologies if I sound off and you can hear my coughing, as I’m getting over a cold, but I couldn’t delay this interview because Tahani is in serious demand as an international speaker, author, business owner, investor, mother, etc…

In this episode we discuss:

  • What Tahani is all about
  • The major life changing event of getting married… at the age of 15
  • Getting started in real estate
  • Focusing on real estate investments
  • Starting a business at a young age
  • How regular realtors and investors clash
  • Financing land development with all CASH
  • Contractor challenges
  • Sourcing deals for land development and developing those key relationships
  • The moment Tahani decided to learn everything there is about investing then to teach anyone who wanted to know. Her belief in abundance.
  • Investor agent certification: http://www.savvyinvestoragent.com/
  • What to look for and why hire an Investor Savvy Realtor
  • Tahani’s book for beginner and intermediate investors: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B006ISI2OO/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
  • Email info@tahani.ca to connect
  • Tips for raising successful, empowered children

Podcast available here:

Google Play: http://goo.gl/CAM5Mn
On iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/truth-about-real-estate-investing…/id1100488294
On Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=87335&refid=stpr

Download as an MP3 by right clicking here and choosing “save as”

Lessons from Managing Thousands of Tenants

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Diane is possibly the most highly rated Property Manager that I personally know.  Diane operates a highly successful property management company in Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge and every referral I’ve ever sent her has glowing feedback.  Each year, her company manages over 600-700 tenants across student rentals, apartment buildings, small multi-family, rent-to-own, and single family homes. It also helps that Diane is a practicing Paralegal who takes tenants to court when needed. She can practically recite the entire Landlord Tenant Act so tenants know not to question her authority.

In this episode we discuss:

  • The truth about appearances on social media
  • Diane’s most recent acquisition and the numbers
  • Who shouldn’t invest in real estate
  • How to spot bed bugs
  • How to avoid getting fleas on you
  • Ideal neighbourhoods in Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge
  • What happens to a market when rental licensing is introduced
  • Tips on managing tenants
  • Type of property for maximum appreciation
  • Ease of permitting basement suiting between different towns
  • Are student condos good investments?
  • Advice on choosing locations for student rental properties
  • Dealing with asbestos in your building

If you would like to reach out to Diane, here is her email: acso@rogers.com and website: http://www.thehome4u.ca/

Podcast available here:

Google Play: http://goo.gl/CAM5Mn
On itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/truth-about-real-estate-investing…/id1100488294
On Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=87335&refid=stpr

Download as an MP3 by right clicking here and choosing “save as”

Starting Early, Investing at the Young age of 26 with Evelyn Lamarsh

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Evelyn began her real estate investing journey at age 26. She bought two rentals then bought a house for herself. She didn’t get to live there very long, because her neighbour, Mike, fell in love with the Girl Next Door and they were married in no time!  She made the big move next door and her house became another rental. Evelyn and Mike keep collecting homes and make time for cycling, canoeing and chilling in their boat. Evelyn is an Occupational Therapist and Mike’s Executive Assistant. Mike is an Auto Mechanic and Evelyn’s personal Mr. Fix-It. One day, Mike will own his dream sports car and he’s willing to share it 50/50… Evelyn will get the passenger seat!

Podcast available here:

Google Play: http://goo.gl/CAM5Mn
On itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/truth-about-real-estate-investing…/id1100488294
On Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=87335&refid=stpr

Or direct:

Download as an MP# by right clicking here and choosing “save as”

In this episode we discuss:

  • How it all started
  • Investing in an affordable area near a future Go Train station
  • Why she invests
  • The decision to invest in student rentals
  • Her worst moments as an investor
  • Marrying the perfect investment partner
  • Turning cash flow into a boat
  • Refinancing one house to buy another
  • Evelyn’s favourite real estate authors and networking groups

Immigrating and Investing in Canada with Christopher Tan

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Welcome to this week’s episode of the Truth About Real Estate Investing for Canadians where it is my pleasure to deliver to you lessons and stories of inspiration to assist you in your journey to financial freedom. This week we have Rock Star investor Chris Tan who was born in the Philippines, moved to Canada in 2010 with little money, yet he bought his first investment property before his 2nd anniversary of immigrating to Canada. Chris and his wife, Alou, even bought their 2nd investment property before buying a home or a car for themselves.

No car? Then how did he get from his home in Mississauga, ON to Kitchener, ON? Chris and his wife would rent a car for each trip to view properties in Kitchener, ON.  After closing on the house, Chris and his wife would rent a car to clean the property and sleep over in the vacant house for tenant showings the next day. They did this each week for a few months as the house did not rent right away and they did it again when they bought their 2nd investment property.  At no time did they ever complain. No one even knew they didn’t own a car until Chris asked Mike, his Rock Star coach, advice about buying his first car.

I’m inspired by Chris and Alou’s story because they had every excuse in the world to not try to get ahead in life through investing in real estate. They just arrived in Canada, they didn’t own their home or a car, yet they got things done. No complaints, no excuses, just get it done.

I am honoured and humbled to share their story with you.

In this episode we discuss:

  • Searching for the right real estate training
  • A reminder how lucky we are to be Canadians
  • Lessons from multi-level marketing
  • Close to $1,000 in car rental fees as part of Chris’ investing
  • The Marshmallow Test: delayed satisfaction
  • Chris’ worst case scenario
  • Rent to own investing in Kitchener, Ontario
  • The importance of one-on-one Coaching with Coach Mike Desormeaux (Mike@rockstarbrokerage.com) and how it made all the difference
  • Advice for those just starting out

If you’d like to reach out to Chris, here’s his email catanrto (at) gmail.com

Podcast available here:

On itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/truth-about-real-estate-investing…/id1100488294
On Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=87335&refid=stpr

Or direct:

Download as an MP3 by right clicking here and choosing “save as”

 

The Blueprint of Apartment Building Investing with Pierre Paul Turgeon

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When I first started planning to produce a podcast, I had targeted Pierre-Paul Turgeon because he is a tremendous educator and his experience and background is like no other apartment building investor that I know. I first saw Pierre speak at the real estate investment network many years ago while he still worked at CMHC, who insures mortgages on apartment buildings, and I am in awe of how he left his cushy government job and has grown his portfolio to 160 doors valued in excess of $22 million dollars. Pierre is a busy guy so we’re really lucky to have him on the show as he’s in the middle of acquiring more buildings thanks to the several millions of dollars of capital he has attracted.

Something of note since the interview – Pierre mentioned he has more than usual vacancies due to the down turn of oil prices and, since this interview, Fort McMurray has been decimated by forest fires. So, what does a super awesome guy like Pierre-Paul do?  He’s offering his apartments to displaced families for at least the next two months for FREE.  That’s worth thousands and thousands of dollars so next time you hear someone ragging on greedy landlords, remember there are great people out there like Pierre-Paul.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Pierre-Paul’s work experience at CMHC – Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation
  • Alberta’s downtown and planning for down turns
  • Being unhappy at work, planning to leave the J-O-B and transitioning into becoming a full time investor
  • The plan to leave the J-O-B
  • The various risks factors when investing: utilities, market, valuation, borrower, building risks
  • Lessons for novices
  • The importance of confidence
  • Going above and beyond to ensure minimal vacancy
  • Tips on how to source deals on apartment buildings
  • When Pierre-Paul feels oil prices will go back up

Podcast available here, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode:

On itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/truth-about-real-estate-investing…/id1100488294
On Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=87335&refid=stpr

or Direct

Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as”

If you would like Pierre-Paul’s free ebook, head to his website: http://www.multifamilyblueprint.com/ and sign up!! For those who do sign up, you will also receive notification of when Pierre is offering his training course and if you are serious about being a professional on the level of Pierre, I recommend that you do.

His Email: info@multifamilyblueprint.com

Check out the success of our mutual friend Kevin Gatchalian, Hamilton investor and now Edmonton apartment building owner thanks to Pierre Paul’s help: http://blog.reincanada.com/2015-multi-family-investor-of-the-year

From $140k in Credit Card Debt to 34 Properties

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For this week’s episode we have Police Constable, Jules Mckenzie, successful real estate entrepreneur in the Barrie/Orillia area of Ontario. Jules has held an interest in 50 separate real estate properties and is the operations manager in over 12 joint venture partnerships

The truth about Jules’ rise to success as an investor is that back in 2001 he took some unsophisticated real estate investing courses not specific to Canada. Jules was taught to call his creditors to extend lines of credit and apply for more credit card capacity to be used to finance down payments and renovations on run down rental properties. Unfortunately, the strategy did not work out and Jules had accumulated over $140,000 in expensive credit card and line of credit debt.

How did he climb out of this hole to become an ultra-successful investor? Have a listen to this week’s episode titled, the Jules of Real Estate Investing. Without further ado, I introduce to you, Jules Mckenzie.

 

Podcast available here:

On itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/truth-about-real-estate-investing…/id1100488294
On Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=87335&refid=stpr

or direct:

Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as”

If you would like to reach out to Jules, you can do so here:

Web: http://www.mckenzieproperties.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jules.mckenzie.50/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjulesmckenzie

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julesmckenzie

 

Happy real estate investing everyone!

Transitioning into Full Time Real Estate

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For this week’s episode of the Truth About Real Estate Podcast, we turn the tables as the Vice President of REIN (Real Estate Investment Network), Russell Westcott interviews me as part of REIN’s series on success stories in hopes of inspiring new investors, letting them know what’s on the other side of hard work and time in the market.

Here’s a link to the full post and interview

In this interview, you will learn:

  • What Erwin considers to be the biggest obstacle in his investing career
  • How he plans to support his kids in all of their future endeavors through real estate
  • How he uses his network of clients to provide the best and most knowledgeable service possible
  • And more!

Podcast available here:

On itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/truth-about-real-estate-investing…/id1100488294
On Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=87335&refid=stpr

Or direct:

Download as an MP# by right clicking here and choosing “save as”

PS: If you are just starting out investing, start by spending more time with like minded people and take guided tour of Hamilton by joining us for the next Mr. Hamilton Inner Circle by clicking here!!!

Rags to Flipping Riches

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Ruben Furtado brings a new perspective to real estate investing like no other. With over 20 years experience in successful real estate investing, he has leverage his unique strategies to set new highs in sale prices and has helped many of his clients meet and exceed their real estate goals.

Prior to becoming a Realtor, he bought and sold a large number of properties for himself and with clients. Check out Ruben’s Instagram account here: https://www.instagram.com/thefurtadogroup/ to see a few of his projects.

Starting out as the child of Portuguese immigrants, from the age of 12, Ruben was able to identify quality investment properties and was hooked on real estate both for lifestyle and wealth creation.  Check out the home Ruben built for his family, Toronto Life article here: http://torontolife.com/real-estate/house-of-the-week-44-belvedere-drive/ and live, action video here: https://vimeo.com/44799732

44 Belvedere, Oakville, Ontario from Birdhousemedia.ca on Vimeo.

When the house got too big for the family, Ruben masterfully sold the property when the other area experts thought he was asking a MILLION dollars too much. He successfully set new records for the South Oakville, Ontario market and walked away with a capital gain in the seven figures. Ruben now provides his services as a Realtor and consultant to investors who want to do the same.

Have a listen to our latest episode where Ruben shares his story of success, the time he almost walked away from it all, tips to avoid failure, and top tips when flipping or selling properties.

Podcast available here:

On itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/truth-about-real-estate-investing…/id1100488294
On Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=87335&refid=stpr

or direct:

Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as”

If you would like to reach out to Ruben, here’s how you can:

Web: http://www.rubenfurtado.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefurtadogroup/

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RubenFurtadoGroup/

Thanks for reading (and listening!) and happy real estate investing everyone!