️Why Canadian Multifamily Real Estate Still Makes Sense in 2025 – Insights from Alfonso Cuadra
Recorded: October 2025
Guest:️ Alfonso Cuadra
Host: Erwin Szeto, The Truth About Real Estate Investing for Canadians Podcast
In a market clouded by uncertainty, rising interest rates, and inflation, Alfonso Cuadra—entrepreneur, educator, and founder of Wealth Genius—makes a compelling case for why Canadian multifamily real estate remains one of the most resilient and strategic investments in 2025.
On this week’s podcast, Alfonso shares his journey from teenage father to financially free investor by age 30. With over 26 years of experience and thousands of students mentored, Alfonso has built a portfolio that spans Canada and the U.S., focusing on scalable multifamily assets, commercial financing, and long-term wealth strategies.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
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Bigger Is Better in Real Estate
Alfonso explains why scaling up to larger multifamily properties reduces risk and increases cash flow. With more units, landlords can afford on-site staff and professional management, turning real estate into a business—not a job.
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Equity Over Expensive Debt
He warns against overleveraging with private loans and promissory notes, calling them “the lazy way to raise capital.” In contrast, Alfonso advocates for equity partnerships that share risk and reward, especially during market downturns.
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CMHC and MLI Select: Use Responsibly
CMHC’s MLI Select program may offer attractive leverage, but Alfonso urges investors to approach it with caution. He highlights the importance of preparing for renewal risks and meeting debt coverage ratio (DCR) requirements. To ensure long-term stability, he recommends sticking with a standard 40-year amortization
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Secondary Markets Are the Future
Alfonso’s strategy focuses on secondary markets within an hour of major cities like Toronto and Ottawa. As urban centers densify, these surrounding areas offer predictable growth and better affordability.
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Inflation Is Inevitable—Invest in Hard Assets
With Canada needing 5 million homes by 2030 and inflation eroding purchasing power, Alfonso sees multifamily real estate as the ultimate hedge. “Numbers don’t lie,” he says. “Multifamily just makes sense.”
🎧 Listen to the full episode here
Upcoming Event: Expand Investor Conference
Alfonso invites listeners to the Expand Investor Conference, happening October 31–November 2 in Mississauga. With over 50 presenters, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, it’s Canada’s hottest real estate event. I, Erwin Szeto will also be speaking at the event.
Learn more: https://wealthgenius.ai
Connect with Alfonso: https://instagram.com/alfonsocuadra
Watch his developments: Canadian Real Estate Channel on YouTube
Real Estate Investing in Canada: 2025 Q&A with Alfonso Cuadra
- Why does Alfonso Cuadra prefer multifamily over single-family investing?
Multifamily properties offer better cash flow, scalability, and risk distribution. With more units, landlords can afford professional management and avoid being hands-on. - What’s the biggest mistake new investors make?
Relying solely on property appreciation is speculation, not investing. Alfonso advises buying assets you’d be willing to hold for life. - Why is commercial financing better for scaling real estate?
Commercial mortgages focus on the asset’s performance, not personal income. This allows investors to scale even if they’re self-employed or have poor credit. - What is Alfonso’s strategy for choosing markets in Canada?
He targets secondary markets within an hour of major cities like Toronto or Ottawa. These areas are poised for growth and offer better affordability. - How does Alfonso view CMHC and MLI Select financing?
He uses MLI Select cautiously, warning that high leverage can backfire if debt coverage ratios aren’t met at renewal. Standard CMHC 40-year amortization is safer. - What’s Alfonso’s stance on promissory notes and private lending?
He strongly opposes unsecured loans like promissory notes, calling them risky and unsustainable. He prefers equity partnerships for long-term stability. - Why is inflation a key reason to invest in real estate?
Real estate is a hard asset that appreciates with inflation. Alfonso sees it as the best hedge against a weakening fiat currency system. - What kind of developments is Alfonso building in 2025?
He’s building stick-frame, 4–5 story multifamily buildings in secondary Ontario markets like Brockville and Arnprior. These are not subject to rent control. - What’s the Expand Investor Conference about?
It’s a 3-day event hosted by Wealth Genius, featuring 50+ presenters and breakout sessions. It focuses on optimizing portfolios and preparing for the global wealth transfer. - Where can people learn more or connect with Alfonso Cuadra?
Visit https://wealthgenius.ai or follow him on Instagram at https://instagram.com/alfonsocuadra. You can also find his developments on the Canadian Real Estate Channel on YouTube.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here
📜 Full Transcript
The full, cleaned transcript of my conversation with Alfonso is available here for anyone who wants to dive deeper into his journey as a real estate investor
To Listen:
On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3biCf3AJnKuvyMxVEnxuzj?si=2oIH0RkHTx6cBlJm1pC6vQ
Audible: https://www.audible.ca/pd/B0FWMB9H75?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp
YouTube: https://youtu.be/ceHJKGLbnEI
🦸♂️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?
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.
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