Where Should I Invest? Real Estate Investing in Canada

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah Larbi sits down with long-time real estate experts and tech innovators Maher Murshed and Voytek Mardula. While many of you know Voytek for their turnkey US property success, they are now leading the charge in the AI space with their new venture, Speak Nova. They discuss how AI is no longer just “ChatGPT” for writing emails—it’s now a sophisticated tool that can handle inbound calls, qualify leads, and book appointments without human intervention. In this episode, Sarah, Maher, and Voytek discuss: Beyond the Bot: The difference between basic chat text and sophisticated AI Voice Agents. Speed to Lead: Why answering the phone instantly is the #1 factor in conversion, and how AI ensures you never miss a call. The “Mundane” Replacement: How to free up your human staff to do high-level tasks by automating the FAQ and qualifying process. Implementing Speak Nova: How easy it is for a real estate business to “train” an AI on their own data. US Properties Update: A brief look at why Detroit remains a strong turnkey market for foreign nationals. To learn more about Speak Nova, visit: https://speaknova.com To learn more about US Properties, visit: https://usproperties.ca This episode has been brought to you in part by: Ryan DeLaurentis, Flip Savvy – Attend next week’s webinar https://flipsavvy.ca/webinar/ Ryan Carson, Carson Law – https://www.carsonlaw.ca/ or email ryan@carsonlaw.ca  The post Leveraging AI Voice Agents to Scale Your Real Estate Business first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah Larbi is joined by guest co-host Kelly Gong to interview Michal Wach, a real estate tax specialist who transitioned from a career in policing to helping investors navigate the complex world of Canadian taxes. Michal breaks down why “doing it yourself” is the fastest way to fall behind and why the CRA’s new tools mean transparency is no longer optional. In this episode, Sarah, Kelly, and Michal discuss: The “Invisible” Partner: Why the CRA is always a partner in your deals and how to manage that relationship. AI and the CRA: How technology is making it easier for the government to find discrepancies. The HST Monster: Understanding why HST is never “your money” and the dangers of neglecting it. Personal vs. Corporate: When is the right time to move from owning properties in your personal name to a corporate structure? The Power Team: Why having a bookkeeper and a tax-specialist accountant is non-negotiable for growth. Common Pitfalls: The biggest mistakes investors make during tax season and how to avoid them. Michal Wach is the founder of Wach Tax Services. After building his own real estate portfolio and serving as a police officer, he realized his true passion lay in the “detective work” of tax strategy. He now specializes in helping Canadian real estate investors keep more of what they earn through smart planning and meticulous bookkeeping. To learn more and access past episodes, visit: https://sarahlarbi.com/podcast-home Connect with Michal Wach: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wachtaxservices/ Website: https://wachtaxservices.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michal-wach-cpa-ca-2955a37/ This episode has been brought to you in part by: Ryan DeLaurentis, Flip Savvy – flipsavvy.ca/webinar/ Matt Pickering, National Bank matthew.pickering@nbc.caDo you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com The post Real Estate Taxes, AI Audits, and Staying Ahead of the CRA first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah Larbi welcomes back Kasey Wong to discuss what it really takes to build long-term financial freedom through Canadian real estate. Kasey shares how being let go early in his career pushed him to pursue secure, income-producing real estate, starting with a Toronto triplex in 2003. Years later, real estate gave him the leverage to walk away from his final job on his own terms. Together, Sarah and Kasey unpack: Why “generational wealth” is really about passing down education and experience Why 5–10 years is a realistic timeline for financial freedom The dangers of coaches promising 1–2 year exits Why multifamily and student housing remain reliable long-term plays How to test rent demand using “ghost ads” The reality of 30–35% down payments for larger multifamily deals Cash-for-keys debate Tenant horror stories and the mental staying power required in this business Kasey Wong is a Canadian real estate investor specializing in multifamily and student housing properties. After starting with a Toronto triplex in 2003, he built long-term income-producing assets that eventually allowed him to leave traditional employment behind. Kasey focuses on practical, conservative investing strategies and has recently returned to coaching and sharing real estate analysis via social media. This is an honest conversation about building freedom the right way without hype.To learn more and access past episodes, visit: https://sarahlarbi.com/podcast-home Contact Kasey Wong here: Website: https://cacoeli.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kasey_wong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kasey_wong_apartments/ This episode has been brought to you in part by: Ryan DeLaurentis, Flip Savvy – https://flipsavvy.ca/ Ryan Carson, Carson Law – https://www.carsonlaw.ca/ or email ryan@carsonlaw.ca Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages https://streetwisemortgages.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 A Honest Conversation About Building Financial Freedom the Right Way first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah Larbi sits down with registered psychotherapist Samir Boulazreg to explore the mental and emotional side of entrepreneurship, investing, and high performance. They unpack how anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and burnout quietly impact ambitious professionals and why waiting for the “perfect time” often keeps people stuck. Samir shares practical frameworks around mindfulness, movement, nutrition, and therapy, and explains why mental health work isn’t about “fixing yourself,” but about building awareness and resilience over time. This conversation is especially relevant for entrepreneurs, investors, and high achievers who are building toward financial freedom but struggling to stay present along the way. What You’ll Learn: Why most people live in the past and how it fuels anxiety How depression creates a negative feedback loop (and how to interrupt it) Why starting imperfectly beats waiting for the perfect plan The real difference between psychotherapy and life coaching How mindfulness helps regulate high-achieving personalities Why men and first responders often avoid therapy and why that’s changing How movement and routine support long-term mental resilience Samir Boulazreg is a registered psychotherapist who works with entrepreneurs, high performers, and first responders. His approach blends evidence-based therapy with practical strategies around mindset, behaviour, and well-being. Samir specializes in helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout while building meaningful and sustainable lives. Listen here: https://sarahlarbi.com/podcast-home Contact Samir Boulazreg here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samir-boulazreg-001695330/ Website: https://mypsychology.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypsychology.ca/ This episode has been brought to you in part by: Ryan DeLaurentis, Flip Savvy – https://flipsavvy.ca/ Ryan Carson, Carson Law – https://www.carsonlaw.ca/ or email ryan@carsonlaw.ca Matt Pickering, National Bank matthew.pickering@nbc.ca 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 Embracing Wellness: Anxiety & Stress Management for Entrepreneurs first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah Larbi sits down with Kayla Andrade, a landlord advocate and long-time Ontario real estate investor, to unpack what’s really happening in Ontario’s rental market. Kayla shares her journey from landlord to advocate, the regulatory pressures pushing landlords out of the market, and why many investors are reconsidering long-term rental strategies altogether. They dive into Bill 60, municipal licensing fees, tenant-landlord dynamics, and the growing importance of landlord communities and advocacy. This episode offers a grounded, firsthand look at how policy decisions are reshaping the rental landscape and what landlords need to understand to survive and adapt. What You’ll Learn Why landlord–tenant relationships are becoming more strained How Bill 60 impacts evictions, rent reporting, and landlord rights Why some landlords are selling or converting rental properties The risks of over-regulation in Ontario’s rental market How tenant behaviour and loopholes affect small landlords Why landlord advocacy and community support matter more than ever What investors should watch for over the next 12–24 months Kayla Andrade is an Ontario-based landlord advocate and real estate investor. She is the founder of the Ontario Landlords Watch community and has become a leading voice for landlords navigating Ontario’s evolving regulatory environment. Kayla works closely with municipal and provincial leaders to push for balanced housing policy and practical reform. Listen now at https://sarahlarbi.com/podcast-home/ Contact Kayla Andrade here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylaandradeolw/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-andrade-b4855648/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kayla.Andrade.olw/ Websites: https://ontariolandlordswatch.com/, https://landlordcreditbureau.ca/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ontariolandlordswatch X: https://x.com/OLWLandlords This episode has been brought to you in part by: Ryan DeLaurentis, Flip Savvy – https://flipsavvy.ca/podcast/ Ryan Carson, Carson Law – https://www.carsonlaw.ca/ or email ryan@carsonlaw.ca Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages https://streetwisemortgages.com/ or email dbarsoum@streetwisemortgages.com 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 Bill 60 and Beyond: A Guide for Ontario Landlords first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

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

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

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

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

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