Where Should I Invest? Real Estate Investing in Canada

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah and Kelly sat down with Carrie Soave, an AI strategist and real estate entrepreneur who’s helping investors adapt to the fast-changing tech landscape. Carrie shared how she transitioned from being a licensed agent to running a million-dollar company powered by AI, with a lean team and smart systems. She shared why AI isn’t just the future, it’s the present and how ignoring it could cost you your edge. They covered how tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are reshaping everything from marketing to lead gen, plus how Carrie helps business owners create their own custom GPTs and automations to streamline tasks and boost profit. If you’re overwhelmed by AI or not sure how to start, this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence to explore what’s possible. What You’ll Learn: Why AI is making many real estate tasks faster, cheaper, and smarter The tools and platforms Carrie recommends for investors and entrepreneurs How Carrie built an efficient AI-powered business with minimal overhead What to watch for in the future of fully autonomous AI agents Tips for getting started if you feel behind on tech How to future-proof your real estate business by adapting now Carrie Soave is a real estate entrepreneur and AI consultant who helps business owners and investors save time, reduce costs, and scale using artificial intelligence. She left traditional real estate behind and now builds custom AI tools, agents, and automations that make businesses more profitable and resilient. Carrie believes AI should be accessible and practical, not intimidating, and she teaches others how to embrace it, one tool at a time. Listen now at sarahlarbi.com/podcast-home If you’ve ever wondered how to use AI to grow your business, this is the episode that will get you started. Contact Carrie Soave here: Website: https://carriesoave.ca/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@carriesoave Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriesoaveandassociates/# LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-soave-35312862/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarrieSoaveRealtor TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carriesoaveandassociates This episode has been brought to you in part by: US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com Jamil Rahemtula – https://jamilrahemtula.com Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com The post Harnessing AI: Future-Proofing Real Estate Investing first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah and Kelly sat down with returning guest Marcin Drozdz to talk about what it really takes to scale in real estate through capital raising. Since his last appearance, Marcin has focused on expanding his portfolio, navigating market shifts, and doubling down on the high-income skill of raising capital. He shares what’s working right now when it comes to investor conversations, lead generation, and team building, and why it’s more important than ever to have systems in place as markets tighten. From scaling up to a nine-figure fund to managing relationships with high-net-worth investors, this episode is full of tactical insights and real-world experience. What You’ll Learn: Why capital raising is the number one skill real estate investors should master How to identify and package your “unfair advantage” to stand out to investors What’s happening in the U.S. market and how Canadian investors can play smart How Marcin structures his teams and builds trust with long-term partners The importance of high-income skills and investing in your own development Where new investors should start when it comes to scaling with confidence Marcin Drozdz is a capital-raising expert and strategist who has built a career around helping others grow their portfolios by mastering the skill of attracting investment capital. With experience spanning both Canadian and U.S. markets, Marcin focuses on multi-family properties, strategic partnerships, and creating scalable systems for real estate success. His work today includes launching a new fund to acquire distressed assets and helping other investors build their own investor networks. Listen now at sarahlarbi.com/podcast-home Ready to raise capital with confidence? This episode is your playbook. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start raising, grab your free copy of Unlimited Investor Leads Marcin’s guide to attracting the right capital the right way. Contact Marcin Drozdz here: Website: https://www.marcindrozdz.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therealmarcindrozdz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmarcindrozdz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcindrozdz/ This episode has been brought to you in part by: Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com Jamil Rahemtula – https://jamilrahemtula.com Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.comThe post From Dream to Reality: Capital Strategies for Real Estate in 2025 first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah and Kelly sat down with Nick Hill, a real estate investor, mortgage broker, and co-host of The Canadian Real Estate Investor podcast. They had a no-fluff conversation about what it takes to build wealth in today’s market. From launching multiple businesses to managing burnout, Nick shares how he’s navigating an uncertain economy while staying focused on growth. This episode goes beyond strategy. It’s about mindset, resilience, and learning how to pivot when the numbers or your energy aren’t adding up. What You’ll Learn: How Nick started investing and what he’d do differently now The truth about managing multiple income streams without burning out Behind the scenes of building a hit real estate podcast Time-blocking tips and staying consistent through chaos How to invest when prices are high and confidence is low Why community, curiosity, and clarity still matter Nick Hill is a real estate investor, mortgage broker, entrepreneur, and co-host of The Canadian Real Estate Investor podcast. With experience across real estate, finance, and media, Nick brings a fresh and grounded perspective on what it takes to succeed in Canada’s evolving market. He has built multiple businesses, interviewed the country’s top investors, and continues to help clients and listeners make smarter long-term investment decisions. New to investing or ready to scale? This one’s for you. Listen now: sarahlarbi.com/podcast-home Contact Nick Hill here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybuddynick/ Website: https://www.realist.ca/ and https://www.land-bank.ca/   This episode has been brought to you in part by: US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com Jamil Rahemtula – https://jamilrahemtula.com Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.comThe post Building a Resilient Business in a Volatile Economy first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

Thinking about expanding your portfolio across the border? In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah Larbi and Kelly Casimiro reconnect with Jamil Rahemtula, an investor-focused realtor and cross-border expert, who breaks down exactly how Canadians can enter the U.S. real estate market. From setting up the right entities to navigating financing and Section 8 housing, Jamil offers a clear, practical look at what’s possible when you invest strategically in markets like Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. He shares how to avoid the most common pitfalls, structure your deals properly, and find the sweet spot between cash flow, appreciation, and landlord-friendly laws. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why U.S. markets offer stronger cash flow opportunities than many parts of Canada How to structure your LLCs or partnerships for legal and tax efficiency What Section 8 is, how it works, and why it’s an underrated cash flow strategy The basics of U.S. financing for Canadians: DSCR loans, VTBs, and more How to overcome challenges like credit building, remote management, and finding local teams Why long-term value lies in diversification, not just location Jamil Rahemtula is a seasoned real estate investor and agent with hands-on experience investing in both Canada and the United States. He specializes in helping Canadians find profitable opportunities in U.S. markets and navigate the legal, logistical, and financial steps of cross-border investing. Jamil is passionate about education, transparency, and helping others build wealth through smart, strategic real estate moves. Contact Jamil Rahemtula here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JREALTYNETWORK/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamilrealty/ Website: https://jamilrahemtula.com/ This episode has been brought to you in part by: Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com Jamil Rahemtula – https://jamilrahemtula.com Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com The post Helping Canadian Real Estate Investors Understand US Entry and Section 8 first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah and Kelly sat down with Fritz Vilegas, a registered nurse, twin mom, and real estate investor whose story is rooted in resilience, purpose, and community. Originally from the Philippines, Fritz immigrated to Canada, worked multiple jobs to save her first down payment, and began a real estate journey that has grown across Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Alberta. Fritz’s path wasn’t easy especially during the pandemic when burnout led her to reevaluate everything. But with determination, education, and support from her wife and mentors, she’s built a portfolio that supports her values and her vision for the future. Today, she’s not just investing, she’s showing others how to do it too. What You’ll Learn: How Fritz started investing while working three jobs and helping her parents buy their first home Why burnout during the pandemic became a turning point in her investment strategy The mindset shifts required to invest remotely from Nunavut across multiple provinces How she transitioned from single-family homes to multifamily and joint venture deals Why helping other nurses invest in real estate became part of her mission The importance of mentorship, education, and community in growing your portfolio Fritz Vilegas is a full-time registered nurse, mother of twins, and real estate investor based in Nunavut, Canada. Since buying her first property in 2018 to support her family, she has built a portfolio spanning three provinces, with a focus on multifamily properties and JV partnerships. Today, she empowers other nurses and busy professionals to build wealth through real estate so they can reclaim their time and create lives of purpose, freedom, and balance on their own terms.Listen now at www.sarahlarbi.com/podcast-home Ready to build wealth while staying true to your values? Don’t miss this episode. Contact Fritz Vilegas here: Email: fritzvrei@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fritzvillegas/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fritzvill/ This episode has been brought to you in part by: Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com Jamil Rahemtula – https://jamilrahemtula.com Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com The post Real Estate Adventures From the Philippines to Nunavut first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

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

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

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

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

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