Where Should I Invest? Real Estate Investing in Canada

What if your next investment wasn’t in your backyard but across the border? In this episode of Where Should I Invest, I sit down with James Lloyd and Voytek Mardula from USProperties.ca to talk about why Detroit is becoming one of the most attractive markets for Canadian investors. I recently bought a property through them, and share my own experience from why I chose Detroit to how the numbers made sense. We dig into Section 8 rentals, Airbnb strategy, cross-border financing, and how Canadians can start building wealth in the U.S. without the overwhelm. Whether you’re just starting to explore U.S. investing or you’ve been sitting on the fence, this episode breaks it all down clearly and honestly. What You’ll Learn: Why Detroit is still undervalued and packed with investor opportunity What’s really going on with Section 8 housing, and what to watch for The full turnkey process with USProperties.ca: from acquisition to management Why short-term rentals in Detroit are outperforming expectations How James and Voytek manage over 600 doors (including 20+ Airbnbs) What Canadians need to know about financing, structure, and legal setup The step-by-step process I went through and how to start your own James Lloyd is the Canadian Sales Manager at USProperties.ca. With 18+ years in hospitality and sales, he guides Canadian investors through every step of buying in the U.S., from financing and legal setup to long-term portfolio growth. Known for his hands-on support and no-fluff approach, James helps remove the overwhelm and make cross-border investing approachable. Voytek Mardula is a lifelong entrepreneur and real estate investor with over 13 years of experience managing and renovating rental properties in both the U.S. and Canada. As the operations lead at USProperties.ca, he oversees the renovation, management, and scaling of over 300 doors in the Detroit area and has built a strong reputation for delivering reliable turnkey results. Together, they’ve helped hundreds of Canadians invest in Detroit and scale profitable U.S. portfolios with ease. Listen now at https://www.sarahlarbi.com/podcast-homeAnd don’t miss our FREE live webinar on June 10 at 7 PM EST, where we’ll walk through Detroit deals, numbers, and strategies. Sign up at https://sarahlarbi.com/latest-events/ Contact James Lloyd here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-37898b44 Contact Voytek Mardula here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/voytek-mardula-04b28824Website: https://www.usproperties.ca/ 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 Cash Flow and Scalability with US Property Investments first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

Fernando Nunes, a seasoned business development coach and real estate investor, shares his transformative journey from Ontario rentals to investing in U.S. self-storage and boutique hotels in Portugal. He reveals how adopting a lifestyle-first approach can lead to greater freedom and fulfillment. Topics include the benefits of lower costs of living abroad, strategies for building trusted teams in foreign markets, and the importance of simplifying financial goals. With insights on Portugal's real estate market, he emphasizes how to design life by prioritizing experiences over material accumulation.

Curious about hotel investing but not sure where to start? In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Kelly and I are joined by hotel investor and entrepreneur Sujay Mehta, founder of Bloom Ventures. Sujay shares how he went from exploring a development opportunity in his community to building a growing portfolio of branded hotel properties across the U.S., including partnerships with industry leaders like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt. We get real about what makes hotels different from other real estate strategies, how to spot a great deal, and why even small changes in hotel operations can add up to massive cash flow improvements. If you’ve ever looked at hotels and thought “too big,” “too complicated,” or “too far off,” Sujay breaks down exactly how it’s possible to get started even with limited capital or no prior experience. This one’s packed with practical insights, mindset shifts, and clear advice you can take action on today. Whether you’re looking to pivot from residential investing or explore new verticals, this is a must-listen masterclass. What You’ll Learn: How hotel investing compares to multifamily and where the cash flow differences really are How Sujay bought his first 75-room hotel using an SBA loan and a friends-and-family raise Tips for finding hotel deals (including off-market strategies) The biggest profit opportunities in hotel operations, down to the bagels What it means to truly “own a business within a building” The mindset and work ethic required to build a hotel portfolio from the ground up How beginners can start small with Airbnbs, capital partners, or boutique properties Sujay Mehta is a hotel investor, entrepreneur, and founder of Bloom Ventures. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Sujay has acquired and developed over a dozen hotels, working with global brands like Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott. Known for his hands-on approach and ability to create cash flow through operational excellence, Sujay also supports other investors through coaching, angel investing, with the Hotel Investor Academy. His deep focus on long-term value, transparency with partners, and no-nonsense work ethic has made him a respected voice in both real estate and entrepreneurship. This episode is your roadmap to entering one of real estate’s most misunderstood but most profitable asset classes. Listen now and share this episode with anyone who’s ready to think bigger in their investing journey. Contact Sujay Mehta here: Website:  https://bloom.ventures Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sujmehta/ Hotel Investor Academy: https://community.boutiquehotelacademy.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.comThe post The Strategic Shift: Why Choose Hotel Investing Over Multifamily first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

Looking to sharpen your marketing skills as a real estate investor? In this episode of Where Should I Invest, we sit down with marketing coach and entrepreneur Jean-Claude “JC” Nasr, who shares powerful insights that can help you stand out and attract the right clients even if you’re juggling a full-time job. JC keep things practical and down-to-earth in a conversation about building a smart and effective marketing strategy in today’s digital world. He breaks down how to truly understand your audience, create content that connects, and make social media work for you without burning out. If you’ve ever struggled with how to get noticed or wondered where to start with marketing, this episode has what you need. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your business, tune in for advice you can actually apply right now. Hit play, and let’s take your real estate investing journey to the next level with a marketing plan that finally makes sense. What You’ll Learn: Understanding Marketing Basics: JC emphasizes that most small business owners lack a fundamental understanding of marketing, which can lead to costly mistakes. He advocates for business owners to learn marketing principles themselves before hiring professionals. Solve a Problem: The key to effective marketing is to focus on solving a problem for your audience. JC shares that content should be centered around providing value and addressing the needs of potential clients. Two Essential Formulas: JC introduces two formulas for success: “Money follows attention” and “Attention is created by value.” He explains how these concepts can guide content creation and marketing strategies. Utilizing VAs Effectively: JC discusses the importance of hiring virtual assistants (VAs) to handle marketing tasks, allowing business owners to focus on high-value activities. He provides insights on how to delegate effectively. Free Marketing Tools: The episode highlights the power of free platforms like social media for marketing. JC encourages listeners to leverage these tools to build their brand and connect with their audience without incurring high costs. Jean Claude Nasr, known as JC on social media, is a dynamic marketing coach and entrepreneur based in Ottawa, Canada. With over five years of experience in the marketing industry, JC has dedicated his career to helping small and medium business owners understand and master the art of marketing. He is the founder of Revelation Marketing and Revelation Marcademy, where he empowers clients to enhance their social media presence and develop effective marketing strategies. JC’s journey began with a formal education in marketing, leading him to work in a marketing agency where he honed his skills in sales and post-production. His passion for helping others succeed is evident in his hands-on approach, guiding clients through the complexities of marketing while emphasizing the importance of problem-solving and value creation. As a sought-after speaker and trainer, JC shares his expertise through engaging workshops and online courses, focusing on practical strategies that yield results. He believes that every business owner can become their own marketer, and he equips them with the tools and knowledge to do so effectively. In addition to his coaching, JC is also launching an innovative app and has authored a book aimed at further supporting entrepreneurs in their marketing endeavours. His charismatic personality and no-nonsense approach make him a relatable and inspiring figure in the world of marketing. Connect with JC to learn how to elevate your marketing game and drive your business forward! Contact JC Nasr here: Website https://revelationmarketing.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/jeanclaudenasr_marketingcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-claude-nasr/ https://www.facebook.com/jeanclaude.nasr.31/ 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 Check out Sarah’s online coaching programs https://sarahlarbi.com/online-programs/ The post Attention Getting Social Media Strategies for Real Estate Entrepreneurs first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

In this engaging conversation, Liz Lamond, a visionary real estate developer and insurance strategist, reveals how whole life insurance can revolutionize wealth-building strategies for investors. She explains the concept of infinite banking and how to leverage cash value for real estate investments. Liz emphasizes creating generational wealth, particularly for kids, inspired by her book 'Child Millionaire.' Discover how policy loans can provide financial freedom and the added tax advantages of corporately owned life insurance policies.

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, I’m thrilled to introduce my new co-host, Kelly Casimiro! Kelly’s journey is incredible. She went from having zero real estate experience to building a thriving midterm rental business, all while managing a full-time job and family life. And now? She’s thinking even bigger with her eyes set on hotel ownership in 2025. From mindset to tough tenant lessons to bold hospitality goals, Kelly shares how she’s turning vision into freedom and why I’m so excited to have her join me on the show. Let’s dive in! In this episode, you will be able to learn about: How Kelly went from zero real estate experience to building a midterm rental business while working full-time and raising a family The mindset, routines, and time management strategies that help her juggle it all, including time-blocking and using a virtual assistant A behind-the-scenes look at a tough tenant situation that shifted her entire investment strategy Why she’s pivoting from managing multiple rentals to pursuing hotel ownership in 2025 and how she plans to make it happen The role of mentorship, continuous learning, and infinite banking in building long-term financial freedom Kelly Casimiro is a real estate investor, midterm rental host, and full-time working mom who’s on a mission to design a life of freedom and purpose. With no prior background in real estate, Kelly entered the investing world through sheer grit, mindset work, and strategic action, quickly building a successful midterm rental portfolio while balancing a demanding job and family life. Her journey is proof that you don’t need to “have it all figured out” to start. Through time-blocking, systems, and smart delegation, Kelly has mastered the art of doing more with less and she’s not stopping anytime soon. Her latest goal? Acquire and revitalize a hotel in 2025. Kelly is passionate about hospitality, financial literacy, and creating experiences that go beyond four walls. She’s a powerful example of what’s possible when you combine vision, structure, and the willingness to pivot. As the new co-host of Where Should I Invest, Kelly brings fresh perspective, practical insights, and real talk to every conversation. Contact Kelly Casimiro here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly_casimiro/ Website: https://cazerhomes.holidayfuture.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-casimiro/ 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 at www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com Check out my online coaching programs: https://sarahlarbi.com/online-programs/ The post Finding Real Estate Investing Success As a Full-Time Working Mom first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

In this special election edition of Where Should I Invest, Sarah Larbi welcomes back Darren Cabral to unpack the key housing, energy, and economic policies from the Liberal and Conservative parties ahead of Canada’s April 28th election. Known for his no-nonsense, entrepreneurial lens, Darren breaks down what each platform means for real estate investors, entrepreneurs, and the future of Canada’s economy. Key Talking Points / Episode Highlights: Breakdown of Liberal vs. Conservative housing policies Why red tape is halting housing development in Canada The Liberal plan for a Crown housing corporation vs. Conservative municipal incentives Federal building conversions for housing under Conservative plans Tax reform and the proposed Canadian version of a 1031 exchange Diverging energy policies – pipelines, refining, and Canada’s natural resources World Economic Forum (WEF) influence and its implications on national policy Mainstream media funding and concerns over bias The Trump–Carney connection and U.S.–Canada relations Strategic voting, minority vs. majority governments, and how the seat system impacts outcomes In this episode, you will learn about: The practical impact of housing proposals from both major parties How investor-friendly the Conservative policies really are What the Liberal Crown housing corporation means for development How Conservative tax deferrals could impact your real estate strategy Why federal building conversions could unlock new affordable housing opportunities The risks of heavy WEF influence on Canadian policy How the media may be skewed due to government funding What a minority government could mean for policy implementation How U.S. elections and endorsements may influence Canada Tips for early voting and why your vote matters more than ever Darren Cabral is a seasoned entrepreneur and real estate investor with deep expertise in residential and commercial property development across Ontario. From building one of Simcoe County’s most active house flipping businesses to engaging in large-scale entitlement and retail projects, Darren brings firsthand insights into the intersection of business and policy. A repeat guest on Where Should I Invest, he offers a passionate and unfiltered take on housing, taxation, and the role of government in Canada’s future. Darren is also a vocal advocate for cutting through media noise and encouraging voters to do their own research. Don’t miss your chance to shape Canada’s future, make a plan to vote before or on April 28th. Connect with Darren Website – https://www.cabralrealestate.ca/ E-mail – Darren@CabralRealEstate.ca Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/darrencabral/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-cabral/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/darrencabralrealestate/The post What Real Estate Investors Need to Know About The Federal Election first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

If you think you need a ton of cash and perfect credit to get started in real estate, think again! In this episode of Where Should I Invest, I’m joined by Donny Wong, a powerhouse investor and property manager who transformed his life from having zero money and terrible credit to thriving in the world of short-term and midterm rentals. Join me and co-host Kelly Casimiro as we dive into Donny’s journey, his unique rental arbitrage strategies, and how he built a profitable business without hefty upfront costs. Donny’s passion for helping others build wealth through creative real estate strategies is infectious. Whether you’re new to investing or looking to expand your portfolio, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you succeed in any market! Tune in now and take your investment strategy to the next level! What You’ll Learn: Rental Arbitrage Mastery: How Donny leases properties and sublets them on Airbnb to generate cash flow, all while offering landlords guaranteed rent and high maintenance standards. Pivoting During Market Shifts: Donny shares how he successfully transitioned from short-term to midterm rentals during the pandemic to keep cash flowing. Income & Wealth Strategies: Discover why balancing cash flow and net worth is essential for long-term success. Networking and Community: Learn how building relationships with landlords and within the real estate community can open doors and new opportunities. Donny Wong is a dynamic real estate investor and property manager based in Calgary, Alberta. Starting with zero money and terrible credit, he carved a path to success through rental arbitrage and Airbnb management, mastering the art of creating cash flow without significant upfront capital. Donny’s unique approach focuses on solving landlords’ problems by offering guaranteed rent and high maintenance standards. Known for his “Burger King Strategy”, he strategically positions his properties near successful Airbnb listings, boosting his chances of profitability. His adaptability during market shifts, like transitioning from short-term to midterm rentals during the pandemic, showcases his resilience and strategic thinking. Donny is passionate about building long-term wealth, leveraging technology for efficient management, and teaching others how to maximize returns through innovative strategies. When he’s not managing properties or expanding his portfolio, Donny is a dedicated mentor and community builder, sharing his journey to inspire and educate fellow investors. Contact Donny Wong: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takinlunchmoney 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 at www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com Check out my online coaching programs: https://sarahlarbi.com/online-programs/The post Understanding and Winning With the Rental Arbitrage Model first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

  In this episode of the podcast, I had the pleasure of welcoming Eaton Grant, a multifaceted entrepreneur, pastor, and motivational speaker. Eaton’s journey is a remarkable blend of faith, business acumen, and a deep commitment to helping others, making for an inspiring conversation. We kicked off the episode by discussing Eaton’s diverse background, which includes extensive experience in public speaking and a strong entrepreneurial spirit that dates back to his childhood. He shared how he transitioned from a career in sales to planting a church 12 years ago, all while maintaining a bi-vocational lifestyle to support his family. Eaton recently authored a book titled “Create a Better You: How to Take Control of Your Life Now,” which emerged from a seminar he organized years ago. He explained the process of writing the book, including a month-long fast from television that allowed him to focus and complete it. The book aims to empower readers to take control of their lives, especially during challenging times. As we delved deeper, Eaton opened up about his personal experiences with adversity, including the unexpected loss of his father just days before his wedding, the challenges of raising children with special needs, and his wife’s diagnosis with multiple sclerosis. His vulnerability in sharing these experiences highlighted the importance of resilience and perspective in overcoming life’s obstacles. Eaton emphasized the significance of serving others as a way to maintain positivity, stating that focusing on helping people can provide strength during difficult times. He also shared valuable insights on how to get “unstuck” in life, outlining four key steps: awareness, belief, decision-making, and taking action. These principles are particularly relevant in today’s uncertain economic climate, where many feel paralyzed by indecision. Throughout the episode, Eaton’s infectious energy and optimism shone through, reminding listeners that they are enough and encouraging them to embrace their authentic selves. He also discussed his upcoming projects, including two new books focused on overcoming adversity and achieving results. As we wrapped up our conversation, Eaton shared his contact information and encouraged listeners to connect with him through his website and social media platforms. His final message resonated deeply: “Who you are and what you are is enough.” This episode is a testament to the power of resilience, service, and the belief that we can all create a better version of ourselves. 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 Check out Sarah’s online coaching programs https://sarahlarbi.com/online-programs/ The post Navigating Life’s Challenges: Lessons in Faith, Service, and Personal Growth first appeared on Sarah Larbi Developments.

Cam McCarroll, a seasoned real estate investor and entrepreneur, shares his journey and insights on diversifying investment strategies. He discusses the impact of rising interest rates on cash flow from rental properties and how he shifted to stock options in 2018 for better returns. Emphasizing his three pillars of investing—real estate, options, and Bitcoin—Cam explains how options can generate cash flow with minimal time commitment. He also highlights the importance of patience and mindset in navigating these diverse markets.