Real Estate Investor Dad Podcast ( Investing / Investment in Canada )

The Trick to Keeping Long-Term Tenants Tenant turnover can quietly become one of the biggest expenses in a rental property. Vacancy, repairs, repainting, cleaning, advertising, showings, and lost rent can quickly add up when tenants move every year. The good news is that tenant turnover is also one of the expenses landlords have the most control over. In today's episode of the Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show, Wayne and Gabby break down what actually keeps tenants in a rental property long term and why tenant retention can have such a major impact on profitability. The core idea is simple: If you buy the right property, attract the right tenant, price it fairly, and treat them well, there is a much greater chance they stay. And when they stay, your returns improve.

Being a great landlord is not just about being nice. It can directly affect your vacancy, tenant turnover, repair costs, rental income, and ultimately the profitability of your real estate portfolio. In today's episode of the Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show, Wayne and Gabby break down what it actually means to be a great landlord and why landlord quality has a much bigger impact on returns than many investors realize. The core idea is simple: If tenants feel respected, appreciated, and taken care of, they are more likely to stay longer, communicate better, treat the property properly, and renew their lease. That means fewer turnovers, less vacancy, lower costs, and better long-term returns.

Finding great tenants starts long before the application and screening process. It starts with your rental listing. In today's episode of the Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show, Wayne and Gabby break down how landlords and real estate investors should market their rental properties to attract more qualified applicants, avoid wasting time, and create enough demand that they can choose a tenant instead of settling for one. Wayne explains that real estate investors are also marketers. If your listing does not clearly communicate what your property offers, you may attract the wrong people—or nobody at all. The goal is to make it easy for prospective tenants to quickly determine whether your property fits their needs, while removing unnecessary friction that could cause good applicants to disappear before they ever reach the application stage. Wayne and Gabby also answer a listener's three-part question: Where should landlords advertise rental properties? What information should be included in the listing? What questions should you ask prospective tenants?

What is happening in the Edmonton real estate market right now, and where could the next opportunities be for investors? In today's episode of the Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show, Wayne and Gabby are joined by Calvin Hexter from Calvin Realty for an updated look at the Edmonton market heading into late summer and fall 2026. Calvin breaks down the latest July market statistics, including price movement across detached homes, semi-detached properties, townhouses, and condos, as well as Edmonton's rising inventory levels. The big story right now is inventory. Greater Edmonton is sitting at more than 8,000 listings, which is significantly higher than what is typical for this time of year. That is giving buyers more choice, more negotiating power, and more opportunities to be selective. At the same time, the market is not weak. With approximately 3.2 months of inventory, Edmonton remains in a balanced market that still leans slightly in favour of sellers. Wayne, Gabby, and Calvin also discuss why August can create opportunity for investors, what they expect heading into September and the fall market, and why investors should focus less on trying to perfectly time the market and more on whether a property meets their investment criteria. They also preview the upcoming REIcon Summit Series, happening September 11–13 in Edmonton.

The Easiest $20,000 I've Ever Made in Real Estate What happens when you recognize value that everyone else has overlooked? In today's episode of the Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show, Wayne shares the story of how he made a $20,000 profit from a real estate deal with approximately one hour of work. A wholesaler secured an Edmonton townhouse for $90,000 and assigned the contract to Wayne for a $10,000 assignment fee. Wayne immediately recognized that the property was worth far more—not necessarily because of its condition, but because of the different strategies that could be applied to it. Instead of renovating, refinancing, renting, or flipping the property himself, Wayne assigned the deal to another investor for $120,000. The original wholesaler made $10,000. Wayne made $20,000. The final investor completed a successful BRRRR, recovered their invested capital, created equity, and ended up with a rental property that now produces approximately $600 per month in cash flow. The seller also received the fast and straightforward solution they needed. Everyone won. This episode explains why real estate profits are not always created through physical labour. Often, the greatest profits come from knowledge, experience, relationships, and the ability to recognize opportunities that other investors cannot see.

Raising money through joint venture partnerships is one of the fastest ways to scale a real estate portfolio—but what happens if your investor changes their mind? In today's episode, Wayne and Gabby answer a listener question about what to do if a joint venture partner wants to back out before purchasing a property—or even after the deal has already closed. They explain how to properly structure joint venture partnerships, the importance of setting expectations from the beginning, why communication is the foundation of every successful partnership, and the legal documents every investor should have in place before raising capital. If you're planning to use joint venture partnerships to grow your real estate portfolio, this episode could save you from one of the biggest mistakes new investors make.

Ohio has introduced a new law that makes wholesaling real estate more difficult by requiring greater transparency and disclosure when assigning purchase contracts. The stated goal is to protect vulnerable homeowners from misleading or predatory real estate practices—but could similar legislation eventually make its way to Canada? In today's episode, Wayne and Gabby break down Ohio's new wholesaling law, examine similar regulations that have already been introduced across several U.S. states, and discuss what these changes could mean for Canadian real estate investors. The conversation also explores the ethics of wholesaling, the difference between creating value versus taking advantage of people, and why Wayne believes real estate investors should always focus on solving problems—not exploiting them.

Not every rental property is a good investment—and one of the biggest mistakes new investors make is focusing on the wrong numbers. In today's episode, Wayne breaks down one of the most important metrics every real estate investor should understand: Return on Investment (ROI). While many investors obsess over cash flow, ROI allows you to compare properties, investment strategies, and even different asset classes to determine which opportunities are truly the most profitable. Wayne walks through exactly how he analyzes investment properties before making an offer, the simple ROI formula every investor should know, why he ignores appreciation in his projections, and the minimum returns he personally looks for before buying another rental property. The episode also answers a listener question about multi-unit garden suites and explains why Wayne believes Edmonton continues to offer some of the best real estate investing opportunities in Canada.

Real estate investing doesn't happen in a perfect world. Sometimes life throws unexpected challenges your way—floods, repairs, tenant issues, family responsibilities, or financial setbacks. The key isn't avoiding adversity. It's learning how to keep moving forward despite it. In today's episode, Wayne and Gabby answer several real-world questions from listeners across Canada, including how to recover when a tenant backs out before moving in, what to do if you're approaching retirement with limited options, and how to build a rental portfolio that can adapt as markets change. Along the way, they also share an honest behind-the-scenes update on navigating one of the busiest and most challenging seasons they've faced as investors—and why growth requires continuing to move forward, even when life tries to slow you down.

How We Built Our Real Estate Investing Empire (Starting with Just $15,000) In this episode, Wayne and Gabby pull back the curtain on their entire real estate investing journey—from starting with debt and a single $15,000 down payment to building a large real estate portfolio, multiple businesses, and achieving financial freedom. They explain the strategies they used at each stage of their journey, why they adapted to changing markets, and how everyday Canadians can follow a similar path.

Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show – July 28, 2026 Should you buy a single-family home, a duplex, or even both sides of a half duplex? In today's episode, Wayne and Gabby answer a listener email that explores one of the most common questions new real estate investors ask. They break down why choosing between a single-family home and a duplex isn't about the property type—it's about the numbers. They discuss how professional investors evaluate rental properties based on cash flow, return on investment, tenant profile, risk, and long-term appreciation potential. Wayne also explains why buying both sides of a duplex isn't always the advantage many investors think it is. The episode also includes an update on Edmonton's historic rainfall, the challenges it's creating for landlords, and why maintaining a healthy reserve fund is one of the most important principles of successful real estate investing.

Ethical Off-Market Real Estate Deals: Helping Sellers Without Taking Advantage Off-market real estate investing has a reputation problem. Too often, investors are taught to search for desperate homeowners, exploit difficult circumstances and negotiate the lowest possible price. In this episode, Wayne and Gabby explain why that approach is not only unethical—it is also unnecessary. This is Part 2 of their series on sourcing great off-market deals, but the focus goes beyond flyers, direct mail, bandit signs and websites. The bigger conversation is about how investors should conduct themselves when dealing with motivated sellers. Wayne explains the important difference between a desperate seller and a motivated seller. A motivated seller may need speed, certainty, flexibility or a creative solution. That does not mean an investor should use the situation to strip as much value away from them as possible. A good off-market deal should solve a real problem. The seller should receive the outcome they need, while the investor creates value through knowledge, creativity, market expertise and the ability to see opportunities others may overlook. Wayne and Gabby also discuss the uncomfortable reality that when an investor purchases a property below market value, the seller is receiving less. That makes integrity, transparency and self-awareness especially important. The goal should be to create wealth without manipulating people or building a business at someone else's expense. The episode also covers scalable lead-generation methods, including flyers, direct mail, bandit signs and websites, while examining the type of sellers those strategies attract and the responsibility investors have when those calls come in.

Some of the best real estate deals never make it onto the MLS. In Part 1 of this series, Wayne and Gabby break down how investors can source great off-market real estate deals by speaking directly with property owners, building relationships and being willing to knock on doors. Wayne explains why many investors hide behind websites, flyers, signs and marketing campaigns instead of doing the actual work of talking to sellers. Those tools may help generate leads, but the real opportunity is usually created through a direct conversation. He also shares how a personal connection led him to a turnkey rental property that he purchased approximately 25% below market value. The sellers needed a fast and reliable sale so they could access their equity and start a business. By understanding their motivation, closing quickly and creating a solution that worked for both sides, Wayne secured an exceptional investment without aggressively grinding down the sellers. This episode also explores why market knowledge matters. A property that looks average to most investors can become an incredible opportunity when you understand the neighbourhood, rental demand and true value better than everyone else.

Our Rental Property Was Broken Into—Then the Basement Flooded A break-in at one of our vacant Edmonton rental properties quickly turned into a much larger disaster. After entering through a basement window, the intruder appears to have shut off the electrical panel—possibly to disable the security system. Unfortunately, that also shut off the sump pump that had been keeping the basement dry during Edmonton's extremely wet summer. By the time our contractor arrived, his tools had been stolen and the entire basement was covered in water. In today's episode, we share the bizarre series of events, how we responded and why unexpected disasters are part of building a large rental portfolio. We also discuss the systems, reserve funds, experience and support investors need to remain calm when something goes wrong. Real estate investing is not completely passive, and problems are inevitable. The goal is not to eliminate every possible risk. It is to understand the risks, prepare for the most likely outcomes and build the confidence to handle whatever happens next.

Most people did not deliberately choose the life they are currently living. They finished school, found the first reasonable opportunity available, started working, accumulated responsibilities, and continued moving in the same direction because that was what everyone around them appeared to be doing. Years later, they may have a career, a mortgage, children, bills, and an income they cannot afford to lose. Yet they still feel like something is missing. In today's episode, Wayne and Gabby examine how people fall into careers and lifestyles they never consciously selected, why changing direction becomes harder as responsibilities increase, and why so many nurses, tradespeople, oil and gas workers, and other professionals turn to real estate investing. The goal is not necessarily to quit your job tomorrow. The goal is to begin making small decisions that gradually change the trajectory of your life. Wayne explains how he reached a point where he made one clear decision: he was not going to continue following the same path as everyone else. That decision did not create freedom overnight. It led to years of small businesses, experiments, side hustles, uncomfortable choices, and eventually real estate investing. Those small decisions compounded until Wayne and Gabby had built a life that allowed them to spend more time with their daughter, create businesses, help other investors, and choose how they spend their days. Gabby explains why they would rather help thousands of ordinary Canadians purchase one solid rental property than only help a few people build enormous portfolios. One property may not change everything immediately, but it can improve retirement, provide additional income, create equity, and give the next generation a stronger starting point. The first property is not about becoming a billionaire. It is about proving to yourself that another path is possible.

What is really stopping you from building a larger real estate portfolio? Is it money? Mortgages? Finding the right deals? Fear of tenants? Fear of repairs? Fear of the market changing? In today's episode, Wayne and Gabby break down the most common reasons investors give for not moving forward and explain why those obstacles are often not the real problem. The episode begins with a real example from their own portfolio. After nearly 100 millimetres of rain fell in Edmonton, multiple properties experienced water issues, including one basement suite with wet carpet that required immediate restoration work and temporary accommodations for the tenant. Wayne and Gabby explain how years of experience, strong systems, the right network, and knowing what they could and could not control allowed them to manage the situation while attending their daughter's soccer tournament. A problem that may have felt overwhelming early in their investing journey became something they could manage calmly and efficiently. That leads into the bigger conversation. Many people want to build large portfolios but do not understand how investors continue buying after they run out of money or stop qualifying for traditional mortgages. Wayne explains that successful investors do not have unlimited money or unlimited access to financing. They learn how to get creative. They use joint venture partnerships. They work with people who can qualify for better financing. They use seller financing. They build relationships with investor-focused mortgage brokers. They focus on strong cash-flowing properties that support future borrowing. They bring knowledge, systems, experience, deal-finding ability, and confidence to partnerships with people who have the capital and borrowing power. Wayne also explains why seller financing can help investors acquire properties with little or no money down, but why those opportunities still need to be evaluated carefully. Not every creative deal is automatically a good investment, and many seller-financed properties may not meet the same standards as the investor's ideal property. The central lesson of the episode is that the final obstacle is usually not the mortgage, the down payment, or the deal. It is confidence. Investors can find the information. They can learn how to analyze properties. They can find mortgage brokers. They can learn how joint ventures work. They can find money. But many people still do not take action because they are afraid of making a mistake, being judged, losing money, or stepping outside what feels familiar. Gabby explains that knowledge alone does not create confidence. Confidence comes from combining knowledge with action. Wayne explains why investors need to believe in themselves and the opportunity before they can inspire a joint venture partner to believe in them. If you do not have the confidence, experience, or desire to manage the deal yourself, the solution may be to partner with someone who does. It is better to receive half the profits from a properly managed investment than to receive nothing because fear kept you from acting. This episode is for anyone who wants to buy more rental properties but feels stuck, overwhelmed, underfunded, or unsure how other investors keep scaling. The answer is not unlimited money. It is resourcefulness, partnerships, knowledge, systems, and the confidence to take action. What You'll Learn in This Episode How Wayne and Gabby handled flooding across multiple rental properties Why heavy rain exposed weaknesses around grading, drainage, and foundations Why proactive tenants can help landlords prevent major damage Why the right network can make emergency property problems easier to manage Why systems and experience reduce stress during unexpected events Why real estate investing always comes with storms, both literal and figurative Why investors should focus on what they can control Why many people believe mortgages will prevent them from scaling Why every investor's mortgage situation is different Why an investor-focused mortgage broker matters Why buying strong cash-flowing properties supports future financing Why lenders, mortgage rules, rates, and policies constantly change What investors can do after traditional lenders stop approving them How credit unions may provide additional financing options Why expensive financing can reduce profitability and increase risk Why joint venture partners can help investors access better financing Why investors eventually run out of their own money How seller financing can help investors acquire properties with little or no money down Why not every seller-financed property is a good investment Why creative financing requires strong due diligence How investors can exchange expertise and systems for a partner's money and mortgages Why the ability to put deals together is one of the most valuable investing skills Why knowledge and network are both necessary for scaling Why confidence is essential when raising capital Why investors need to believe in the opportunity before presenting it to others Why knowledge without action does not create confidence Why action without knowledge can create unnecessary risk Why most investing excuses are figureoutable Why fear of mistakes and judgment keeps people stuck Why your final obstacle may be yourself Why it may be better to partner with an experienced investor than do nothing Why getting half the profits can be better than getting no profits Why the most successful investors focus on solutions instead of excuses Upcoming Events Edmonton Garden Suites 101 July 24, 2026 Edmonton, Alberta www.reimasters.ca REI Masters Edmonton Real Estate Investing Bus Tour August 22, 2026 www.reimasters.ca/edmontonbustour About Your Hosts Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and real estate investing coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through the REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth through rental properties, BRRRRs, joint ventures, seller financing, rent-to-own, garden suites, and other real estate investing strategies. The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show releases new episodes every weekday morning featuring real stories, market analysis, coaching conversations, investor questions, landlord advice, business systems, personal development, and practical real estate investing education. Resources & Contact Learn about the REI Masters Mentorship Program: www.reimasters.ca Get Wayne's book: The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors https://a.co/d/jdZaBXM Submit a question: info@reimorningshow.com Thanks To Our Sponsors Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor calvinrealty.ca Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax www.finngo.com/rei Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group www.kbmortgages.ca keaton@kbmortgages.ca

What happens when your real estate portfolio starts growing and suddenly you have multiple properties, partnerships, corporations, mortgages, reserve funds, security deposits, and bank accounts to manage? That is one of the major topics Wayne and Gabby break down in today's episode. They explain how rental property bank accounts can be organized, when multiple properties can share one account, when separate accounts are necessary, and why the ownership structure matters more than the number of properties. Gabby explains that multiple properties can generally operate through the same bank account when the ownership structure is identical. For example, if you own four properties with the same joint venture partner, those properties may be managed through one account. But if another property has a different partner, corporation, or ownership structure, it should be kept separate. The bigger issue is traceability. If a property is ever reviewed, investors need to be able to show which income and expenses belong to which property. Strong bookkeeping, saved invoices, clear records, and organized bank accounts make that possible. Wayne and Gabby also discuss why opening one bank account for every individual property may sound organized but can become an absolute nightmare as a portfolio grows. Gabby shares her preference for keeping a manageable number of properties in each account while still separating accounts by ownership structure. They also discuss reserve funds, security deposits, lender requirements, multiple banking apps, corporate accounts, and why successful investors need systems before their portfolio becomes too complicated. The episode also answers a listener question about the costs involved when selling a rental property. Wayne and Gabby discuss realtor commissions, legal fees, property tax adjustments, condominium fee adjustments, utilities, lawn care, snow removal, staging, and the capital gains implications of selling an investment property. They explain that capital gains are based on the increase between the purchase price and selling price, rather than simply the amount of cash left after paying off the mortgage. They also explain why investors should plan ahead, estimate the potential tax liability, and set money aside from the sale proceeds rather than being surprised when tax season arrives. Finally, Wayne and Gabby answer a landlord question involving a tenant who accidentally broke a shower head and offered to replace it with a less expensive model. They discuss whether the tenant should replace it with the original quality, whether the landlord should accept the cheaper replacement, and why splitting the difference may be the best way to protect the property while maintaining a strong landlord-tenant relationship. This episode is a practical look at the financial and operational systems investors need as they grow from one rental property into a serious real estate portfolio. What You'll Learn in This Episode What expenses investors should expect when selling a rental property How realtor commissions are typically calculated Why GST or HST may apply to professional fees Why legal fees, staging, utilities, lawn care, and snow removal need to be considered How property taxes and condominium fees may be adjusted at closing How capital gains are generally calculated on the sale of an investment property Why capital gains are different from the cash proceeds received at closing Why investors should set aside money for taxes after selling Why refinancing may delay taxes but does not necessarily eliminate them How to respond when a tenant accidentally damages something Why tenant responsibility and communication matter Whether a tenant should replace an item with the same quality Why splitting the cost may protect a strong tenant relationship Why good tenant relationships can reduce vacancy and turnover Why investors should not get trapped in every small operational decision How Wayne and Gabby divide responsibilities inside their business Whether multiple rental properties can use the same bank account Why ownership structure determines how accounts should be separated Why joint venture partners need access to the appropriate accounts Why properties with different partners should not share accounts Why strong bookkeeping makes account management easier Why one account per property can become difficult at scale Why some lenders require mortgage payments to come from their bank How reserve funds can be pooled under the same ownership structure Why reserve funds and security deposits are not the same thing Why security deposits need to be handled separately and carefully Why corporations may require their own security deposit accounts Why successful investors need banking and bookkeeping systems before they scale Upcoming Events Edmonton Garden Suites 101 July 24, 2026 Edmonton, Alberta www.reimasters.ca REI Masters Edmonton Real Estate Investing Bus Tour August 22, 2026 www.reimasters.ca/edmontonbustour About Your Hosts Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and real estate investing coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through the REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth through rental properties, BRRRRs, joint ventures, seller financing, rent-to-own, garden suites, and other real estate investing strategies. The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show releases new episodes every weekday morning featuring real stories, market analysis, coaching conversations, investor questions, landlord advice, business systems, and practical real estate investing education. Resources & Contact Learn about the REI Masters Mentorship Program: www.reimasters.ca Get Wayne's book: The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors https://a.co/d/jdZaBXM Submit a question: info@reimorningshow.com Thanks To Our Sponsors Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor calvinrealty.ca Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax www.finngo.com/rei Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group www.kbmortgages.ca keaton@kbmortgages.ca

Should landlords allow pets in rental properties? That is the question Wayne and Gabby tackle in today's episode. Pets are a huge part of people's lives. Dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, reptiles, and other animals are not just "extras" for many tenants. They are part of the family. But for landlords and real estate investors, pets also create real concerns. What if the dog damages the floors? What if the cat scratches the walls? What if the yard gets destroyed? What if the smell becomes a problem? What if the tenant moves out and the security deposit is not enough to cover the damage? In this episode, Wayne and Gabby break down the real risks of allowing pets in rental properties and explain why they still believe landlords should strongly consider being pet friendly. Gabby explains why a large portion of rental applicants have pets and why saying "no pets" can dramatically reduce your tenant pool. If most tenants are applying with a pet, then refusing pets may leave you with fewer applicants, fewer good options, and a harder time filling vacancies. Wayne and Gabby also discuss the difference between pet damage and increased wear and tear. A pet chewing carpet, scratching walls, or damaging doors may be considered damage. But a dog running up and down the stairs, wearing down carpet faster, creating lawn spots, or adding more hair into the furnace and duct system may create long-term wear and tear that landlords need to plan for. They also explain the difference between pet deposits, pet fees, and monthly pet rent. In Alberta, landlords cannot collect a security deposit higher than one month's rent, even if they try to call the extra amount a pet deposit. However, landlords can structure pet fees or monthly pet rent to help account for the increased wear and tear that pets may create. Wayne and Gabby also talk about why tenant screening matters more than the pet itself. The real question is not only, "What kind of pet do they have?" The better question is, "Is this tenant a responsible pet owner?" A strong tenant who takes responsibility for their pet, communicates well, has good references, and respects the property is much lower risk than a tenant who avoids responsibility, ignores problems, or does not take care of the home. They also discuss condos, bylaws, dog breed restrictions, pet size restrictions, and why investors need to review condominium documents carefully before promising a tenant that their pet will be approved. If you own rental properties or are buying your first one, this episode will help you understand how to think about pets, pet fees, pet risk, inspections, tenant screening, and why being pet friendly may actually help your rental property business. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why pets are such an important part of many tenants' lives Why landlords are often nervous about allowing pets Why saying "no pets" can reduce your tenant pool Why Wayne and Gabby generally recommend considering pet-friendly rentals Why cats and dogs create different types of risk Why dogs may create more wear and tear on flooring and yards Why cats can create odor and scratching concerns Why yard damage from dogs can be expensive and difficult to fix Why pet damage and normal wear and tear are not the same thing Why landlords need to plan for increased replacement costs Why pets can shorten the lifespan of carpet, flooring, and other finishes Why furnace filters, ducts, and HVAC systems may need more attention with pets Why quarterly inspections are important when allowing pets Why tenant screening matters more than the pet itself Why responsible pet owners are lower-risk tenants Why pet fees and pet rent can help offset increased wear and tear Why Alberta landlords need to understand the rules around security deposits Why "pet deposit" language can create problems Why condo bylaws may restrict pets, breeds, size, or number of animals Why investors need to review condo documents before approving pets Why pet-friendly properties can stand out in a competitive rental market Why the best landlords build systems instead of avoiding risk completely Upcoming Events Edmonton Garden Suites 101 July 24, 2026 Edmonton, Alberta www.reimasters.ca REI Masters Edmonton Real Estate Investing Bus Tour August 22, 2026 www.reimasters.ca/edmontonbustour About Your Hosts Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and real estate investing coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through the REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth through rental properties, BRRRRs, joint ventures, seller financing, rent-to-own, garden suites, and other real estate investing strategies. The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show releases new episodes every weekday morning featuring real stories, market analysis, coaching conversations, investor questions, landlord advice, personal development, and practical real estate investing education. Resources & Contact Learn about the REI Masters Mentorship Program: www.reimasters.ca Bookkeeping and tax help for real estate investors: www.finngo.com/rei Get Wayne's book: The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors https://a.co/d/jdZaBXM Submit a question: info@reimorningshow.com Thanks to Our Sponsors Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor calvinrealty.ca Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax – Investor-Focused Accounting Firm www.finngo.com/rei Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group – Investor-Focused Mortgage Brokers www.kbmortgages.ca keaton@kbmortgages.ca

Today's episode takes a different direction. Instead of talking about where to buy, what to buy, cash flow, financing, rent, tenants, or market trends, Wayne and Gabby talk about something that stops many people before they ever buy their first rental property. Negative people. Fearful people. Family members. Friends. Co-workers. People who mean well, but still fill your head with doubt. In this episode, Wayne and Gabby talk about why so many people want to invest in real estate, learn the strategy, understand the numbers, and still never take action. Sometimes the problem is not money. Sometimes the problem is not mortgages. Sometimes the problem is not a lack of good deals. Sometimes the real problem is the people around you. Wayne shares what he has seen after working with well over 1,000 real estate investors across Canada. Many smart, capable people stop moving forward because they are afraid of what other people will think, what other people will say, or how family and friends will judge them. Gabby explains how negative people rarely stop your success directly. Instead, they stop it indirectly by creating doubt, hesitation, fear, and inaction. Wayne and Gabby also share personal stories about starting out, dealing with unsupportive people, moving across the country, building confidence, and learning how to protect your goals from other people's fears. They discuss why some people criticize because they are jealous, why others criticize because they are scared for you, and why some people simply project their own limitations onto your future. The message is simple: you cannot build a better life while allowing people who are stuck, fearful, jealous, or unsupportive to control your decisions. Sometimes you need to limit exposure. Sometimes you need to set boundaries. Sometimes you need to stop discussing your goals with certain people. And sometimes, when someone is actively trying to hold you back, you may need to create distance or cut them out altogether. Wayne and Gabby also talk about the importance of finding a new circle of supportive people who understand what you are trying to build. Whether that is through mentorship, community, networking, or surrounding yourself with people who are also taking action, the right environment can help you keep going when your old environment tries to pull you back. This episode is for anyone who knows they want more from life but feels stuck because of the people around them. If you are waiting for everyone to understand you, agree with you, support you, or cheer for you before you start, you may never start. At some point, you have to decide whose life you are building. Theirs or yours. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why today's episode is not about real estate strategy, but about why people do not take action Why negative people can stop investors before they ever buy a property Why fear of judgment holds so many people back Why friends, family, co-workers, and relatives can affect your confidence Why some people criticize because they are jealous Why some people criticize because they are projecting their own fears Why even well-meaning family members can create doubt Why negative people rarely stop success directly How doubt, hesitation, fear, and inaction slowly build over time Why Wayne moved across the country to create a fresh start Why Gabby struggled with fear early in their investing journey Why people often bring up worst-case scenarios when you share your goals Why you need to be careful who you share your plans with Why not everyone deserves access to your dreams Why setting boundaries matters Why limiting exposure to negative people may be necessary Why some people need to be cut out if they actively resent your growth Why creating a new circle of supportive people is so important Why community can help investors stay confident and take action Why the REI Masters community is intentionally built around supportive people Why your environment can either pull you forward or hold you back Why you cannot wait for everyone else to believe in your future Why you need to take ownership of your own life and decisions Upcoming Events Edmonton Garden Suites 101 July 24, 2026 Edmonton, Alberta www.reimasters.ca REI Masters Edmonton Real Estate Investing Bus Tour August 22, 2026 www.reimasters.ca/edmontonbustour About Your Hosts Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and real estate investing coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through the REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth through rental properties, BRRRRs, joint ventures, seller financing, rent-to-own, garden suites, and other real estate investing strategies. The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show releases new episodes every weekday morning featuring real stories, market analysis, coaching conversations, investor questions, landlord advice, personal development, and practical real estate investing education. Resources & Contact Learn about the REI Masters Mentorship Program: www.reimasters.ca Bookkeeping and tax help for real estate investors: www.finngo.com/rei Get Wayne's book: The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors https://a.co/d/jdZaBXM Submit a question: info@reimorningshow.com Thanks to Our Sponsors Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor calvinrealty.ca Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax – Investor-Focused Accounting Firm www.finngo.com/rei Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group – Investor-Focused Mortgage Brokers www.kbmortgages.ca keaton@kbmortgages.ca  

Landlords across Canada are having a harder time filling vacancies. There are fewer tenants moving, more rental units available, and more competition between landlords than many investors have seen in years. So what should you do when your rental property is sitting empty? Should you lower the rent? Or should you offer an incentive to get the right tenant in the door? In this episode, Wayne and Gabby break down what landlords need to understand about today's rental market and why automatically lowering rent may not always be the best first move. Wayne explains that rental markets are cyclical. Just like real estate prices, interest rates, immigration, construction, and tenant demand, vacancy pressure moves in cycles. Some investors have only experienced rising rents and strong tenant demand, which makes today's softer rental market feel scary. But this is part of the business. The key is knowing how to respond. Wayne and Gabby discuss how landlords can think more like business owners and marketers when listing rental properties. A rental listing is not just an ad. It is your first chance to get the attention of your ideal tenant. If your property looks the same as every other rental in a crowded market, tenants will compare mainly on price. But if you understand your tenant profile and offer the right incentive, you may be able to stand out without racing to the bottom on rent. They also discuss different incentive ideas, including gift cards, free utilities, free internet, waived pet fees, reduced security deposits, free lawn care, gaming consoles, TVs, moving credits, and first month's rent free. Wayne explains why the incentive must match the tenant profile. A young student, a family with children, a pet owner, and a tenant relying on transit may all respond to different offers. They also compare the math behind lowering rent versus offering a one-time incentive. A $50 monthly rent reduction costs $600 over a year, while a one-time $500 gift card may create a bigger marketing impact while costing the landlord less overall. Gabby also explains why affordability, timing, security deposits, moving costs, pets, and upfront cash are major pain points for tenants in today's market. This episode is a practical conversation for landlords who are trying to fill vacancies without panicking, slashing rent unnecessarily, or weakening their rental business long term. The bigger lesson is that the best way to avoid this problem is to buy the right properties from day one. Wayne and Gabby explain why they focus on properties with strong cash flow, strong tenant demand, and features renters actually want, so they are not forced to compete only on price when the market softens. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why landlords are struggling to fill vacancies right now Why many Canadian rental markets have more supply and less tenant demand Why today's rental market feels scary for newer investors Why rental markets move in cycles Why lowering rent should not always be the first move Why rental listings need to be treated like marketing Why tenants compare similar rentals mostly by price How incentives can make your rental listing stand out Why the right incentive depends on your tenant profile Why student tenants, families, and pet owners may respond to different offers Why cash, gift cards, and upfront savings can be powerful incentives Why a $500 gift card may be more effective than reducing rent by $50 per month Why landlords need to understand the math before discounting rent Why free internet, utilities, lawn care, or moving credits may work in certain situations Why waived pet fees or fewer pet restrictions can attract more tenants Why reduced security deposits can create demand but also add risk Why first month's rent free can work but must be structured carefully Why incentives should solve a tenant's actual pain point Why buying properties with strong tenant demand protects investors long term Why the best rental properties are the ones tenants actually want Upcoming Events Edmonton Garden Suites 101 July 24, 2026 Edmonton, Alberta www.reimasters.ca REI Masters Edmonton Real Estate Investing Bus Tour August 22, 2026 www.reimasters.ca/edmontonbustour About Your Hosts Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and real estate investing coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through the REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth through rental properties, BRRRRs, joint ventures, seller financing, rent-to-own, garden suites, and other real estate investing strategies. The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show releases new episodes every weekday morning featuring real stories, market analysis, coaching conversations, investor questions, landlord advice, market updates, and practical real estate investing education. Resources & Contact Learn about the REI Masters Mentorship Program: www.reimasters.ca Bookkeeping and tax help for real estate investors: www.finngo.com/rei Get Wayne's book: The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors https://a.co/d/jdZaBXM Submit a question: info@reimorningshow.com Thanks to Our Sponsors Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor calvinrealty.ca Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax – Investor-Focused Accounting Firm www.finngo.com/rei Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group – Investor-Focused Mortgage Brokers www.kbmortgages.ca keaton@kbmortgages.ca

Some people are saying it is a terrible time to buy real estate in Canada. Others are saying it is the best time in history. So who is right? In this episode, Wayne and Gabby answer a listener question about the current state of the Canadian real estate market and why there is so much conflicting advice being shared online. Wayne explains why both sides can be wrong when they speak in broad generalizations. Canada is not one real estate market. Every city, neighbourhood, property type, financing structure, and rental strategy can produce a completely different outcome. For uninformed investors, it may be one of the worst times to buy. For educated investors who know where to look, how to run the numbers, how to use leverage properly, and how to identify real cash-flowing opportunities, there may still be some of the best opportunities in years. Wayne shares why he personally stopped planning to buy more properties in 2019, until the market shifted and created new opportunities that were too good to ignore. Since then, he and Gabby have continued to buy, build systems, grow their portfolio, and teach their students how to take advantage of very specific opportunities while avoiding dangerous ones. They also discuss why so many investors have struggled or failed over the last six years, especially those who bought in the wrong markets, used risky strategies, relied on appreciation, or ignored cash flow. Wayne explains why he believes the best opportunities in Canada are not everywhere. They exist in small pockets, and only investors who are actively doing the work, studying the numbers, and understanding tenant demand will be able to identify them. The episode also dives into Edmonton garden suites, the recent Edmonton Garden Suites 101 event, and why Wayne believes garden suites are one of the strongest opportunities in Edmonton right now. Wayne and Gabby also break down a new rental property they recently removed conditions on, including why the property works, why the cash flow is strong, why the tenant profile makes sense, and why the property has both rental demand and future resale demand. This episode is about cutting through the noise, thinking critically, and understanding that the market is not simply good or bad. It depends where you are investing, what you are buying, how the numbers work, and whether you actually understand the opportunity. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why some people say it is a terrible time to invest in Canada Why others say it is the best time in history Why Wayne believes both broad statements are wrong Why Canada is not one single real estate market Why most real estate still does not work as an investment Why very specific pockets of opportunity still exist Why education and coaching matter more in today's market Why Wayne stopped planning to buy more properties in 2019 Why the market shifts since 2020 created new opportunities Why some investors have gone broke while others are doing extremely well Why cash flow and the 5% Rule™ still matter Why Wayne believes the best current opportunities are not obvious to most investors Why Edmonton garden suites may be one of the strongest opportunities right now Why Friday's Edmonton Garden Suites 101 event created major aha moments Why Wayne and Gabby are already planning another garden suite session in July Why investor advice should come from people actively doing the work Why headlines and AI-generated content are not enough Why critical thinking matters when listening to real estate advice Why Wayne and Gabby continue buying in very specific markets Why C-class neighbourhoods can produce strong rental demand Why tenant profile matters when choosing a property Why affordability, transit, schools, walkability, and extra bedrooms matter to renters Why the best rental properties must also appeal to future buyers Upcoming Events Edmonton Garden Suites 101 Next session planned for July 24, 2026 Edmonton, Alberta www.reimasters.ca REI Masters Edmonton Real Estate Investing Bus Tour August 22, 2026 www.reimasters.ca/edmontonbustour About Your Hosts Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and real estate investing coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through the REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth through rental properties, BRRRRs, joint ventures, seller financing, rent-to-own, garden suites, and other real estate investing strategies. The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show releases new episodes every weekday morning featuring real stories, market analysis, coaching conversations, investor questions, market updates, and practical real estate investing advice. Resources & Contact Learn about the REI Masters Mentorship Program: www.reimasters.ca Bookkeeping and tax help for real estate investors: www.finngo.com/rei Get Wayne's book: The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors https://a.co/d/jdZaBXM Submit a question: info@reimorningshow.com Thanks to Our Sponsors Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor calvinrealty.ca Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax – Investor-Focused Accounting Firm www.finngo.com/rei Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group – Investor-Focused Mortgage Brokers www.kbmortgages.ca keaton@kbmortgages.ca

Everybody says real estate is one of the best ways to build wealth. And that is true. But it is also true that most real estate does not make a good rental property investment. In this episode, Wayne and Gabby continue the conversation from yesterday's episode and answer a listener question about why Wayne says 99% of real estate in Canada does not actually work as a good investment. Wayne explains that real estate can absolutely create wealth, but not every house, condo, duplex, townhouse, or multifamily property makes sense as a rental business. A property can go up in value and still be a poor investment if it does not cash flow, requires constant support from your personal income, or puts you at risk of being forced to sell during the wrong market conditions. Wayne breaks down the difference between buying real estate as an asset and buying real estate as a business. If you buy a property all cash, you are mostly relying on appreciation. But real estate investing becomes powerful because of leverage. Investors can use financing, put 20% down, borrow the rest, rent the property out, and use tenant income to help cover the expenses, pay down the mortgage, and create cash flow. That is what separates real estate from many other investments. But it only works when the numbers work. Wayne walks through a simple example of a $500,000 property with a $400,000 mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and monthly expenses. He explains why many properties across Canada do not produce enough rent to cover those costs, and why investors who buy those properties may be forced to support them every single month out of pocket. That does not mean those investors can never make money. It means they are taking on more risk than they realize. If rents drop, interest rates rise, a tenant stops paying, a property sits vacant, a furnace fails, or life changes, the investor may be forced to sell at the worst possible time. That is how people lose money in real estate. Wayne and Gabby also explain why the right properties are the ones that produce cash flow from day one, pass the 5% Rule™, have strong long-term demand, and allow the investor to build reserves. They also discuss why garden suites in Edmonton may be creating a major new opportunity by turning properties that previously did not work into properties with significantly more income, equity, and value-add potential. This episode is a practical breakdown of how to think about real estate investing properly, why most properties should be ignored, and how to start finding the small percentage of properties that can actually help you build long-term wealth. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why Wayne says 99% of Canadian real estate does not make a good investment Why real estate can make people rich and still be risky when done wrong Why most properties do not work as rental businesses Why appreciation alone is not enough Why buying all-cash is different from leveraged real estate investing Why leverage is one of the biggest advantages in real estate Why rent needs to cover the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and expenses Why negative cash flow creates risk Why investors should not rely on personal income to support bad properties Why a property can go up in value and still be a poor investment Why investors lose money when they are forced to sell Why strong cash flow helps investors survive market changes Why interest rates, taxes, insurance, vacancies, repairs, and tenant issues must be planned for Why the 5% Rule™ helps identify stronger rental properties Why reserves are critical to long-term success Why most neighbourhoods and property types will not pass the numbers test Why Edmonton still has pockets of opportunity Why garden suites may turn certain properties into major value-add opportunities Why the best investors learn how to find the 1% of properties worth buying Upcoming Events Edmonton Garden Suites 101 June 12, 2026 Edmonton, Alberta www.reimasters.ca/edmontongardensuites101 REI Masters Edmonton Real Estate Investing Bus Tour August 22, 2026 www.reimasters.ca/edmontonbustour About Your Hosts Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and real estate investing coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through the REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth through rental properties, BRRRRs, joint ventures, seller financing, rent-to-own, garden suites, and other real estate investing strategies. The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show releases new episodes every weekday morning featuring real stories, market analysis, coaching conversations, investor questions, market updates, and practical real estate investing advice. Resources & Contact Learn about the REI Masters Mentorship Program: www.reimasters.ca Bookkeeping and tax help for real estate investors: www.finngo.com/rei Get Wayne's book: The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors https://a.co/d/jdZaBXM Submit a question: info@reimorningshow.com Thanks to Our Sponsors Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor calvinrealty.ca Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax – Investor-Focused Accounting Firm www.finngo.com/rei Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group – Investor-Focused Mortgage Brokers www.kbmortgages.ca keaton@kbmortgages.ca

This is one of the most important episodes Wayne and Gabby have ever recorded. In this episode, Wayne opens with a serious announcement about a rental property, a major loss, and a lesson that every real estate investor needs to hear. But the real lesson is much deeper than the headline. Wayne and Gabby explain how real estate investors lose money, why so many people disappear from the industry after three to five years, and why most failures come from ignoring the fundamentals. This episode is about what actually protects a rental property portfolio: cash flow, reserves, market selection, buying right, sustainable financing, proper systems, and knowing how to survive when the market shifts. Wayne explains why real estate investing is not about looking flashy, collecting doors, chasing gimmicks, or impressing people online. It is about buying the right properties, in the right markets, with strong cash flow and systems that allow the business to survive interest rate spikes, falling rents, rising expenses, bad tenants, insurance increases, property tax changes, and unexpected storms. Wayne and Gabby also discuss the 5% Rule™, why cash flow is the life raft of a rental property business, and why investors should never rely on hope, appreciation, or inflated rents to make a deal work. If you are buying rental properties, thinking about investing, or wondering how to avoid becoming one of the investors who gets wiped out, this episode is worth listening to all the way through. What You'll Learn in This Episode How real estate investors lose money Why most investors fail after three to five years Why cash flow is the life raft of a rental property business Why the 5% Rule™ helps investors avoid dangerous deals Why a property can drop in value without creating a real loss Why you only lock in a loss when you are forced to sell Why strong cash flow helps investors avoid being forced to sell Why interest rate spikes can destroy weak portfolios Why falling rents can expose bad investments Why property taxes and insurance costs need to be planned for Why investors need reserve funds and backup plans Why flashy strategies often come with more risk than people admit Why BRRRRs, flips, multifamily, short-term rentals, developments, and rent-to-own require proper systems Why most residential real estate does not work as a rental property Why investors need to find the small percentage of properties that actually make sense Why buying right matters from day one Why boring rental properties can produce exceptional returns Why systems, fundamentals, market selection, and cash flow matter more than hype Upcoming Events Edmonton Garden Suites 101 June 12, 2026 Edmonton, Alberta www.reimasters.ca/edmontongardensuites101 REI Masters Edmonton Real Estate Investing Bus Tour August 22, 2026 www.reimasters.ca/edmontonbustour About Your Hosts Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and real estate investing coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through the REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth through rental properties, BRRRRs, joint ventures, seller financing, rent-to-own, garden suites, and other real estate investing strategies. The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show releases new episodes every weekday morning featuring real stories, market analysis, coaching conversations, and practical real estate investing advice. Resources & Contact Learn about the REI Masters Mentorship Program: www.reimasters.ca Bookkeeping and tax help for real estate investors: www.finngo.com/rei Get Wayne's book: The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors https://a.co/d/jdZaBXM Submit a question: info@reimorningshow.com Thanks to Our Sponsors Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor calvinrealty.ca Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax – Investor-Focused Accounting Firm www.finngo.com/rei Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group – Investor-Focused Mortgage Brokers www.kbmortgages.ca keaton@kbmortgages.ca

The Edmonton real estate market is shifting, and smart investors need to pay attention. In this episode, Wayne and Gabby start by answering a listener question about how they handle late rent in their rental property business. They explain their on-time rental discount system, why they use it instead of relying only on late rent fees, how it helps tenants take rent payment seriously, and why it can be a strong tool for landlords who want to reduce late payments and protect their systems. Wayne and Gabby also discuss why lease clauses need to balance protection with simplicity, especially in a market where vacancy is rising and landlords need to make the tenant onboarding process as smooth as possible. Later in the episode, investor-focused Edmonton Realtor Calvin Hexter joins the show for a real estate market update. Calvin breaks down what he is seeing in Edmonton right now, including longer days on market, sellers who are not getting the prices they expected, buyers gaining more leverage, and why some properties are still receiving multiple offers while others are sitting. Wayne and Calvin also discuss why seller financing may become more attractive in this market, why investors need to stay conservative with their numbers, and why the right power team can help investors identify opportunities before everyone else sees them. They also talk about Edmonton garden suites, the importance of knowing your buy box, and why investors who understand the market can make money in any market cycle. If you are a landlord, rental property investor, or someone watching the Edmonton real estate market closely, this episode will help you understand what is happening right now and how to adjust your strategy. What You'll Learn in This Episode How Wayne and Gabby use an on-time rental discount system Why late rent fees may not always be the strongest landlord tool Why the on-time rental discount helps encourage tenants to pay on time Why lease clauses need to be enforceable and easy to understand Why landlords need to balance protection with tenant onboarding Why Edmonton garden suites are a major opportunity right now Why knowing your buy box makes investing decisions easier What Calvin Hexter is seeing in the Edmonton real estate market Why some Edmonton properties are sitting longer than expected Why sellers may need to adjust expectations in the current market Why buyers may be gaining more leverage Why investor-grade properties can still attract multiple offers Why seller financing may become more useful in this market Why investors should stay conservative with their numbers Why fix-and-flip investors need to understand timing and market direction Why rental assumptions need to be conservative right now Why a strong Realtor, mortgage broker, lawyer, accountant, and coach matter Why investors can still find opportunity in changing markets Upcoming Events Edmonton Garden Suites 101 June 12, 2026 Edmonton, Alberta www.reimasters.ca/edmontongardensuites101 REI Masters Edmonton Real Estate Investing Bus Tour August 22, 2026 www.reimasters.ca/edmontonbustour About Your Hosts Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and real estate investing coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through their REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth using rental properties, BRRRRs, flips, joint ventures, wholesaling, seller financing, rent-to-own, garden suites, and creative financing. The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show is a daily podcast focused on helping Canadian investors build cash flow, scale their portfolios, and invest with confidence. Resources & Contact Learn about the REI Masters Mentorship Program: www.reimasters.ca Bookkeeping & tax help for real estate investors: www.finngo.com/rei Get Wayne's book: The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors https://a.co/d/jdZaBXM Submit a question or connect with us: info@reimorningshow.com Thanks to Our Sponsors Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor calvinrealty.ca Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax – For Investors, By Investors www.finngo.com/rei Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group keaton@kbmortgages.ca

If you are just getting started in real estate investing, your first move matters. In this episode, Wayne and Gabby answer a listener question from a 28-year-old new investor in Edmonton who recently moved to Canada, works in IT, earns about $80,000 per year, has saved $40,000, and wants to start building long-term wealth through real estate. Wayne breaks down what he would do in this situation and explains why many new investors make mistakes by trying to figure everything out on their own before getting proper education. He also explains why your first property should be chosen based on future rental potential, not just personal preference. Wayne discusses the strategy of buying a property as a primary residence with 5% down, living in it, improving it, and eventually turning it into a rental property. He also explains why this strategy can help new investors stretch limited capital further, why Edmonton townhouses may be one of the best starting points right now, and why investors need to understand cash flow, risk, mortgage paydown, and long-term appreciation before they buy. Wayne and Gabby also talk about the 5% Rule™, why cash flow protects investors during storms like interest rate increases, why cash flow should be saved instead of spent, and why reserves matter. Later in the episode, Wayne explains why raising capital and joint ventures eventually become unavoidable for investors who want to scale beyond their own savings and mortgage capacity. If you are a new investor wondering how to buy your first rental property, this episode will help you think through your first move with more clarity, strategy, and confidence. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why new investors should ask better questions before buying Why your first property can shape your future portfolio Why education matters before making your first move Why many investors regret buying the wrong first property Why Wayne recommends buying with the future tenant in mind Why your first home can become your first rental property How 5% down can help new investors get started Why Edmonton townhouses may be a strong starting point Why buying one property with 20% down is not always the best use of capital How mortgage paydown builds equity over time Why appreciation across multiple properties can accelerate wealth building Why cash flow matters as a risk mitigator Why Wayne does not recommend spending your cash flow too early Why the 5% Rule™ helps investors prepare for storms Why interest rate increases do not have to destroy your portfolio Why scaling eventually requires access to other people's capital Why joint ventures are inevitable for serious investors Why building trust, credibility, and education matters before raising capital Why opportunities do not last forever Upcoming Events Edmonton Garden Suites 101 June 12, 2026 Edmonton, Alberta www.reimasters.ca/edmontongardensuites101 REI Masters Edmonton Real Estate Investing Bus Tour August 22, 2026 www.reimasters.ca/edmontonbustour About Your Hosts Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and real estate investing coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through their REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth using rental properties, BRRRRs, flips, joint ventures, wholesaling, seller financing, rent-to-own, garden suites, and creative financing. The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show is a daily podcast focused on helping Canadian investors build cash flow, scale their portfolios, and invest with confidence. Resources & Contact Learn about the REI Masters Mentorship Program: www.reimasters.ca Bookkeeping & tax help for real estate investors: www.finngo.com/rei Get Wayne's book: The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors https://a.co/d/jdZaBXM Submit a question or connect with us: info@reimorningshow.com Thanks to Our Sponsors Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor calvinrealty.ca Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax – For Investors, By Investors www.finngo.com/rei Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group keaton@kbmortgages.ca  

Condo townhouses can be one of the best real estate investing opportunities in Edmonton, but only if you know how to do your due diligence properly. In this episode, Wayne and Gabby answer a listener question from a new investor who is buying a condo townhouse in Edmonton and wants to understand how much weight should be placed on the condo document review, reserve fund study, condo fees, special assessments, and overall strength of the condo corporation. Wayne explains why condo document reviews are one of the most important parts of buying a condo townhouse as an investment property. A townhouse can have great numbers, strong rent potential, and appreciation upside, but a poorly managed condo corporation or weak reserve fund can ruin the deal. Wayne and Gabby also discuss why investors should review condo documents carefully, why hiring a professional condo document review company matters, what to look for in reserve fund studies, and why a special assessment does not always mean the condo corporation is bad. They also share a recent example from one of their own Edmonton townhouse purchases where the reserve fund study history raised questions and required further investigation. Later in the episode, Wayne and Gabby answer another listener question about basement suite layout: is it better to build two small bedrooms or one larger bedroom with more living space? They explain why tenant profile matters, why more bedrooms do not always mean better tenants or better long-term results, and why they often prefer a spacious one-bedroom basement suite for a single person or couple. If you are buying a condo townhouse, reviewing condo documents, investing in Edmonton real estate, or planning a basement suite, this episode will help you think through the decision like a real investor. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why condo document reviews are critical before buying a condo townhouse Why a good rental property can still be ruined by a bad condo corporation Why Wayne puts major weight on the reserve fund and condo corporation Why condo townhouses can be one of the best opportunities in Edmonton right now Why more condo corporations are poorly managed than most investors realize Why investors need to review bylaws, meeting minutes, financials, and reserve fund studies Why a reserve fund study should be updated every five years in Alberta Why a missing or outdated reserve fund study can be a warning sign Why a special assessment does not always mean the condo corporation is bad Why condo fee increases can sometimes be responsible long-term planning Why investors should hire a condo document review company Why Wayne teaches students how to understand condo documents instead of blindly relying on others Why basement suite layout should be based on tenant profile Why two bedrooms are not always better than one bedroom Why Wayne and Gabby prefer basement suites for singles or couples Why natural light and spacious layouts matter in basement suites Why more people in a suite can create more management issues Why strong systems make real estate investing easier Upcoming Events Edmonton Garden Suites 101 June 12, 2026 Edmonton, Alberta www.reimasters.ca/edmontongardensuites101 REI Masters Edmonton Real Estate Investing Bus Tour August 22, 2026 www.reimasters.ca/edmontonbustour About Your Hosts Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and real estate investing coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through their REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth using rental properties, BRRRRs, flips, joint ventures, wholesaling, seller financing, rent-to-own, garden suites, and creative financing. The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show is a daily podcast focused on helping Canadian investors build cash flow, scale their portfolios, and invest with confidence. Resources & Contact Learn about the REI Masters Mentorship Program: www.reimasters.ca Bookkeeping & tax help for real estate investors: www.finngo.com/rei Get Wayne's book: The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors https://a.co/d/jdZaBXM Submit a question or connect with us: info@reimorningshow.com Thanks to Our Sponsors Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor calvinrealty.ca Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax – For Investors, By Investors www.finngo.com/rei Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group keaton@kbmortgages.ca

What do you do when a tenant says they are not paying their final month's rent because you can just use their security deposit? In this episode, Wayne and Gabby walk through a real situation from their rental portfolio where a tenant refused to pay May rent, stopped responding to communication, claimed they knew their rights, and suggested the damage deposit could be used instead. Wayne and Gabby explain exactly how they handled it from April 15th through June 1st, including how they communicated with the tenant, why they filed with RTDRS early, how they planned for multiple outcomes, and what happened when they finally got access to the property. They also discuss why possession matters so much, why landlords need to understand the difference between security deposits and rent, why documentation is critical, and why the right systems can turn a stressful tenant situation into a manageable business problem. This episode is not about fearmongering. It is about showing landlords how to stay calm, follow the process, reduce risk, document properly, and protect their rental property business. Wayne and Gabby also talk about the heavy rainfall in Edmonton, water issues at rental properties, June 1st rent collection, vacancies, inspections, garden suites, and the reality of managing a large rental portfolio. If you are a landlord, self-managing investor, or someone who is nervous about tenant problems, this episode will help you understand how experienced landlords think through situations like this. What You'll Learn in This Episode What happened when Wayne and Gabby's tenant refused to pay final month's rent Why tenants cannot simply use the security deposit as last month's rent Why Wayne and Gabby gave notice that the lease would not be renewed Why the tenant going silent changed the strategy Why filing with RTDRS early helped reduce risk Why landlords should plan for multiple possible outcomes Why possession is one of the most important parts of landlording What happened when their agent went to the property on move-out day Why abandoned possession was one of the better outcomes Why cleaning, junk removal, and damages need to be documented Why security deposits should be handled properly Why landlords need written communication and strong records How Wayne and Gabby decide whether it is worth pursuing money owed Why tenant problems are manageable when you have systems Why proper screening reduces the chance of major tenant issues Why rental property reserves matter during vacancies and turnover Why self-managing rental properties remotely is possible with the right team Why real estate investing problems should be treated like business problems Upcoming Events Edmonton Garden Suites 101 June 12, 2026 Edmonton, Alberta www.reimasters.ca/edmontongardensuites101 REI Masters Edmonton Real Estate Investing Bus Tour August 22, 2026 www.reimasters.ca/edmontonbustour About Your Hosts Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and real estate investing coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through their REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth using rental properties, BRRRRs, flips, joint ventures, wholesaling, seller financing, rent-to-own, garden suites, and creative financing. The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show is a daily podcast focused on helping Canadian investors build cash flow, scale their portfolios, and invest with confidence. Resources & Contact Learn about the REI Masters Mentorship Program: www.reimasters.ca Bookkeeping & tax help for real estate investors: www.finngo.com/rei Get Wayne's book: The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors https://a.co/d/jdZaBXM Submit a question or connect with us: info@reimorningshow.com Thanks to Our Sponsors Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor calvinrealty.ca Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax – For Investors, By Investors www.finngo.com/rei Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group keaton@kbmortgages.ca

Where are Wayne's favourite Edmonton neighbourhoods to invest in? In this episode, Wayne and Gabby break down some of the Edmonton neighbourhoods Wayne likes for rental property investing, and why they make sense from an investor's perspective. This is not about buying the fanciest house in the prettiest neighbourhood. It is about understanding tenant profile, affordability, accessibility, property type, cash flow potential, long-term demand, and whether the area fits the kind of rental property business you are trying to build. Wayne shares why he likes areas like Ormsby Place, Jasper Park, Kensington, Ellerslie, Summerside, and Lakewood, while also explaining the strengths and weaknesses of each one. He also talks about why working-class neighbourhoods can be powerful for investors, why accessibility matters, why some areas attract longer-term tenants, and why investors need to separate what they personally like from what tenants actually want. Wayne and Gabby also discuss infill development, suited houses, townhouses, single-family rentals, tenant desirability, and why some Edmonton neighbourhoods may change dramatically over the next 10 to 30 years. If you are thinking about investing in Edmonton real estate, this episode will help you better understand how Wayne looks at neighbourhoods, tenant profile, property types, and long-term rental demand. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why Wayne still sees strong opportunity in Edmonton real estate Why neighbourhood selection matters for rental property investors Why investors should think about tenant profile first Why accessibility can make a rental property more desirable Why working-class neighbourhoods can be strong rental areas Why Wayne likes Ormsby Place for accessibility and tenant demand Why Jasper Park has changed so much because of infill development Why some older Edmonton neighbourhoods may become more renter-focused over time Why Kensington can be a strong area for suited houses and family rentals Why Ellerslie and Summerside attract long-term family tenants Why Lakewood in Mill Woods has historically worked well for Wayne Why rental properties do not need to be flashy to be profitable Why investors should separate personal preference from business decisions Why tenant retention matters for long-term profitability Why townhouses, suited houses, and single-family rentals can each serve different tenant profiles Why Edmonton investors need to understand how neighbourhoods are changing Why cash flow and tenant demand matter more than buying something "sexy" Upcoming Events Edmonton Garden Suites 101 June 12, 2026 Edmonton, Alberta www.reimasters.ca/edmontongardensuites101 REI Masters Edmonton Real Estate Investing Bus Tour August 22, 2026 www.reimasters.ca/edmontonbustour About Your Hosts Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and real estate investing coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through their REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth using rental properties, BRRRRs, flips, joint ventures, wholesaling, seller financing, rent-to-own, garden suites, and creative financing. The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show is a daily podcast focused on helping Canadian investors build cash flow, scale their portfolios, and invest with confidence. Resources & Contact Learn about the REI Masters Mentorship Program: www.reimasters.ca Bookkeeping & tax help for real estate investors: www.finngo.com/rei Get Wayne's book: The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors https://a.co/d/jdZaBXM Submit a question or connect with us: info@reimorningshow.com Thanks to Our Sponsors Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor calvinrealty.ca Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax – For Investors, By Investors www.finngo.com/rei Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group keaton@kbmortgages.ca

Real estate investing can change your life, but only if you do it the right way. In this episode, Wayne and Gabby have one of their most honest conversations yet about real estate investing, authenticity, bad advice, fake confidence, and why so many new investors get pulled into strategies they do not fully understand. Wayne talks openly about the lack of authenticity in the real estate investing world, why people are often attracted to flashy promises, and why safe, reliable investing rarely looks exciting from the outside. He also explains why investors need to stop blindly following people online, do their own research, and learn how to tell the difference between a real investor and someone selling a dangerous shortcut. The episode then shifts into a real listener question from someone who owns a paid-off home worth approximately $900,000, is planning to move provinces, and is considering using a HELOC to turn that home into a rental while buying a triplex. Wayne and Gabby break down the situation honestly, including why a former personal residence does not automatically make a good rental property, why cash flow matters, why expensive homes often perform poorly as rentals, and why selling the property may create a much stronger investing opportunity. This episode is part speech, part coaching session, and part real-world deal analysis. It is a reminder that real estate investing does not need to be flashy to work. It needs to be safe, simple, profitable, and built on real numbers. If you are a new investor, thinking about using home equity, trying to decide whether to keep a former home as a rental, or feeling overwhelmed by conflicting real estate advice online, this is an episode you should listen to carefully. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why authenticity matters in real estate investing Why Wayne believes too many investors follow flashy but dangerous advice Why new investors need to do their own research before trusting anyone Why safe and reliable investing is often boring, but powerful Why raising capital works better when you are real and honest Why many real estate investing "cycles" are caused by people doing risky things Why Wayne believes investors need to stay in their own lane Why a paid-off personal home does not automatically make a good rental How to think through using a HELOC to buy more real estate Why expensive homes often struggle to cash flow as rentals Why repairs, maintenance, taxes, insurance, and financing costs matter Why cash flow protects you from risk Why selling a personal residence can sometimes create better investing options How one large amount of trapped equity could be redeployed into better rental properties Why Edmonton townhouses and garden suites may create stronger returns than keeping a low-cash-flow house Why Wayne recommends making decisions based on math, not emotion Why real estate investing is simple when you follow the fundamentals Upcoming Events Edmonton Garden Suites 101 June 12, 2026 Edmonton, Alberta www.reimasters.ca/edmontongardensuites101 REI Masters Edmonton Real Estate Investing Bus Tour August 22, 2026 www.reimasters.ca/edmontonbustour About Your Hosts Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and real estate investing coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through their REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth using rental properties, BRRRRs, flips, joint ventures, wholesaling, seller financing, rent-to-own, garden suites, and creative financing. The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show is a daily podcast focused on helping Canadian investors build cash flow, scale their portfolios, and invest with confidence. Resources & Contact Learn about the REI Masters Mentorship Program: www.reimasters.ca Bookkeeping & tax help for real estate investors: www.finngo.com/rei Get Wayne's book: The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors https://a.co/d/jdZaBXM Submit a question or connect with us: info@reimorningshow.com Thanks to Our Sponsors Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor calvinrealty.ca Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax – For Investors, By Investors www.finngo.com/rei Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group keaton@kbmortgages.ca

Interest rates are changing, but not always in the way the headlines make it seem. In this episode, Wayne and Gabby are joined by investor-focused mortgage broker Keaton Kirkwood to talk about what is actually happening with mortgage rates, fixed rates, renewals, and financing for real estate investors. Keaton explains why fixed rates are connected to bond yields, why the media often focuses too much on Bank of Canada announcements, and why investors with upcoming renewals should be paying close attention to recent pricing changes. They also discuss why mortgage planning is getting more complex, especially for investors, self-employed borrowers, and people building larger portfolios. Wayne, Gabby, and Keaton also talk about the importance of having the right power team, including your mortgage broker, realtor, accountant, and lawyer. When things go wrong in a deal, the right team can make the difference between a deal falling apart and a deal getting done. This episode also covers property inspections, negotiation, turnkey rentals, cash flow, amortization strategy, renewal planning, and why real estate investors need to model out different interest rate scenarios instead of hoping everything stays the same. If you are buying rental properties, renewing mortgages, or trying to build a portfolio in Canada, this episode will help you think more clearly about interest rates, financing, and long-term planning. What You'll Learn in This Episode What is happening with interest rates right now Why fixed mortgage rates are connected to bond yields Why Bank of Canada announcements do not directly control fixed rates Why investors with renewals should ask for updated pricing Why mortgage planning is getting more complex for real estate investors Why self-employed borrowers and larger portfolios need better planning Why the right mortgage strategy can protect future buying power Why power team relationships matter when problems come up How a mortgage broker, realtor, accountant, and lawyer can work together Why inspections are not just about walking away from a deal How inspections can create negotiation opportunities Why turnkey properties can be powerful for scaling Why copy-paste systems can beat chasing unicorn deals Why real estate investors should model different interest rate scenarios How re-amortization can sometimes reduce payment pressure at renewal Why buying properties tenants actually want can reduce vacancy risk Why investors need reserves and contingency planning Why the price is forever, but the rate is temporary Upcoming Events Edmonton Garden Suites 101 June 12, 2026 Edmonton, Alberta www.reimasters.ca/edmontongardensuites101 REI Masters Edmonton Real Estate Investing Bus Tour August 22, 2026 www.reimasters.ca/edmontonbustour About Your Hosts Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and real estate investing coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through their REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth using rental properties, BRRRRs, flips, joint ventures, wholesaling, seller financing, rent-to-own, garden suites, and creative financing. The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show is a daily podcast focused on helping Canadian investors build cash flow, scale their portfolios, and invest with confidence. Resources & Contact Learn about the REI Masters Mentorship Program: www.reimasters.ca Bookkeeping & tax help for real estate investors: www.finngo.com/rei Get Wayne's book: The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors https://a.co/d/jdZaBXM Submit a question or connect with us: info@reimorningshow.com Thanks to Our Sponsors Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor calvinrealty.ca Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax – For Investors, By Investors www.finngo.com/rei Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group keaton@kbmortgages.ca

Building a lease agreement is one thing. Enforcing it is where many landlords get uncomfortable. In this episode, Wayne and Gabby answer landlord and tenant questions about enforcing lease agreements, dealing with tenant disputes, and understanding the process when a tenancy starts going sideways. They discuss how Alberta's Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service works, what happens if a tenant files a claim against a landlord, and what evidence landlords should prepare when responding to a dispute. Wayne and Gabby also talk about what happens when a tenant does not move out at the end of a fixed-term lease, why landlords need to follow the legal process, and why documentation matters so much. They also cover one of the most common landlord frustrations: tenants trying to use their security deposit as last month's rent. This episode is a practical conversation about running your rental property like a real business. It covers lease enforcement, documentation, tenant screening, RTDRS claims, security deposits, eviction notices, and the systems landlords need to reduce risk. If you own rental properties or are planning to become a landlord, this episode will help you understand how to enforce your lease with confidence, professionalism, and proper documentation. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why building a lease agreement is only the first step Why enforcing the lease is where landlords need confidence How to be firm without being unreasonable Why landlords should understand the Residential Tenancies Act What the RTDRS is and how it works in Alberta What happens when a tenant files a claim against a landlord Why documentation matters in every landlord and tenant dispute How to prepare evidence for an RTDRS hearing Why timelines, written communication, and records are so important What happens if a tenant does not move out at the end of a fixed-term lease Why landlords cannot physically remove tenants themselves When a landlord may need an order and a bailiff Why tenants technically cannot use the security deposit as last month's rent Why this situation is still hard to prevent in real life Why tenant screening matters long before problems happen Why strong systems protect your rental property business Why Wayne believes many landlord problems come from not knowing the rules Why Alberta remains one of the strongest provinces for landlords and investors Upcoming Events Edmonton Garden Suites 101 June 12, 2026 Edmonton, Alberta www.reimasters.ca/edmontongardensuites101 REI Masters Edmonton Real Estate Investing Bus Tour August 22, 2026 www.reimasters.ca/edmontonbustour About Your Hosts Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and real estate investing coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through their REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth using rental properties, BRRRRs, flips, joint ventures, wholesaling, seller financing, rent-to-own, garden suites, and creative real estate strategies. The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show is a daily podcast focused on helping Canadian investors build cash flow, scale their portfolios, and invest with confidence. Resources & Contact Learn about the REI Masters Mentorship Program: www.reimasters.ca Bookkeeping & tax help for real estate investors: www.finngo.com/rei Get Wayne's book: The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors https://a.co/d/jdZaBXM Submit a question or connect with us: info@reimorningshow.com Thanks to Our Sponsors Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor calvinrealty.ca Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax – For Investors, By Investors www.finngo.com/rei Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group keaton@kbmortgages.ca

A strong lease agreement sets the foundation for your rental property business. In this episode, Wayne and Gabby break down how landlords can think about building a lease agreement that is clear, practical, and easy for tenants to understand. They explain why a lease agreement is not just about legal protection. It also helps set expectations, clarify responsibilities, document what both sides agreed to, and support the systems you use to manage your rental properties. Wayne and Gabby discuss why landlords should start with a proper template, make sure it follows provincial landlord and tenant laws, and then customize it based on their property, systems, and real-world experience. They also talk about communication rules, smoking, cannabis, pets, guests, parking, maintenance responsibilities, inspections, cleanliness expectations, and why a lease should be simple enough that tenants actually read and understand it. If you own rental properties, are preparing to rent out your first unit, or want to improve your landlording systems, this episode will help you understand what goes into a strong lease agreement. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why a lease agreement sets the foundation for your rental property business Why every landlord needs a clear written lease agreement Why a lease agreement should support provincial landlord and tenant laws Why you should start with a template instead of building from scratch Why your lease should be simple enough for tenants to understand Why legal language is not always better Why tenants need to understand their responsibilities before they move in Why communication rules are one of the most important parts of your system Why Wayne and Gabby prefer written communication with tenants Why documentation matters if a tenancy ever goes bad Why a lease agreement should support your property management systems What clauses landlords may want to consider adding Why smoking, cannabis, guests, pets, parking, and noise should be addressed Why multi-unit properties may require clearer expectations Why maintenance responsibilities should be outlined clearly Why inspections and documentation help protect your investment Why a good lease agreement is only one part of a larger landlord system About Your Hosts Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and real estate investing coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through their REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth using rental properties, BRRRRs, flips, joint ventures, wholesaling, seller financing, rent-to-own, garden suites, and creative real estate strategies. The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show is a daily podcast focused on helping Canadian investors build cash flow, scale their portfolios, and invest with confidence. Resources & Contact Edmonton Garden Suites 101: www.reimasters.ca/edmontongardensuites101 Learn about the REI Masters Mentorship Program: www.reimasters.ca Bookkeeping & tax help for real estate investors: www.finngo.com/rei Get Wayne's book: The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors https://a.co/d/jdZaBXM Submit a question or connect with us: info@reimorningshow.com Thanks to Our Sponsors Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor calvinrealty.ca Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax – For Investors, By Investors www.finngo.com/rei Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group keaton@kbmortgages.ca

What happens when your rental property renovation is finally finished, the cleaners are booked, the photographer is scheduled, and then a surprise repair shows up out of nowhere? In this episode, Wayne and Gabby share the painful story of a $14,000 surprise repair at one of their rental properties. After finishing a basement suite renovation, they discovered a major drain line issue that required jackhammering through the newly renovated suite, replacing the drain line, and repairing the damage afterward. Wayne and Gabby break down what happened, how they responded, why having the right trades and systems matters, and why real estate investors need to be prepared for unexpected repairs. They also talk about renovation surprises, contingency budgets, buying with enough equity cushion, cash reserves, and why owning rental properties requires emotional resilience. This episode is a real look behind the scenes of real estate investing. Not everything goes smoothly. Not every renovation stays on budget. Not every problem can be avoided. But with the right systems, the right team, and the right reserves, investors can handle these moments and keep moving forward. If you own rental properties, are planning your first renovation, or think real estate investing is always clean and easy, this episode will give you a more realistic picture of what it takes to build and manage a rental portfolio. What You'll Learn in This Episode What happened with Wayne and Gabby's $14,000 rental property repair Why surprise repairs can happen even after inspections and renovations Why drain line issues can be expensive and disruptive Why sewer lines and drain lines are not the same thing Why renovations rarely go exactly according to plan Why opening walls can reveal hidden electrical, plumbing, and safety issues Why investors need contingency budgets for renovations Why buying with equity cushion can protect you when costs increase Why cash reserves are critical for rental property investors Why having the right trades on your power team matters How Gabby handled the repair using systems and trusted contractors Why emotional resilience is part of being a real estate investor Why investors should expect problems and know who to call Why Wayne and Gabby still see the deal as manageable because they bought it right Why real estate investing requires both patience and action Why sharing real stories helps investors understand the business more honestly About Your Hosts Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and real estate investing coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through their REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth using rental properties, BRRRRs, flips, joint ventures, wholesaling, seller financing, rent-to-own, garden suites, and creative real estate strategies. The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show is a daily podcast focused on helping Canadian investors build cash flow, scale their portfolios, and invest with confidence. Resources & Contact REI Masters Edmonton Real Estate Investing Bus Tour: www.reimasters.ca/edmontonbustour Use discount code: REI Morning Show Learn about the REI Masters Mentorship Program: www.reimasters.ca Bookkeeping & tax help for real estate investors: www.finngo.com/rei Get Wayne's book: The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors https://a.co/d/jdZaBXM Submit a question or connect with us: info@reimorningshow.com Thanks to Our Sponsors Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor calvinrealty.ca Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax – For Investors, By Investors www.finngo.com/rei Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group keaton@kbmortgages.ca

Can one rental property change your family's future? In this episode, Wayne interviews Gabby about what real estate investing has created for their family, their lifestyle, and their long-term future. Gabby shares why the greatest benefit of real estate investing has been the lifestyle it created, including time freedom, the ability to homeschool their daughter, working together as a family, and having more control over their days. Wayne and Gabby also talk about the power of leverage, how they started with one rental property and a small down payment, and how real estate investing allowed them to build a life they never would have thought possible. This episode also dives into the emotional side of real estate investing, why people want financial freedom, why time matters so much, and why real estate can become a tool for creating a more fulfilling life. Wayne explains why real estate investing clicked for him, how leverage changed everything, and why he believes smart, fundamentals-based real estate investing can change the financial future of Canadian families. If you are trying to understand why real estate investing matters beyond monthly cash flow, this episode will help you see the bigger picture. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why real estate investing is about more than cash flow How real estate investing created lifestyle freedom for Wayne and Gabby Why time freedom can matter more than luxury or status How real estate helped create more flexibility for their family Why Gabby values being able to homeschool and work from home Why leverage is one of the most powerful parts of real estate investing How Wayne and Gabby started with one down payment and one property Why real estate can quietly build long-term wealth in the background Why patience is necessary when building a rental portfolio Why forcing growth too quickly can create unnecessary risk Why systems matter when managing rental properties at scale How Gabby manages a large portfolio remotely Why Wayne believes real estate investing is easier when you understand the math Why real estate can create confidence, certainty, and long-term opportunity Why starting sooner gives investors more time to compound How real estate investing can help build a more fulfilling life About Your Hosts Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and real estate investing coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through their REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth using rental properties, BRRRRs, flips, joint ventures, wholesaling, seller financing, rent-to-own, garden suites, and creative real estate strategies. The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show is a daily podcast focused on helping Canadian investors build cash flow, scale their portfolios, and invest with confidence. Resources & Contact Learn about the REI Masters Mentorship Program: www.reimasters.ca Learn about the Remote Property Management Course: www.reimasters.ca Bookkeeping & tax help for real estate investors: www.finngo.com/rei Get Wayne's book: The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors https://a.co/d/jdZaBXM Submit a question or connect with us: info@reimorningshow.com Thanks to Our Sponsors Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor calvinrealty.ca Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax – For Investors, By Investors www.finngo.com/rei Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group keaton@kbmortgages.ca

How do you know if a real estate deal is actually good? In this episode, Wayne and Gabby break down the key elements every investor should look at before buying a rental property. Wayne explains why a good deal is not based on emotion, wall colours, gut feeling, or whether a property simply "looks cool" online. A good real estate deal needs to be analyzed like a business. The conversation covers the most important pieces of a strong investment property, including cash flow, projected return on investment, tenant profile, money made on the buy, appreciation potential, value-add opportunities, and whether the deal actually fits your personal investing goals. Wayne and Gabby also share stories from their recent property viewings in Edmonton, including why they are actively buying right now, what they look for when walking through a property, and how small details can affect both buyer and tenant appeal. If you are trying to buy your first rental property, analyze better deals, or stop guessing whether something is a good investment, this episode will help you build a clearer checklist for making smarter real estate decisions. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why a good real estate deal should be judged like a business Why investors should not buy based on emotion or appearance alone Why cash flow is the first major piece of a good rental property How cash flow protects your portfolio during hard seasons Why the 5% Rule™ matters when analyzing rental properties What projected ROI means and why every investor needs a personal standard Why appreciation should be considered but not relied on Why tenant profile matters before you buy the property How the type of property affects the type of tenant you attract Why Wayne and Gabby prefer simple, easy-to-manage rentals Why making money on the buy can boost your return immediately Why value-add potential can make a deal stronger How upgrades, secondary suites, and garden suites can increase income and value Why not every value-add opportunity is worth doing Why a deal still needs to fit your personal goals Why clarity helps your realtor, coach, and network bring you better opportunities About Your Hosts Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and real estate investing coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through their REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth using rental properties, BRRRRs, flips, joint ventures, wholesaling, seller financing, rent-to-own, garden suites, and creative real estate strategies. The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show is a daily podcast focused on helping Canadian investors build cash flow, scale their portfolios, and invest with confidence. Resources & Contact Learn about the REI Masters Mentorship Program: www.reimasters.ca Bookkeeping & tax help for real estate investors: www.finngo.com/rei Get Wayne's book: The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors https://a.co/d/jdZaBXM Submit a question or connect with us: info@reimorningshow.com Thanks to Our Sponsors Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor calvinrealty.ca Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax – For Investors, By Investors www.finngo.com/rei Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group keaton@kbmortgages.ca