The Truth About Financial Independence for Canadians
by Erwin Szeto
Are you a Canadian real estate investor looking for real Canadian Content? You've found it! Since 2016, this weekly show has helped Canadians cut through the BS and uncover the truth about how to most effectively invest in real estate. Ranked as high as #81 globally in iTunes' Business category, host Erwin Szeto is a real estate investor and 4X Investor Realtor of the Year, with just under $500M in income property transactions. Erwin interviews top investors and wealth builders, sharing strategies that worked and didn't work. This is your blueprint for long-term wealth through real estate.
Episodes
-
13 Months Without Rent: SOLO President Rose Marie on Protecting Ontario Landlords
What happens when an Ontario tenant stops paying rent, continues occupying the property, and allegedly collects rent from other occupants? For Erwin Szeto, the answer has involved 13 months of arrears, evidence gathering, legal preparation, and a long wait for an LTB hearing. In this episode…
more -
What Canada's Most Connected Real Estate Investors Are Seeing Right Now | Nick Karadza
What are Canada's most experienced real estate investors seeing right now? In this episode, Erwin Szeto sits down with Nick Karadza to discuss the state of the Canadian economy, where investors are finding opportunities today, the future of real estate investing, student rentals, Toronto density...
-
One $800k Bungalow Became Four Houses Worth $4.5M & NO Tenants
What if one $800,000 bungalow could become four homes worth $4.5 million, without dealing with tenants? In this episode, Erwin sits down with Daniel Zimberoff and Ming to explore condominiumization, missing middle housing, and how developers are creating more housing options in Toronto. They...
-
Investing for the New AI Generation With Only 25% Down Payment
Erwin Szeto sits down with Sadaf Chowdhury, Director of Investment Sales at Equitable, to discuss how Canadian investors are looking beyond rentals. They explain professionally managed stock funds with insurance features, estate planning, annuities, investment loans and how AI is changing...
-
Turning a 22-Foot Lot Into 5 Units | Victoria Suen
Victoria Suen bought her first investment property at 19 years old. She couldn't qualify for a mortgage on her own, so her sisters signed for it. Sixteen years later, she's a licensed architect and the founder of BuildEx Design, helping investors turn some of Toronto's tightest lots into 4 and 6...
-
He Exited His Ontario Real Estate & Podcast To Build REI Businesses | Andrew Hines
Andrew Hines spent 5 and a half years building one of Canada's top 3 real estate podcasts. Nearly 1.3 million downloads. Then, at its peak, he shut it down. Andrew is the co-founder of multiple US-based real estate acquisition companies operating across Florida, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina…
more -
The 3:1 Investment Loan for Real Estate Investors | Mozzie Chleilat, DUCA
Real estate investors understand leverage. 25% down, 75%from the bank, let the asset grow. But what if you could apply that same principle to the stock market, with no tenants, no tribunals, and no 2 a.m. calls? Mozzie Chleilat is an Account Manager Business Development at DUCA Specialized…
more -
60-Hour Weeks for 25 Years. Then 10 Hours a Week. Then an 8-Figure Exit | Byron Darlison
Byron Darlison founded Rise Vision in 1992 in Toronto and ran it for 30 years without raising a dollar of outside equity. For 25 of those years, by his own admission, the business was unfocused, unpredictable, and running him. In year 25, he hired a Metronomics coach and installed a business...
-
A Hall Pass to Go All In and Build 200 AI Agents Across 7 Divisions - Mike Schwarz, MyZone AI
What does it actually look like to go all-in on AI? Mike Schwarz, founder and CEO of MyZone AI, negotiated a hall pass from his wife, adjusted his medication, and spent 3 to 4 months working until 2, 3, and 4 in the morning to find out. The result: 200 plus autonomous AI agents running across 7...
-
From Factory Worker to $300K Realtor | Milena Simsic
Milena Simsic made $300,000 in commissions in her first year as a realtor, without any prior real estate connections, using nothing but TikTok and Instagram. She had no social media presence before she got her license. She figured it out in public. Milena is the founder of WindSocial Realty in...
-
Buying a 25-Year-Old Bookkeeping Firm | Ming Lim & Bryan Ma
In January 2026, Ming Lim and Bryan Ma closed on AccounTrain, a 25-year-old bookkeeping firm based in Ottawa with clients across Canada. They beat out five other offers. They paid 1.3 times annual revenue. They spent almost two years searching for the right deal. Ming is the managing partner of...
-
20 Years in Canadian Finance, Now He Only Buys $70K Cleveland Duplexes | Carlos Rodrigues
Carlos Rodrigues spent 20 years in Canadian financial services. Mutual funds, life insurance both levels, and a full mortgage broker with five agents under him. He tried to start his own fund. Canadian compliance costs killed it. Now he drives 4.5 hours each way from Hamilton to Cleveland, Ohio…
more -
He Talks to AI While Walking the Dog | Greg Kowalczyk
In this episode, Erwin sits down with Greg—an engineer turned real estate investor and e-commerce entrepreneur who scaled his business to $700K/month and is now leveraging AI to build apps, automate workflows, and save tens of thousands of dollars. From buying his first property with no…
more -
Rebuilding Wealth After Divorce: Sarah Coupland on Ontario Multifamily, Distressed Properties, and Creative Financing
What would you do if you had to sell your entire real estate portfolio… and start over? In this episode, we sit down with investor Sarah Copeland, who went from managing over 60 doors to liquidating everything—and now rebuilding from scratch in today’s market. She shares the real…
more -
Welcome to the Truth About Financial Independence
Passive real estate investing in Canada has changed — and for many investors, the math no longer works. In this episode, Erwin Szeto explains why he’s been telling investors to diversify out of Ontario real estate since 2023 and what he’s personally doing instead to build wealth without turning...
-
The Zero-Down Wealth Strategy: How Canadians Use Leverage to Beat Inflation
Real estate investors are feeling the squeeze—rising inflation, capital trapped in property, and nonstop landlord headaches. In this episode, Erwin breaks down the Zero-Down Wealth Strategy, a leveraged investing approach designed to help high‑income Canadians build long‑term wealth without…
more -
Ontario HST Rebate SURGE, Alberta CRACKS & $600K FSRA Fine | Canadian Real Estate 2026
In this episode of The Truth About Real Estate Investing, we unpack three stories that look disconnected in the headlines — but together reveal where Canadian real estate is really headed in 2026. Ontario’s HST rebate triggered a surge in new‑build sales, but the benefit for investors is far...
-
Ontario Landlord Horror Story: 7 Months No Rent vs Alberta's 30-Day Eviction
Why do Ontario landlords wait 7+ months for an eviction while Alberta wraps it up in 30 days? Erwin sits down with Mackenzie Wilson of SingleKey — Canada's largest tenant screening service — to expose the massive risk gap between provinces. Inside: a live AI reference-check demo, the $60K rent...
-
Canada Is Losing Jobs and Population. Here Is Where I Am Investing Instead
In this episode, we break down Canada’s rare population decline, rising unemployment, weakening income growth, and what these trends mean for housing prices, rents, and investment strategy. We also explore how inflation, interest rates, global conflicts, and political shifts are shaping capital...
-
Rent to Own 1 0 Is Dead. Here Is What Replaced It
In this episode, rent‑to‑own expert Rachel Oliver shares how real estate investing has changed — and why the traditional rent‑to‑own model no longer works in today’s market. With over 16 years of experience and nearly 1,000 deals completed, Rachel explains Rent‑to‑Own 2.0, a strategy focused on...
-
Best Selling REI Author About Lows Of Near Bankruptcy and Recovery to Leading Developer
In this episode of The Truth About Real Estate Investing, Erwin Szeto sits down with best‑selling author and veteran investor Russell Westcott for an honest conversation about market cycles, hard lessons, and survival in Canadian real estate. Russell shares his personal journey through...
-
Build 6 Units in Toronto and Pay Zero Development Charges
In this episode, Andy Tran breaks down what’s really happening in the Canadian real estate market in 2026 and explains why 4+1 and 6+1 properties have become the new investment sweet spot in Toronto. We discuss housing supply shortages, CMHC financing, missing‑middle housing, garden suites, and…
more -
He Funded His Trading With DoorDash. Now He's a Professional Trader
In this episode, Erwin sits down with Anderson, a professional trader who went from driving DoorDash and trading on his phone to getting paid to trade stocks, options, and futures. Anderson shares his real journey—immigrating to Canada, funding his trading account through side hustles, and…
more -
How Canadians Can Win in U.S. Real Estate in 2026 (Without Betting on Appreciation)
In this episode, Erwin talks with Glen Sutherland, a full-time Canadian investor actively scaling US real estate from Canada. They break down what’s working in 2026, why relying on appreciation is risky, and how experienced investors use systems, creative financing, and organization to scale...
-
70 Properties. Private Money. Mental Breakdown. The Truth About Scaling Real Estate
Rasna Arora built a $50 million real estate portfolio across 70 properties using private money, refinancing, and aggressive scaling. Then the market shifted — and everything unraveled. In this raw and honest conversation, we unpack the realities of leverage, hard money loans, refinancing risk…
more -
CRA Audit Nightmare: How I Lost $14 Million in Real Estate (And What I’m Doing Now)
Adam Kitchener built a $14 million real estate portfolio — and then lost it after a CRA audit. In this episode, he shares the hard lessons from scaling fast, navigating tax mistakes, surviving an audit battle, and rebuilding from scratch. If you're a real estate investor, landlord, or…
more -
From 18 Income Streams to Zero: A Real Conversation About Risk in Real Estate
Serena Holmes shares a powerful perspective on money, mindset, and real estate investing. In this episode, she breaks down why money isn’t evil, how scarcity thinking holds investors back, and the mindset shift required to build wealth with intention and impact. A must-listen for anyone serious...
-
From Corporate CFO to Personal CFO: A 2026 New Year Wealth Reset for Investors
In this episode, Erwin Szeto sits down with former corporate CFO turned personal wealth strategist, Winnie Tsang, to unpack why so many Canadian real estate investors feel stuck—and what smarter, more resilient wealth planning actually looks like today. They dive into landlord challenges,...
-
Mortgage Market Update for 2026 | Residential, Commercial, Development, Canada, USA & Mexico!
Thinking about investing in U.S. real estate as a Canadian? In this episode, Scott Dillingham shares the real truth about cross-border real estate investing — from mortgages and financing challenges to tariffs, hidden costs, and lifestyle impacts. A must-listen for Canadian investors exploring…
more -
From Houses to Hotels: A Real Life Monopoly Story
Mike Rosehart shares his real estate journey from buying his first student rental while in university to scaling hundreds of units across residential, hotels, and motels in Canada. We talk house hacking, leverage, market timing, selling at the peak, and why hotels and motel conversions offer...
-
How a Canadian WealthGenius Coach Scaled a U.S. Multifamily Portfolio
Canadian real estate investor Thomas Lorini joins Erwin Szeto to reveal how Canadians can break into the US property market. From overcoming financing and legal hurdles to building wealth in Ohio multifamily real estate, Thomas shares practical tips, landlord strategies, and his coaching journey....
-
How to Sell a Tenanted Property in 2026: What Investors Need to Know Now
Discover how to sell a tenanted property in 2026! Investor and property manager Tim Hong joins host Erwin Szeto to break down market trends, new regulations, and practical strategies for selling with tenants in place. Get expert tips on maximizing your investment, navigating challenges, and…
more -
Bill 60 Explained: Ontario’s New Rental Laws & What Landlords Need to Know
Discover how Ontario’s Bill 60 is reshaping rental laws for landlords and tenants. Host Erwin Szeto breaks down the key changes, including lease expiry rules, eviction timelines, and new protections for property owners. Tune in for practical insights and expert advice on navigating the evolving...
-
How Canadian Developers Are Using Grants to Fund Affordable Rentals (Without Giving Up Control)
Learn how Canadian developers and real estate leaders are unlocking government grants, building affordable housing, and driving innovation. Chelsey Fawcett shares practical tips and inspiring stories from the front lines of real estate and community development.
-
How Canadians Actively Invest in America: E-2 Visa, Co-Living Strategy & Execution
Thinking about investing or moving to the U.S.? 🇺🇸 International lawyer Lauren Cohen joins Erwin Szeto to reveal the truth about E2 visas, cross-border investing, and the rise of co-living real estate. Learn how Canadians can build wealth, gain U.S. residency, and create freedom through smart...
-
Apartments vs Business Income: How Real Estate Investing is Evolving in 2025
Real estate coach Elizabeth Kelly joins Erwin Szeto for a candid conversation on surviving and thriving in the 2025 Canadian real estate market. From government financing and cash flow challenges to the importance of education, mindset, and adapting your investment strategy, this episode delivers...
-
Why Canadian Multifamily Real Estate Still Makes Sense in 2025 — Insights from Alfonso Cuadra
How do top investors thrive in Canada’s real estate market? Alfonso Cuadra reveals why multifamily wins, the dangers of private lending, and how to hedge against inflation. Learn strategies for scaling, financing, and surviving market shifts—plus the truth about equity vs. debt. 🔗 Learn more:...
-
Pensions vs. Real Estate: Which Really Builds Wealth?
Luis Rivas shares how he left a 22-year government career, cashed out his pension, and pivoted into real estate investing and coaching. From the fear of leaving “golden handcuffs” to building wealth through multifamily properties, private lending, and U.S. opportunities, Luis dives into pensions,...
-
Financial Freedom After Family Crisis | Arminda Simao’s Holistic Wealth Planning in Action
From family crisis to financial freedom — this is the inspiring journey of Arminda Simao, a single mom who built stability through student rental investing. She opens up about balancing kids’ expensive tuition, losing her husband, and how smart real estate choices created cash flow, resilience…
more -
Canada’s Housing Crisis & The Missing Middle Conference 2025
In this episode, Erwin Szeto talks with Jimmy La & Kartik Singla (SDG Canada) about their Clapperton Village project in Barrie and how they’re reshaping rental housing with modular builds, multi-generational units, and CMHC’s MLI Select financing. Plus, a preview of the Missing Middle Conference…
more -
From Bodybuilding to Real Estate Investing | Michael’s 24-Year Investor Journey & Lessons Learned
🎧In this episode of The Truth About Real Estate Investing for Canadians, Erwin sits down with Michael, a 24-year veteran of real estate investing who has seen it all — from health scares that pushed him into bodybuilding discipline, to buying his first $78K townhouse in Edmonton, to scaling into...
-
Ontario Landlord Crisis | Tenant Fraud, Evictions & SOLO.ca Solutions
Ontario’s small landlords are struggling with LTB delays, tenant fraud, and rising risks. Host Erwin Szeto talks with Boubah, co-founder of SOLO.ca, about how a grassroots movement of nearly 9,000 members is supporting landlords, pushing for fair reforms, and fighting back against a broken system.
-
Painting for Profit: Maximizing Renovation ROI with Brian Young
🎧 Brian from Home Painters Toronto shares how he scaled a painting business to $4M+, leveraged real estate, and mastered marketing. Learn high-ROI renovation tips, business systems, and investor insights to boost property value & cash flow. Learn more about Home Painters Toronto:...
-
How I Went from Failures to 5 Duplexes, a Ski Chalet & Ground-Up Development
From early investing mistakes to building 5 duplexes, a luxury ski chalet, and breaking ground on a commercial development, Brad shares his journey through real estate’s ups and downs. Learn how he scaled fast, mastered short-term rental math, and shifted to complex strategies in today’s market....
-
Legal Landmines in Real Estate JVs – with Shawn Quigg
Real estate lawyer and Cardinal Law co-founder Shawn Quigg joins Erwin Szeto to expose the biggest legal risks investors face in 2025—from joint venture breakups to disastrous private lending structures. They cover real-world deal failures, the importance of contracts, how to avoid losing your...
-
Is Private Lending Safe? The Real Risks & Infinite Banking Exposed
Financial advisor Adam Niman joins Erwin Szeto to share how he turned private lending into a real estate portfolio—and the hard lessons learned along the way. Adam breaks down how he evaluates deals, handles failed loans, and why many Canadians are being misled about participating life insurance...
-
From Burnout to 20 U.S. Properties: How Share is Revolutionizing Real Estate for Canadians
In this mind-opening episode of The Truth About Real Estate Investing for Canadians, Erwin sits down with Andrew Kim to discuss how Share, a tech-enabled real estate asset management platform, is revolutionizing U.S. property investing for Canadians. With over 20 properties across four states,...
-
From Environmental Law to Impact Real Estate Rodney Wilts' Journey to Sustainable Development
In this episode, developer Rodney Wilts shares how he's turning contaminated land into zero-carbon housing—including the award-winning Zibi Project. From ESG-driven returns to affordable retrofits, learn how real estate can solve Canada’s housing and climate crises. 🎧 For investors, developers,...
-
Canadian Financial Advisor Reveals Why He Chose to Invest Everything in the U.S
In this episode of The Truth About Real Estate Investing for Canadians, we follow the journey of Carlos Rodrigues, a former Canadian financial planner who sold off his entire Ontario real estate portfolio to start over in Cleveland, Ohio. Carlos shares the real story—including the $30K he lost to…
more -
An American Virtual Wholesaling From Canada
This week on The Truth About Real Estate Investing for Canadians, I’m joined by Nathan Payne, founder of Painless Flipping—and no, that’s not just a clever name. Nathan’s a full-time real estate wholesaler who runs his entire U.S.-based business virtually… from small-town Ontario, Canada. We get...
About this show
Are you a Canadian real estate investor looking for real Canadian Content? You've found it! Since 2016, this weekly show has helped Canadians cut through the BS and uncover the truth about how to most effectively invest in real estate. Ranked as high as #81 globally in iTunes' Business category, host Erwin Szeto is a real estate investor and 4X Investor Realtor of the Year, with just under $500M in income property transactions. Erwin interviews top investors and wealth builders, sharing strategies that worked and didn't work. This is your blueprint for long-term wealth through real estate.
Hosted by
Erwin Szeto