How Canadians Are Getting Into Real Estate With Little Money and Smart Strategy
Stack smart Canadian real estate strategies, like wholesaling, house hacking with suites, and MIC investing, to break in with less cash and build lasting wealth.
Canada Real Estate
✍️ By Debbie Balfour | WBN News | July 22, 2025 | Click HERE for your FREE Subscription to WBN News and/or to be a Contributor.
In Canada, many would-be investors believe real estate is out of reach due to high prices and limited access to financing. But here’s the truth: money isn’t the problem. Strategy is. With the right approach, Canadians are breaking into real estate using smart, low-capital methods and stacking them for maximum effect.
1. Wholesaling to Build Capital
No money? Start with wholesaling. This strategy involves finding undervalued properties, putting them under contract, and assigning the deal to another investor for a fee. It’s legal, low-risk, and one of the fastest ways to earn quick cash without owning property.
2. House Hacking with Room Rentals and Suites
Once you’ve built some capital, level up with house hacking. Buy a duplex, triplex, or single-family home with a legal basement suite, or rent out individual rooms. You can qualify for a CMHC-insured mortgage with as little as 5% down. Whether it’s roommates upstairs or tenants in a suited basement, you live for less (or free) while your renters pay down the mortgage.
To go deeper on this strategy, check out House Hacking in Canada: Your Guide to Affordable Home Ownership by Jen Corgan.
She breaks down financing, living arrangements, and property types, making this the perfect visual companion to your first house hack.
3. Mortgage Investment Corporations (MICs)
If you're not ready to be a landlord, consider investing in a MIC using your RRSP or TFSA. MICs pool investor funds to lend to real estate developers and property buyers—offering you passive returns backed by real assets.
4. Joint Ventures
Team up. A joint venture (JV) allows you to partner with someone who has the capital while you bring the time, skills, and deal. This strategy works well once you’ve built experience or trust in the market.
5. Private & B-Lenders
Banks being tough? Alternative lenders like B-lenders and private financiers are more flexible. Though rates are higher, they often fund investors based on deal quality, not just credit scores.
6. Vendor Take-Back (VTB) Financing
Some Canadian sellers are open to VTB financing, meaning they act as the bank and let you pay them directly over time. This creative method reduces the upfront cash you need.
Stack these strategies for maximum impact.
Start with wholesaling to generate capital. Then house hack with room rentals or suited homes. Use MICs for passive income, or JV partnerships and VTBs to scale your portfolio.
Canadian real estate isn’t out of reach; it’s just about playing smarter. Your first deal is closer than you think.
Debbie Balfour | Real Estate Investing Success Coach + Podcast Host
📍 Website: www.DebbieBalfour.com
📧 Email: Debbie@DebbieBalfour.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Debbie Balfour
▶️ YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@DebbieBalfour
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TAGS: #Canada Real Estate #House Hacking Success #Wholesaling Deals #MIC Investing #Creative Real Estate #Investor Mindset #WBN News Langley #WBN News Abbotsford #WBN News Okanagan #Debbie Balfour
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