In this episode of "A Canadian Investing in the US," host Glen Sutherland interviews Chris Micucci, a college professor and real estate investor who began investing just over three years ago. After taking Glen's class, Chris quickly seized an opportunity presented in an email and bought his first property. Since then, he has engaged in various investment strategies, including flips and the BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) method, and has transitioned into lending as a Canadian mortgage agent working with American lenders.

Chris emphasizes the importance of taking action in real estate investing, highlighting that many potential investors fall into analysis paralysis. He believes that success comes from actively engaging in the market and learning through experience. The conversation then shifts to the lending landscape for Canadians investing in the US. Chris outlines how lending practices differ between Canada and the US, emphasizing that in the US, the rental income generated by a property is the primary factor for mortgage qualification, rather than the investor's income or credit score.

Key points discussed include:

The significance of having a solid team and the importance of networking in the real estate industry.

The various types of loans available in the US, with a focus on purchase loans and how property vacancy can impact loan rates.

The necessity for proper documentation and organization when applying for loans, as well as the importance of understanding property value before making purchases.

The benefits of using a lender for investment projects, as they provide oversight and protection during renovations.

Chris also advises potential investors to consider hiring a coach to navigate the complexities of US real estate investing or at least work closely with knowledgeable lenders. The episode concludes with Chris sharing his contact information for those interested in exploring lending options for their investment properties.

In this week’s episode, I sat down with Jane from Elgon Financial Advisors, who specializes in helping foreign-born individuals navigate US finances. We covered everything you need to know about building US credit as a Canadian investor!

In this episode, Glen Sutherland sits down with David Chris from Action to Call to explore how AI-powered virtual agents are transforming business communication. They discuss how AI can handle customer interactions, schedule appointments, and improve response times—ensuring businesses never miss a call. David shares real-world applications, including AI-driven real estate assistants and Airbnb concierges, and even provides demo numbers for listeners to experience the technology firsthand.

In this episode, we dive into how FrontLobby helps landlords report rent payments to credit bureaus, screen tenants, and improve rental management. Our guest explains how incorporating FrontLobby into lease agreements and rental ads can attract high-quality tenants and ensure timely rent payments.

EP360 How to Restart Real Estate After Losing it All with Mathew Owens by Glen Sutherland

The podcast episode is a deep dive into creative financing for land deals, focusing on strategies like land contracts, due diligence, and automation in the land investing business. Here’s a summary of the key points:

Selling Land with Creative Financing

The guest discusses selling land using a land contract rather than a lease option or contract for deed.

A land contract ties the property to a promissory note and purchase-sale agreement, where the buyer makes payments until they fully own the land.

If the buyer defaults, there’s no need for foreclosure—after a 35-day cure period, the seller keeps the down payment and past payments and resells the property.

Why land contracts? They avoid the legal complexities and costs of foreclosure, which are required for contract-for-deed arrangements.

Managing Seller-Financed Land Deals

The guest automates payments through GeekPay.io, a software that manages payments, notifications, and prepayments.

The goal is to build a scalable business, not a high-maintenance job.

90% of the process can be automated using systems, processes, and virtual assistants.

Land Due Diligence & Market Selection

Due diligence for land is simpler than for houses. Key factors include:

Checking if utilities are available.

Verifying land use permissions (e.g., whether someone can build on it).

Avoiding Superfund sites (polluted land with expensive cleanup costs) using EPA.gov.

Targeting rural land within 1-3 hours of a city where demand exists.

Why Seller Financing Works for Land

Traditional banks won’t finance land, so seller financing fills the gap.

Hard money lenders also avoid land deals because they don’t want to hold the asset.

Buyers often care more about monthly affordability than the total price, making payments an attractive selling point.

Land Investing vs. Traditional Real Estate

Compared to fix-and-flip or rental properties, land investing avoids:

Tenants, repairs, and maintenance issues.

Regulations like Dodd-Frank and RESPA that apply to housing.

The business model is:

Buy land at 25-30% of market value.

Sell it at market price with seller financing.

Create passive income from monthly payments.

Coaching & Resources

The guest started teaching land investing after helping a student make $300K on a deal.

His mission is to help people escape solo economic dependency (trading time for money).

He offers free resources, a done-with-you program, and a done-for-you program for different experience levels.

His book "Dirt Rich" is available for free (just pay shipping).

Final Takeaway

Land investing through seller financing provides a scalable, low-maintenance way to generate passive income without the typical headaches of real estate investing.

https://landgeek.samcart.com/products/dirt-rich?utm_source=glen-sutherland&utm_medium=podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Ian Horowitz from Equity Warehouse to discuss the journey of scaling a real estate portfolio, managing risk, and knowing when to sell. Ian shares his experience transitioning from high-risk investments in Baltimore to more stable and profitable deals in primary markets like Philadelphia.

This episode explores the world of manufactured housing as a unique investment opportunity in the US. Glen is joined by Alden and Sean, who specialize in originating notes and investing in manufactured housing communities, providing insights into this niche market.

Key Highlights

1. Defining Manufactured Housing

Often confused with RVs or trailers, manufactured homes are single-move properties transported from the factory to a lot.

Typically found in established communities with amenities like pools, city utilities, and more.

Units are personal property, titled through the DMV, unlike traditional real estate.

2. Property Features

Focus on 3-4 bedroom homes (800-1300 sq. ft.) to cater to families.

Renovated properties with modern amenities like granite countertops and new appliances.

Homes are placed in family parks or 55+ communities.

3. Investment Opportunities

Note Investing: Individuals can purchase notes secured by manufactured homes, earning returns without managing tenants or properties.

Accredited Fund: The Silvercrest Opportunity Fund offers diversified portfolios of notes, with 1-year (10% net) and 3-year (12% net) investment terms.

4. Risk and Mitigation

Note Investing: Slightly higher risk due to potential non-performance, but supported by the fund's back-office services for repossession and resale.

Fund Model: Diversifies risk across multiple notes, with the management team handling repossessions, retitling, and remarketing.

5. Advantages of Manufactured Housing

Affordable housing demand continues to rise.

Investment provides opportunities for passive income, with lower risk than traditional real estate.

Evictions for non-performing notes are simpler and less costly than traditional foreclosures.

6. Underwriting Process

Buyers are rigorously qualified with credit checks, employment verification, and substantial down payments.

This reduces repossession risks and ensures steady cash flow.

Host’s Takeaways

Manufactured housing provides diverse investment pathways: individual notes, accredited funds, or direct property ownership.

Eviction is a cost-effective recourse compared to traditional foreclosure, minimizing potential losses.

Negative stereotypes around manufactured housing are outdated as the market evolves with modern communities and high standards.

Closing Remarks:

Alden and Sean emphasize the significant opportunities in manufactured housing, particularly for investors seeking affordable entry points and consistent returns. They invite listeners to explore this growing sector further, highlighting its potential to diversify portfolios.

Kayla Andrade emphasizes the importance of landlords staying informed and advocating for policy changes to better support the housing industry in Ontario.

She encourages collaboration with elected officials and industry experts to address issues like tenant accountability and affordable housing.

Tenant Screening and Rent Reporting:

Tenant screening is crucial to avoid problematic tenants. Kayla advises landlords to:

Conduct their own long-form credit checks (e.g., through Equifax).

Match tenant application details with credit data to identify discrepancies.

Avoid accepting credit reports directly from tenants, as these can be falsified.

Monthly rent reporting is a valuable tool that benefits both landlords and tenants:

It helps tenants build their credit with on-time payments.

It acts as a deterrent for tenants who might not pay rent consistently, ensuring accountability.

Challenges in the Housing Sector:

Kayla highlights systemic issues such as shelters being overcrowded, reliance on motels as housing, and the use of shipping containers for accommodations. These reflect broader problems in addressing housing needs effectively.

Advocacy as a Solution:

Kayla encourages landlords to become professional and customer-service-oriented while protecting their investments.

She calls for more government support for landlord education and policy reform to address current challenges.

Kayla herself provides one-on-one consultations, educational resources, and runs the Ontario Landlord Watch Facebook group to support landlords.

Personal Insights:

Kayla shares her own experiences, such as dealing with tenants who split up and the importance of setting clear expectations upfront.

She mentions her reluctance to enter politics due to personal commitments but remains focused on helping landlords through advocacy and education.

Call to Action:

Landlords should join advocacy groups like Ontario Landlord Watch and stay informed about policy changes.

Collaboration and proactive efforts are needed to create a better housing environment for both landlords and tenants.

This podcast episode of Canadian Investing in the USA features Rich Monroe, an experienced real estate investor based in Atlanta, Georgia, who focuses on short-term rentals, Airbnbs, and boutique hotels. Over his 20-year career, Rich has worked with single-family homes, multi-family properties, and hotels. His main focus has shifted toward distressed property investments, particularly boutique hotels, due to the flexibility and value creation opportunities they provide.

Key Points:

Geographic Focus: Rich primarily invests in the southeastern U.S., including Atlanta, Tampa (Florida), North Georgia mountains, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

Investment Strategies:

Fix and flip distressed properties for short-term rentals.

Rental arbitrage by leasing properties for Airbnb use.

Management of short-term rentals for other investors (earning ~25% management fees).

Shift to Hotels:

Hotels offer flexibility since value is based on net operating income, not appraised property values.

They allow for higher returns by leveraging operational efficiencies, remodeling, and licensing advantages, particularly in markets with strict Airbnb regulations.

Ongoing Projects: Rich is working on a 104-room cabin resort in North Georgia that includes amenities like a wedding venue, spa, restaurant, and horseback riding. He’s also exploring distressed hotels and conversions into boutique-style accommodations.

Regulatory Challenges: Short-term rental regulations in cities like Atlanta and New York have pushed Rich toward the hotel space, which has more stable licensing structures and fewer restrictions.

Creating Experiences: To differentiate his properties, Rich focuses on creating unique guest experiences with amenities like pools, pickleball courts, fire pits, and organized activities such as yoga or events.

Collaborative Approach: Rich emphasizes partnering with experienced professionals in the hotel space to reduce risk and streamline operations. He’s also exploring innovative strategies like hotel-to-condo conversions, offering individual investors opportunities to buy rooms.

The discussion highlights the strategic advantages of hotel investments and the importance of diversifying income streams in real estate.