"We’re building a house behind a house.... we have a neighbor to the left, neighbor to the right, neighbor to the rear... very niche space in that aspect."

In this episode of the BLD Financial Podcast, we’re joined by Yasser Majd, owner/operator of 555 Construction Management Inc and the Original ADU Home Service Provider for Home Depot Canada. With over 15 years of experience as both a real estate investor and construction operator, Yasser brings a rare, ground-level perspective on how Ontario’s housing market is evolving through Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), infill development, and small-scale densification. 

Yasser shares how he transitioned from house hacking and basement conversions into large multifamily and infill development projects — and why today’s biggest opportunities in Ontario real estate are no longer driven by speculation or finishes, but by zoning knowledge, density strategy, execution, and capital structure.

We discuss:
✅ The real cost of building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Ontario
✅ Basement suite conversions vs. garage retrofits vs. detached backyard homes
✅ How infill developments and small-scale densification are reshaping neighborhoods
✅ Why banks still classify ADUs as “outbuildings” — and how that affects financing
✅ The role of small commercial lending and CMHC in ADU and multiplex financing
✅ Municipal zoning changes, bylaw evolution, and Ontario’s push toward density
✅ Why infill development requires a different operational mindset than subdivision building

Whether you’re an investor looking to unlock hidden value in existing properties, a homeowner considering an ADU for family or income, or a professional trying to understand where construction and financing are actually headed, this conversation delivers clear, experience-backed insight into the future of density in Ontario real estate.

Follow & Connect with Yasser at 555 Construction Management Inc:
Website - https://555construction.ca/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/555construction_management_inc/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090797359690
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKvdW1KBTUJTDSJAEaMofPA

Want to see more of Yasser at 555 Construction Management Inc? 
Check out these videos on the Canadian Real Estate Channel: 

Accessory Dwelling Units in Canada | 300 sq/ft Detached Garage ADU Conversion Walkthrough - youtube.com/watch?v=LBf_J6s1O8U&list=PLVKh4BMVJHMP0bM3psIoFWVEz-mzbCcbl&index=10&pp=iAQB

Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit | How This 600 sq/ft ADU Earns $2,300/month - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78RZNX17gWE&list=PLVKh4BMVJHMP0bM3psIoFWVEz-mzbCcbl&index=10

Turn Your Backyard into Cash: 700 sq.ft Accessory Dwelling Unit Tour + Cost Breakdown - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNPKTneyv0w&list=PLVKh4BMVJHMP0bM3psIoFWVEz-mzbCcbl&index=6

12 Bedroom Multi-Unit New Build in Hamilton, Ontario | Full Tour + Construction Breakdown - https://youtu.be/t3T5emzLW_E

Check Out Some of 555 Construction's Projects: 
 https://555construction.ca/home/projects/

Follow & Connect with Josh & Ehren:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bldfinancial
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BLDfinancial
YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/@bldfinancial

DLC National License: 12360

“Once you control the land, everything becomes a business decision — not an emotional one.”

In this episode of the BLD Financial Podcast, we’re joined by Dane Buttenaar, a real estate developer who scaled from small multifamily properties into controlling 60 acres of development land in Ontario.

Dane walks through what scaling actually looks like — from early triplex and fourplex deals, to missing-middle projects, to large-scale land development. We unpack the realities behind construction costs, financing, partnerships, and why development forces investors to think like operators, not speculators.

This conversation goes beyond theory. Dane shares real war stories from the field, including near-miss deals, capital challenges, and the lessons that only come from building projects out of the ground.

In this episode, we explore:

✅ The transition from small multifamily to large-scale development
✅ Why scaling in real estate is not linear
✅ The real role of capital, experience, and partnerships in development
✅ Renovations vs. new builds — and why many developers are switching
✅ How credit unions, construction loans, and CMHC fit together
✅ Why controlling land changes the entire investment equation
✅ The biggest risks developers face before a shovel ever hits the ground
✅ What investors misunderstand about “scaling” in real estate

Whether you’re an investor looking to move beyond small multifamily, or someone trying to understand what real estate development actually entails, this episode delivers a grounded, experience-driven look at what it takes to scale responsibly.

Who is Dane Buttenaar?

Dane Buttenaar began his career in hands-on construction and site work, starting in landscape and project construction, where he developed a practical understanding of costs, timelines, and managing trades. That foundation led him into real estate investing, where he began acquiring and operating small multifamily properties, using triplexes and value-add rentals to build stable, active income.

Over time, Dane transitioned from renovations into ground-up development, scaling from small multifamily projects into missing-middle builds and ultimately large-scale land development, including controlling 60+ acres of development land in Ontario. Through DASA Properties, he focuses on purpose-built rental housing and infill development, applying a disciplined, numbers-first approach to construction, financing, and partnerships. His journey reflects the realities of scaling in real estate - where execution, experience, and capital matter more than speculation.

Follow & Connect with Dane Buttenaar:
Website - https://www.dasaproperties.ca/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dbutts8/
The Beach Motel - https://thebeachmotel.ca/

Follow & Connect with Josh & Ehren:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bldfinancial
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BLDfinancial
YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/@bldfinancial

DLC National License: 12360

“People were drunk off of the appreciation of the assets over two decades... It's almost like a bad hangover”

In this episode of the BLD Financial Podcast, we’re joined by Vince Gaetano, a veteran mortgage professional with over 35 years of experience who has lived through every major real estate cycle — from working with bailiffs in the early 1990s to advising homeowners and investors in today’s high-pressure market.

Vince brings a rare, data-first perspective shaped by decades in the industry. Together, we unpack the hard truths behind today’s housing market, the growing pressure on the middle class, and the consequences of relying on short-term fixes instead of fundamentals. Vince breaks down why financial literacy matters more than ever, how rising rates have exposed behavioral risks, and what Canadians need to understand before making their next financial move.

In this episode, we explore:
✅ The downside of the current real estate cycle and why so many Canadians are feeling financial pressure
✅ How cash-flow crunches are forcing difficult decisions for both new and experienced investors
✅ Why data, discipline, and behavior matter more than market predictions
✅ What the short-term outlook for Canadian real estate actually looks like 
✅ How CMHC policy decisions and ultra-low rates reshaped borrower behavior
✅ Why declining financial literacy is hurting Canadians more than market volatility
✅ What today’s buyers and homeowners need to understand before making their next move
✅ Vince’s mission to educate Canadians and cut through misinformation online

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an investor navigating a tougher market, or someone trying to make sense of Canada’s shifting economy, this conversation delivers practical, experience-driven insights to help you make smarter financial decisions.

Who is Vince Gaetano?
From a young age, Vince Gaetano knew he wanted to run his own business. Starting with a newspaper route, grass cutting, and snow shovelling, he eventually made the decision to go into the lending branch of banking. During his university days, Vince was first exposed to the mortgage world through TD, and he would go on to spend his first decade in the mortgage business with TD Bank's national mortgage broker unit and with BMO as a national sales manager.

Vince has always enjoyed helping people buy homes and educating people on mortgages, as demonstrated by almost two decades worth of giving advice on CP24’s weekly Hot Property program. Born of this passion to educate, OwlMortgage.ca was created to provide an education-first and empathetic approach to mortgages.

Follow & Connect with Vince Gaetano:
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wiseoldowlshow
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vincegmortgage/?hl=en
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-gaetano-58a1106/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OwlMortgage.ca
Twitter/X - http://x.com/VinceGaetano
Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/3928IWHSwO3avGMcaNJo27
Website - https://www.owlmortgage.ca/

Follow & Connect with Josh & Ehren:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bldfinancial
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BLDfinancial
YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/@bldfinancial

DLC National License: 12360

“People envy where you are now — they don’t envy how you got there.”

In this episode of the BLD Financial Podcast, we sit down with Jason Castellan, CEO and Co-Founder of Skyline Group of Companies, one of Canada’s largest private real estate operators with $10.5B+ investment in assets under management.

Jason breaks down how Skyline grew from student rentals in the early 1990s into a multi-fund platform spanning multifamily, retail, industrial, and clean energy — and why today’s market feels eerily similar to past downturns that created massive opportunity.

We dive deep into how institutional capital actually thinks, where money is flowing right now, and why secondary and tertiary markets are winning while some major cities fall behind.

This episode covers:
✅ How real estate cycles repeat and why today feels familiar
✅ Institutional capital vs small investor decision-making
✅ Why capital flows to the path of least resistance
✅ Government policy, housing supply & development charges
✅ CMHC financing and why scale matters
✅ Cap rate decompression, debt strategy & valuation shifts

Jason also shares why real estate is never truly passive, how Skyline manages debt through volatile cycles, and why balance-sheet strength matters more than ever in today’s environment.

If you want a real, unfiltered look at how serious real estate operators deploy capital through uncertainty, this is a must-watch.

Who is Jason Castellan?
Jason Castellan is the CEO & Co-Founder of Skyline Group of Companies. He has been purchasing, owning, managing, and financing income-producing real assets since 1991 and leads Skyline’s national strategy across asset acquisition, management, development, and investment.

His leadership philosophy is rooted in long-term thinking, disciplined capital allocation, and building trust with investors — a core reason Skyline has grown into one of Canada’s most respected private real estate platforms.

Follow & Connect with Jason Castellan & Skyline Group of Companies:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/skylinegroupofcompanies/?hl=en
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-castellan-498a6810/?originalSubdomain=ca
Website - https://www.skylinegroupofcompanies.ca/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@skylineGOC

Follow & Connect with Josh & Ehren:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bldfinancial
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BLDfinancial
YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/@bldfinancial

DLC National License: 12360

“It’s not the money, it’s the game — that’s what I actually love about real estate.”

In this episode of the BLD Financial Podcast, we sit down with Joe Mysak, the 'fixer' trusted by Canada’s old-school real estate families.

With more than 35 years in the business, Joe has built a reputation for quietly solving the deals others cannot. His work lives behind the scenes, helping multi-generation landlords, family offices, and long-time asset owners navigate complex transactions where trust, judgment, and execution matter more than hype.

This conversation pulls back the curtain on how experienced operators actually think about real estate, especially in today’s market.

This episode we discuss:
✅ How aggressive rent strategies can quietly damage cash flow, partnerships, and long-term outcomes
✅ What old-school landlords understand about rent rolls, underwriting, and fundamentals that many newer investors miss
✅ The real risks and realities of tenant turnover and cash-for-keys when done the wrong way
✅ Why CMHC financing, proper due diligence, and patience matter more than ever right now
✅ How buyer behavior is shifting toward de-risking, semi-stabilized assets, and fundamentals
✅ Why having the right team around you can be the difference between a deal closing or falling apart

Whether you’re an investor, broker, or real estate professional, this conversation is a playbook for navigating today’s rental market, uncovering hidden opportunities, and making smarter multifamily investments.

Who is Joe Mysak?
Joe graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 2004 with a degree in business and economics—the same year Mysak Realty was founded and began specializing in apartment building sales. He became Broker of Record in 2008. With over $750 million in multi-residential deals and features in The Toronto Star and The Globe and Mail, Joe is known for his strong work ethic, strategic marketing, and expert negotiation skills. His straightforward, results-driven approach has earned him a trusted reputation among clients. A passionate dealmaker, Joe has built systems and databases that maximize property exposure for sellers and streamline searches for buyers. He continually tracks client investment goals, studies market trends, and speaks at industry events to ensure his clients receive the best insights and opportunities in the multi-residential sector.

Follow & Connect with Joe Mysak:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mysakrealty/?hl=en
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemysak/?originalSubdomain=ca
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mysakrealty/
Website - https://mysakrealty.com/

Follow & Connect with Josh & Ehren:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bldfinancial
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BLDfinancial
YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/@bldfinancial

DLC National License: 12360

 “Most people think housing got more expensive. It didn’t — the dollar got weaker.” 

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Karadza, an investor, educator, and co-founder of Rock Star Inner Circle whose work has helped thousands of Canadians navigate the intersection of money and real estate.

Nick breaks down how the 2008 financial crisis changed his worldview, why younger investors today are far more educated than previous generations, and how the erosion of Canada’s currency has quietly destroyed purchasing power for decades.

In this episode, we discuss:
✅ Why building in-person community still matters
✅ Lessons from the 2008 financial crisis and today’s parallels
✅ Why investors are becoming more data-driven than ever
✅ How bond yields, cap rates, and policy decisions shape opportunity
✅ The rise of multifamily demand & tightening commercial financing
✅ Financial censorship, frozen bank accounts & protecting personal wealth
... and more!

From Canada’s affordability crisis to global de-dollarization, this episode examines the economic, social, and monetary forces shaping the next decade and what it means for investors, homeowners, and anyone trying to build financial stability.

Who is Nick Karadza?
Nick Karadza left his corporate career at Fortune 500 company Oracle to focus full-time on real estate. Starting at just 21, he bought, renovated, and sold his first property for profit in three months, then quickly expanded across Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe, achieving financial freedom in his mid-twenties.

Partnering with his brother Tom, they built Rock Star Real Estate, a 60+ person team that has helped over 5,600 Canadians create income for life through real estate investing. Their work has been featured in The National Post, BNN, and Canadian Real Estate Wealth Magazine.

For more than 15 years, Nick and Tom have also published a monthly newsletter sharing real estate insights, economic trends, and investor success stories, continuing their mission to help Canadians take control of their financial future.

Follow & Connect with Nick Karadza:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-karadza-80b17/
Website - https://rockstarbrokerage.com/

Follow & Connect with Rock Star Real Estate:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RockStarInnerCircle
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rockstarinnercircle/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@rockstarinnercircle
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/rock-star-real-estate-inc-/
Website - https://rockstarinnercircle.com/

Follow & Connect with Josh & Ehren:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bldfinancial
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BLDfinancial
YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/@bldfinancial

DLC National License: 12360

In this episode of The BLD Financial Podcast, we’re joined by Michal Wach, a real estate investor, tax accountant, and coach who has been investing since 2008.

Michal shares how he built a portfolio that includes a Muskoka luxury cottage, navigated multiple market cycles, and transitioned into tax advisory for investors and self-employed Canadians. They unpack common mistakes investors make with taxes, incorporation, and structuring, and explore how smart planning and professional guidance can protect and grow wealth.

In this episode, we explore:
✅ How Michal started investing during the 2008 financial crisis and built long-term wealth through rental properties
✅ Lessons from 15+ years of market cycles, including the explosive 2019–2021 boom and today’s correction
✅ How social media has turned everyday investors into “economists” tracking CPI, job reports, and bond yields
✅ Why tax strategy is the most overlooked element in real estate investing
✅ Common mistakes investors make: unfiled taxes, poor bookkeeping, and rushing to incorporate
✅ When incorporating makes sense and when it can actually hurt your portfolio
✅ Advanced structures like family trusts and holding companies: who really needs them
✅ Debunking myths around capital gains, double taxation, and long-term planning
✅ Why transitioning from real estate investing to owning an active business can accelerate cash flow and wealth

Whether you’re a beginner investor, scaling a portfolio, or looking to optimize your tax strategy, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you make smarter decisions and protect your financial future.

Who is Michal Wach?
Michal Wach is a husband, father, accountant, and real estate investor. Alongside his wife Anna, he owns and manage multiple investment properties in Southern Ontario, and has been investing since 2009.

Follow & Connect with Michal Wach:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wachproperties/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michal-wach-cpa-ca-2955a37/
Website - https://wachproperties.ca/

Follow & Connect with Josh & Ehren:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bldfinancial
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BLDfinancial
YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/@bldfinancial

DLC National License: 12360

“2025 was the year of volatility — but out of the chaos came stability.”

In this episode of the BLD Financial Podcast, Josh & Ehren break down what defined the Canadian real estate market in 2025—and what investors need to prepare for heading into 2026.

They unpack the interest rate shifts, CMHC policy updates, and bond yield movements that shaped the past year, and share actionable insights for navigating the multifamily, construction, and development sectors as the market stabilizes.

You’ll also hear their take on the rise of missing middle housing, why mid-size developers are leading the next wave of growth, and how to structure financing in a tighter lending environment.

Topics covered include:
✅ How CMHC’s premium and underwriting changes affect new projects
✅ The real impact of bond yields and policy shifts on cash flow
✅ Why lenders are tightening up even as rates fall
✅ The growing opportunity in missing middle housing
✅ Smart acquisition and refinancing strategies for 2026
✅ How to position your team and relationships for off-market deals

Whether you’re an investor, developer, or industry professional, this episode will help you understand the capital markets behind Canadian real estate and make confident, data-driven decisions for the year ahead.

Subscribe to the BLD Financial Podcast for more insights from Canada’s top investors, developers, and industry experts.

Follow & Connect with Josh & Ehren:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bldfinancial
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BLDfinancial
YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/@bldfinancial

DLC National License: 12360

“We’ve Killed the Condo Market.”

Toronto City Councillor Brad Bradford joins Josh & Ehren to break down how policy, red tape, and costs are choking housing supply — and what it’ll take to make Toronto buildable again.

Listen to the full conversation on Toronto’s housing crisis, missing middle development, and the future of affordability.

 In episode 16, urban planner–turned–City Councillor Brad Bradford shares how smarter planning, better policy, and collaboration can unlock housing affordability in Toronto.

Brad shares how his journey from the private planning world to City Hall—and a razor-thin election win by just 286 votes—shaped his belief that the only path forward is through supply-driven solutions, not political posturing or red tape. We unpack Toronto's “missing middle” opportunity, the disconnect between planners, politicians, and developers, and the urgent need to modernize the city’s housing framework. We discuss the economic, social, and policy levers needed to restore balance and affordability in one of North America’s most expensive markets.

In this episode, we explore:
✅ How Brad’s background in urban planning led him to challenge City Hall’s “culture of no”
✅ Why bureaucratic red tape, not developers, is the biggest barrier to housing supply
✅ How the “missing middle” could solve Toronto’s affordability crisis
✅ Why government fees and taxes now make up nearly 30% of a home’s cost—and how to fix it
✅ Why condo projects are slowing down and how small builders can seize the opportunity
✅ The dangerous rise of anti-development politics and how it drives prices higher
✅ Why leadership means managing change, not avoiding it
✅ How empathy, collaboration, and trial-and-error policymaking can rebuild public trust
✅ The connection between policy, capital, and supply, and why alignment is critical

Whether you’re a developer, investor, or policymaker, this episode takes a look at what it will take to make Toronto buildable again.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
 Find the BLD Financial Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Who is Brad Bradford?
Brad Bradford is the City Councillor for Ward 19, Beaches–East York. With experience as an urban planner, Brad has been the driving force behind important housing initiatives like accelerating and streamlining the approvals process, enabling office-to-residential conversions, building more modular housing, increasing density on major streets and avenues, eliminating the “wedding cake” angular plane from midrise buildings, and reducing the cost to build purpose-built rental homes and multiplexes.

Follow & Connect with Brad Bradford:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bradfordgrams/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-bradford/
X - https://x.com/BradMBradford
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BradMBradford/
Website - https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/council/members-of-council/councillor-ward-19/

Follow & Connect with Josh & Ehren:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bldfinancial
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BLDfinancial
YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/@bldfinancial

DLC National License: 12360

Nick Hill shares a warning every Canadian real estate investor, broker, and entrepreneur needs to hear about the future of AI, Universal Basic Income (UBI), and the direction of Canadian real estate investing.

In the fifteenth episode of the BLD Financial Podcast, we’re joined by Nick Hill, Canadian real estate investor, mortgage agent, and co-host of the Canadian Real Estate Investor Podcast. From building one of Canada's top real estate podcasts to helping thousands of investors understand the market, Nick reveals lessons on consistency, community, and adapting to change.

This Nick Hill podcast episode explores:

 ✅ How Nick turned a niche podcast into one of Canada’s leading real estate shows
 ✅ Why COVID accelerated the growth of online real estate communities
 ✅ How AI tools like ChatGPT are changing investing, business, and society
 ✅ Opportunities in multiplexing, land assembly, and housing strategy
 ✅ What universal basic income (UBI) could mean for investors and markets
 ✅ The role of consistency in content, investing, and business growth

Whether you’re an investor, mortgage professional, or entrepreneur, this conversation is a playbook for adapting to change, building influence, and thriving in the future of real estate.

Subscribe to the BLD Financial Podcast for more conversations with Canada’s top investors, entrepreneurs, and developers.

Who is Nick Hill?

Nick Hill is a Canadian real estate investor and host of The Canadian Real Estate Investor Podcast who simplifies complex strategies for everyday investors. From multiplexes to market trends, he shares insights that help both new and seasoned investors build wealth with confidence.

Follow & Connect with Nick Hill:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mybuddynick/
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/nick-hill-337a8762
The Canadian Real Estate Investor Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/canadianrealestateinvestor/
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-canadian-real-estate-investor/id1634197127

Follow & Connect with Josh & Ehren:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bldfinancial
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BLDfinancial
YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/@bldfinancial

DLC National License: 12360
  
#CanadianRealEstate #multifamilyrealestate #realestatedevelopment