Check out our online Community HERE where you can learn how to purchase your first property, manage your existing property, or scale your portfolio!

"House Hacking 101: Live for Less and Build Wealth Fast"

Garret Wong dives into one of the most overlooked but crucial aspects of real estate investing, choosing the right neighborhood. He shares personal stories, practical tools, and a detailed framework to help you avoid the costly mistake of buying in the wrong area. Whether you’re a first-time investor or seasoned landlord, this episode will help you level up your property picking strategy.

[00:00:00] Why picking the right neighborhood can make or break your investment—and how most investors get it wrong.

[00:01:30] The Selkirk Avenue Nightmare: Garret shares the story of his first investment in a rough neighborhood and the harsh lessons that came with it.

[00:03:00] The 8-Step Neighborhood Checklist: From understanding A–D class areas to checking crime rates, schools, and talking to local experts—Garret breaks down a clear checklist to evaluate any area like a pro.

[00:05:30] Key Takeaways: A neighborhood isn’t just a backdrop—it defines your tenant pool, your ROI, and your stress level. Buy smart, not cheap.

Garret Wong is the founder of the My First Keys podcast, the Rent It Yourself Community and a seasoned property manager with nearly 30 years of experience. Originally a research scientist specializing in molecular biology, Garret transitioned into property investment, where he’s grown a personal portfolio of 43 buildings and 75 doors into a property management company that has managed over 1 billion dollars in assets with a 98.5% success rate in legal proceedings and a 98.6% rent collection ratio.

Known for his practical approach and strategic insights, Garret has developed an extensive SOP library to manage everything from tenant selection to maintenance, helping landlords and property managers build a reliable, resilient system.

My First Keys

Personal Website

Wong Capital

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

Subscribe to My First Keys and follow us on social media for the latest updates.

For feedback or questions, reach us at https://garretwong.com/contact/

Check out our online Community HERE where you can learn how to purchase your first property, manage your existing property, or scale your portfolio!

"House Hacking 101: Live for Less and Build Wealth Fast"

In this episode, Garret Wong breaks down one of the most accessible strategies in real estate: house hacking. Whether you're a first-time investor or just looking to cut your living costs, house hacking can fast-track your wealth-building journey. Tune in to learn how to live rent-free, build equity, and scale your portfolio, all from your primary residence.

[00:00:00] Why house hacking is a game changer: For new investors it can cut your living costs dramatically.

[00:01:30] What is House Hacking?: Defining house hacking, who it’s ideal for, and how it compares to traditional real estate strategies.

[00:03:00] Financial Structures and Creative Strategies: A deep dive into CMHC-insured mortgages, low down payments, and how to creatively structure deals using suites, garage units, student housing, and more.

[00:05:30] Interview with Guest (Solo Case Study):Garret shares the story of a young investor who scaled their portfolio through a smart house hack and how you can too.

[00:07:00] Key Takeaways: Actionable steps to start your own house hack: zoning checks, financing, finding the right property, and joining a local real estate investor community.

Garret Wong is the founder of the My First Keys podcast, the Rent It Yourself Community and a seasoned property manager with nearly 30 years of experience. Originally a research scientist specializing in molecular biology, Garret transitioned into property investment, where he’s grown a personal portfolio of 43 buildings and 75 doors into a property management company that has managed over 1 billion dollars in assets with a 98.5% success rate in legal proceedings and a 98.6% rent collection ratio.

Known for his practical approach and strategic insights, Garret has developed an extensive SOP library to manage everything from tenant selection to maintenance, helping landlords and property managers build a reliable, resilient system.

My First Keys

Personal Website

Wong Capital

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

Subscribe to My First Keys and follow us on social media for the latest updates.

For feedback or questions, reach us at https://garretwong.com/contact/

Check out our online Community HERE where you can learn how to purchase your first property, manage your existing property, or scale your portfolio!

"2-Bedroom vs 3-Bedroom Rentals: Which Is the Better Investment?"

In this episode, Garret Wong breaks down the key differences between two-bedroom and three-bedroom rental homes. From purchase price and cash flow to tenant retention and resale value, he shares strategic insights to help real estate investors make smarter portfolio decisions.

[00:00:00] Introduction: Overview of what listeners will learn—how the number of bedrooms can significantly impact your rental property’s performance.

[00:01:30] Topic 1: Price, Affordability & ROI: Two-bedroom homes often require less upfront capital and can offer better scalability, but how do they compare when it comes to rental income and return on investment?

[00:03:00] Topic 2: Tenant Demographics & Resale Value: Explores which tenant profiles are more common in 2-bed vs 3-bed homes, how turnover impacts profitability, and why 3-bed homes may have broader market appeal.

[00:04:00] Market Nuances & Local Trends: A look at how different markets—urban vs suburban—might influence which type of property performs better. Plus, how short-term rentals fit into the equation.

[00:05:00] Key Takeaways: A recap of the pros and cons for each property type and how to align your choice with your long-term investing strategy.

Garret Wong is the founder of the My First Keys podcast, the Rent It Yourself Community and a seasoned property manager with nearly 30 years of experience. Originally a research scientist specializing in molecular biology, Garret transitioned into property investment, where he’s grown a personal portfolio of 43 buildings and 75 doors into a property management company that has managed over 1 billion dollars in assets with a 98.5% success rate in legal proceedings and a 98.6% rent collection ratio.

Known for his practical approach and strategic insights, Garret has developed an extensive SOP library to manage everything from tenant selection to maintenance, helping landlords and property managers build a reliable, resilient system.

My First Keys

Personal Website

Wong Capital

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

Subscribe to My First Keys and follow us on social media for the latest updates.

For feedback or questions, reach us at https://garretwong.com/contact/

Check out our online Community HERE where you can learn how to purchase your first property, manage your existing property, or scale your portfolio!

"Where to Learn About Real Estate Investing: Smart Sources for Success"

In today's episode we the most effective places to learn about real estate investing, whether you're brand new or looking to grow your portfolio. From real-world mentors to vetted online resources, you'll learn what’s worth your time (and money) and what to avoid.

[00:00:00] Introduction: Why knowledge is the key to real estate success and the dangers of learning from the wrong sources.

[00:01:30] Trusted Local Experts: How your real estate dream team—realtor and property manager—can provide market-specific guidance.

[00:03:30] Online Communities & Meetups: Using Facebook groups, forums, and real estate clubs with caution to gather local insights.

[00:05:45] Books, Podcasts & Courses: Recommended reading, educational content, and how to spot a trustworthy mentor.

[00:7:00] Key Takeaways: Combine local experience, regulatory knowledge, and smart content to build your real estate education. Learn just enough to take action, then iterate from experience.

Garret Wong is the founder of the My First Keys podcast, the Rent It Yourself Community and a seasoned property manager with nearly 30 years of experience. Originally a research scientist specializing in molecular biology, Garret transitioned into property investment, where he’s grown a personal portfolio of 43 buildings and 75 doors into a property management company that has managed over 1 billion dollars in assets with a 98.5% success rate in legal proceedings and a 98.6% rent collection ratio.

Known for his practical approach and strategic insights, Garret has developed an extensive SOP library to manage everything from tenant selection to maintenance, helping landlords and property managers build a reliable, resilient system.

My First Keys

Personal Website

Wong Capital

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

Subscribe to My First Keys and follow us on social media for the latest updates.

For feedback or questions, reach us at https://garretwong.com/contact/

Check out our online Community HERE where you can learn how to purchase your first property, manage your existing property, or scale your portfolio!

"The Do’s and Don’ts That Make or Break Your Joint Venture Partnerships"

Whether you're new to the game or looking to scale your portfolio, joint ventures can be the rocket fuel you need or the iceberg that sinks your ship. Garret shares lessons from his first real estate deal and outlines key principles to structure a successful partnership that protects your investment and your relationships.

[00:00:00] Introduction - Garret kicks off the episode with a cautionary tale about his first failed JV and outlines why structure and clarity are critical to partnership success.

[00:02:00] Find the Right Partner - Learn how to identify JV partners who complement your skills, whether it's capital, experience, or connections, and how to ensure alignment in values and expectations.

[00:04:00] Define Roles and Get it in Writing - Garret emphasizes the importance of decision-making clarity, formal agreements like a Unanimous Shareholders Agreement (USA), and having a clear rulebook from the start.

[00:05:30] Protect Yourself, Even with Friends & Family - Discover strategies to avoid emotional and financial fallout with loved ones through structure, legal contracts, separate finances, and worst-case scenario planning.

[00:07:30] Key Takeaways - We wrap up with pros and cons of incorporating your JV, legal and tax implications, and a bonus tip on building your real estate dream team for lasting success.

Garret Wong is the founder of the My First Keys podcast, the Rent It Yourself Community and a seasoned property manager with nearly 30 years of experience. Originally a research scientist specializing in molecular biology, Garret transitioned into property investment, where he’s grown a personal portfolio of 43 buildings and 75 doors into a property management company that has managed over 1 billion dollars in assets with a 98.5% success rate in legal proceedings and a 98.6% rent collection ratio.

Known for his practical approach and strategic insights, Garret has developed an extensive SOP library to manage everything from tenant selection to maintenance, helping landlords and property managers build a reliable, resilient system.

My First Keys

Personal Website

Wong Capital

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

Subscribe to My First Keys and follow us on social media for the latest updates.

For feedback or questions, reach us at https://garretwong.com/contact/

Check out our online Community HERE where you can learn how to purchase your first property, manage your existing property, or scale your portfolio!

"Should You Own Rental Property in Your Personal Name or a Corporation"

In this episode, we tackle one of the most crucial and commonly misunderstood questions for real estate investors: should you own your rental property in your personal name or under a corporation? I break down the pros, cons, tax implications, and liability risks of each structure, helping you avoid costly mistakes and set your investing journey up for long-term success.

[00:00:00] Introduction: Quick overview of the episode and why property ownership structure matters more than you might think.

[00:02:00] Personal Name vs Corporation – What's the Difference? An explanation of how ownership works in Canada and the US, with a breakdown of tax treatment, liability, and structure.

[00:04:30] Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Structure - From business activity to long-term goals, I walk through critical questions that help determine if incorporation is right for you.

[00:06:30] Real-Life Lessons & Risks of Skipping Structure - A story of an investor who skipped legal advice and paid the price, plus common pitfalls and tips on getting professional guidance.

[00:09:00] Key Takeaways - A summary of the biggest lessons — including tax risks, legal protection, scaling advantages, and the importance of planning your exit.

Garret Wong is the founder of the My First Keys podcast, the Rent It Yourself Community and a seasoned property manager with nearly 30 years of experience. Originally a research scientist specializing in molecular biology, Garret transitioned into property investment, where he’s grown a personal portfolio of 43 buildings and 75 doors into a property management company that has managed over 1 billion dollars in assets with a 98.5% success rate in legal proceedings and a 98.6% rent collection ratio.

Known for his practical approach and strategic insights, Garret has developed an extensive SOP library to manage everything from tenant selection to maintenance, helping landlords and property managers build a reliable, resilient system.

My First Keys

Personal Website

Wong Capital

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

Subscribe to My First Keys and follow us on social media for the latest updates.

For feedback or questions, reach us at https://garretwong.com/contact/

Check out our online Community HERE where you can learn how to purchase your first property, manage your existing property, or scale your portfolio!

"How to Communicate Like A Pro"

We're going to dive into the crucial topic of communication for landlords. Learn how to set boundaries, look professional, and protect your time and sanity while managing rental properties. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, these tips will help you run your rental like a real business.

[00:00:00] Introduction: Why communication is key to landlord success and how poor boundaries can cost you.

[00:02:00] Business Phone Setup – Tips for separating personal and business calls, using virtual numbers, and setting voicemail-only hours.

[00:04:30] Professional Addresses and Branding – How to avoid using your home address and brand your communication like a real company.

[00:06:00] Best Practices Recap: Setting tenant expectations, using property management software, and documenting everything in writing.

[00:08:00] Key Takeaways: Communication is your first line of defense. Treat your rental like a business to protect your peace of mind and legal standing.

Garret Wong is the founder of the My First Keys podcast, the Rent It Yourself Community and a seasoned property manager with nearly 30 years of experience. Originally a research scientist specializing in molecular biology, Garret transitioned into property investment, where he’s grown a personal portfolio of 43 buildings and 75 doors into a property management company that has managed over 1 billion dollars in assets with a 98.5% success rate in legal proceedings and a 98.6% rent collection ratio.

Known for his practical approach and strategic insights, Garret has developed an extensive SOP library to manage everything from tenant selection to maintenance, helping landlords and property managers build a reliable, resilient system.

My First Keys

Personal Website

Wong Capital

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

Subscribe to My First Keys and follow us on social media for the latest updates.

For feedback or questions, reach us at https://garretwong.com/contact/

Check out our online Community HERE where you can learn how to purchase your first property, manage your existing property, or scale your portfolio!

"How to Choose the Right Property Manager"

Choosing the right property manager can make or break your real estate investment experience. In this episode, we break down the essential qualities to look for, red flags to avoid, and key questions to ask before signing a management agreement. Whether you're a first-time investor or a seasoned landlord, this episode will help you make an informed decision.

[00:00:00] Introduction – why selecting the right property manager is crucial.

[00:05:00] Understanding the Role of a Property Manager – Responsibilities and expectations of a good property manager.

[00:08:30] Key Qualities to Look For – The must-have traits of a reliable and professional property manager.

[00:012:30] Red Flags to Watch Out For – Common mistakes landlords make when choosing a property manager and how to avoid them.

[00:016:30] Key Takeaways & Final Thoughts – A summary of the most important points covered in the episode.

Garret Wong is the founder of the My First Keys podcast, the Rent It Yourself Community and a seasoned property manager with nearly 30 years of experience. Originally a research scientist specializing in molecular biology, Garret transitioned into property investment, where he’s grown a personal portfolio of 43 buildings and 75 doors into a property management company that has managed over 1 billion dollars in assets with a 98.5% success rate in legal proceedings and a 98.6% rent collection ratio.

Known for his practical approach and strategic insights, Garret has developed an extensive SOP library to manage everything from tenant selection to maintenance, helping landlords and property managers build a reliable, resilient system.

My First Keys

Personal Website

Wong Capital

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

Subscribe to My First Keys and follow us on social media for the latest updates.

For feedback or questions, reach us at https://garretwong.com/contact/

Check out our online Community HERE where you can learn how to purchase your first property, manage your existing property, or scale your portfolio!

"Building Your Real Estate Dream Team"

Real estate investing isn’t just about finding the perfect property—it’s about building the perfect team. In this episode, I break down the essential members of a real estate dream team and share lessons from my first-ever deal, where a lack of planning nearly cost me big time. Learn how the right accountant, lawyer, realtor, and property manager can make or break your investments.

[00:00:00] Introduction – Why building a real estate dream team is more important than finding the perfect property.

[00:02:00] My First Deal Gone Wrong – How my early mistakes in real estate taught me the value of having a team in place.

[00:04:30] The Accountant: Your Financial Foundation – How the right accountant helps with tax strategies, deductions, and structuring your investments.

[00:06:45] The Lawyer: Your Legal Lifeline – The importance of having a real estate-focused lawyer to protect your assets and ensure smooth transactions.

[00:08:30] The Realtor: Your Market Intelligence Agent – How an investor-friendly realtor can find the best deals and help you build long-term wealth.

[00:10:00] The Property Manager: Your Operations Backbone – Why you need a property manager on your team—even if you plan to self-manage.

[00:11:00] Key Takeaways & Final Thoughts – A summary of what makes a strong real estate team and how it helps you scale faster and avoid costly mistakes.

Garret Wong is the founder of the My First Keys podcast, the Rent It Yourself Community and a seasoned property manager with nearly 30 years of experience. Originally a research scientist specializing in molecular biology, Garret transitioned into property investment, where he’s grown a personal portfolio of 43 buildings and 75 doors into a property management company that has managed over 1 billion dollars in assets with a 98.5% success rate in legal proceedings and a 98.6% rent collection ratio.

Known for his practical approach and strategic insights, Garret has developed an extensive SOP library to manage everything from tenant selection to maintenance, helping landlords and property managers build a reliable, resilient system.

My First Keys

Personal Website

Wong Capital

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

Subscribe to My First Keys and follow us on social media for the latest updates.

For feedback or questions, reach us at https://garretwong.com/contact/

Check out our online Community HERE where you can learn how to purchase your first property, manage your existing property, or scale your portfolio!

"Furnished vs. Unfurnished Rentals, What is the Best Choice for Landlords?"

One key decision landlords face is whether to offer a furnished or unfurnished rental. While a furnished unit can bring in higher rent, it also comes with increased costs and turnover. In this episode, we break down the pros and cons of each option, share real-world examples, and help you decide which approach makes the most financial sense for your investment strategy.

[00:00:00] Introduction: Should you furnish your rental property or leave it unfurnished?

[00:04:30] The Investor Mindset: Why so many landlords consider furnishing their rental and the common mistakes they make.

[00:07:30] The Pros and Cons of Furnished Rentals: Higher rent potential, short-term tenant appeal, but also more turnover and maintenance.

[00:10:00] The Pros and Cons of Unfurnished Rentals: More stable income, lower maintenance, but potentially lower rent.

[00:12:00] Key Takeaways: How to analyze your market, crunch the numbers, and decide which rental strategy is best for your situation.

Garret Wong is the founder of the My First Keys podcast, the Rent It Yourself Community and a seasoned property manager with nearly 30 years of experience. Originally a research scientist specializing in molecular biology, Garret transitioned into property investment, where he’s grown a personal portfolio of 43 buildings and 75 doors into a property management company that has managed over 1 billion dollars in assets with a 98.5% success rate in legal proceedings and a 98.6% rent collection ratio.

Known for his practical approach and strategic insights, Garret has developed an extensive SOP library to manage everything from tenant selection to maintenance, helping landlords and property managers build a reliable, resilient system.

My First Keys

Personal Website

Wong Capital

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

Subscribe to My First Keys and follow us on social media for the latest updates.

For feedback or questions, reach us at https://garretwong.com/contact/