The Hidden Upside

From drowning in debt to achieving financial freedom in just eight years, Ann Wilson's journey to success had an unexpected twist that forced her to confront her deepest fears. What did she discover? The answer will surprise you.   Ann, a resilient and tenacious woman, overcame a lifetime of financial anxiety and debt to achieve financial freedom through real estate and stock market investing, only to realize that the true barrier to achieving her dreams was not time or money, but fear and self-worth.   Are you tired of following generic advice on building wealth and still not seeing results? It's time for a mindset shift and strategic action. Join us in this episode as we reveal the secrets to achieving lasting wealth through innovative value-driven solutions, diverse investments, and self-accountability. Say goodbye to the pain of following ineffective strategies and hello to living a financially prosperous life.   In this episode, you will be able to:

• Uncover secrets to obtaining assets, achieving financial abundance, and expanding your knowledge in wealth creation.
• Discover the foundations of long-lasting wealth, from consistent efforts to innovative value-driven solutions.
• Learn the art of crafting a prosperous life through diversification, managing cash flow, and taking responsibility for your finances.
• Explore the importance of shifting your mindset to encompass self-compassion, self-awareness, and a strong sense of personal accountability.
• Delve into result-oriented wealth-building strategies such as identifying market gaps, dominating the real estate market, and maintaining a sharp focus.

Now Ann Wilson is an accomplished wealth creation mentor with a truly global perspective. Having lived and invested in five different continents, Ann's insights into money management are both vast and diverse. Her background in civil engineering and her own journey to financial freedom has shaped her approach to wealth creation. Through her platform, thewealthchef.com, Ann teaches individuals about the importance of investing in assets and the path to lasting wealth. Her relatable experiences and unique viewpoint make her a sought-after mentor in the world of personal finance.   The Five C's of Wealth Building Ann Wilson focuses on five key principles for successful wealth building – consistency, creativity, control, clarity, and choosing supportive contacts. These principles lay the foundation for lasting wealth generation and provide a roadmap for those looking to achieve financial abundance. They also serve as a reminder that wealth creation is a multifaceted process that involves both mindset shifts and strategic action.    In the podcast, Ann shared how these principles have played an essential role in her own financial journey. She emphasized the need for consistency and creativity when it comes to wealth-building strategies, and the importance of control when investing in assets like real estate, and stressed the value of clarity in setting measurable financial goals.    She also spoke about the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals and mentors, as they can provide valuable guidance and encouragement throughout the wealth creation process. By incorporating these five C's, individuals can develop a strong foundation for lasting wealth creation and build an abundant life.   Ann Wilson, also known as The Wealth Chef, is a best-selling author, speaker, entrepreneur and financial empowerment activist.   She began her career as a civil engineer managing billion-dollar projects all over the world. Despite being “well educated” and having a well-paid job, Ann found herself challenged by her own financial illiteracy and a mountain of debt. Realizing there is a big difference between earning income and creating wealth, Ann began a journey to learn about money and investing and create her own financial freedom. Ann now lives a financially free life - one where she can choose to work or not and live the lifestyle she desires.   Her mission is to empower others to do the same.   In 2012, she founded The Wealth Chef, a successful online learning business that delivers dynamic training programs teaching people all over the world - from Africa to Australia, America to Europe - how to create and live a wealthy life.   One hundred percent of the royalties from her best-selling book, The Wealth Chef, are donated to The Small Enterprise Foundation - a foundation dedicated to eradicating poverty by empowering women through microloans combined with financial literacy.   As a captivating and inspiring speaker, Ann regularly addresses organizations about personal money leadership and creating wealth.   She has been featured in The Sunday Times, The Sunday Express, Psychologies, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, The Huffington Post, and CNBC, among others.   Connect with Ann Wilson Website https://thewealthchef.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheWealthChef/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thewealthchef/  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/TheWealthChef  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thewealthchef/    Connect with Chris Shebib: Website: https://shebib.com/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIP29W-Jnbi528FAGMhhSjg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris.shebib/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shebib LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisshebib/   Loved this episode? Please leave us a review and rating.

When Natalie Cloutier and her husband decided to buy their first basement unit condo, they had no idea that this seemingly ordinary purchase would lead them to embark on an unexpected journey into the world of real estate investing.    Through their own hard work and determination, they'd become successful house hackers - but not without learning some invaluable lessons along the way.   In this episode, you will be able to:

• Uncover clever techniques for entering the real estate market with house-hacking strategies.
• Discover the power of auto construction loans in financing your dream home.
• Recognize the significance of soil quality and zoning during land selection.
• Learn how consistent fixtures and finishes can revolutionize your construction process.
• Master the art of juggling work-life demands while skillfully growing your real estate business.

My special guest is Natalie Cloutier a skilled real estate investor who, along with her husband, has developed a unique house-hacking strategy that has helped them build their real estate portfolio.    Starting with their own home, Natalie and her husband discovered the power of designing and building properties with secondary suites to create additional income streams.  With a background in construction and guidance from her parents, Natalie has applied her knowledge and experience to successfully navigate the ever-changing real estate market. She is passionate about sharing her insights and helping aspiring investors find success in real estate.   The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Look into house hacking as a starting point for real estate investment, especially with affordability getting tighter.
• Research the market to find the right balance between high value and high costs, ensuring a viable investment.
• Ensure the land you're purchasing is already zoned for your intended construction to avoid complications with the bank.
• Look for lots with the right services in place, such as gas, hydro, and water, to avoid the risks of starting a development from scratch.
• Check the soil quality of the lot to ensure it won't significantly increase the cost of installing a septic system.
• Always include conditions when making an offer to purchase a property, even during competitive markets, to reduce risk.

Connect with Natalie Cloutier Facebook https://www.facebook.com/natalie.lalonde.9 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thenewbuildcouple   Connect with Chris Shebib: Website: https://shebib.com/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIP29W-Jnbi528FAGMhhSjg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris.shebib/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shebib LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisshebib/   Loved this episode? Please leave us a review and rating.

After quitting his tech job and even spending 3 months travelling around the US, Kellan James has still managed to scale his real estate portfolio to 83 doors in London, Ontario.    What is even more amazing is that he has done all this with no partners and his own money in only 7 years.    Kellan has been using the principles of BRRing, living frugally, and carefully managing debt to make his real estate investing dreams a reality.    More recently though his strategy for managing and acquiring property is critically in question because of interest rate shifts.    Tune in to the full episode to hear how he has tackled this challenge.    In this episode, you will be able to:

• Uncover the potential of achieving financial freedom by mastering the BRRRR real estate method.
• Realize the significance of strategic planning, focus, and discipline in smart investing.
• Discover the benefits of conventional financing models and credit unions in accelerating growth.
• Learn the essentials of building strong relationships for thriving in the real estate industry.
• Appreciate the value of mentorship and unbiased advice on your investment journey.

My special guest is Kellan James a successful real estate investor and entrepreneur, who has built an impressive portfolio of 83 units in London, Ontario, with no partners.    Starting his journey in 2016, Kellan has achieved financial independence through strategic investing and a focus on long-term rentals. With a passion for financial freedom and a keen understanding of the importance of strong relationships, Kellan has become an expert in the buy, renovate, rent, and refinance (BRRR) strategy. His ability to adapt and maintain a frugal lifestyle has allowed him to scale his investments quickly while maintaining full control of his assets.   The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit the BiggerPockets website and set an alert for your local city to connect with other real estate investors in your area.
• Focus on the basics of real estate investing, such as the BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) strategy.
• Consider scaling your investment portfolio without partners to retain full control and maximize profits.
• Be cautious of over-leveraging and borrowing too much for down payments to avoid financial risks.
• Join or create meetup groups to network with other like-minded real estate investors.
• Implement frugal living habits to save money towards down payments for investment properties.
• Consider investing in larger multifamily properties to increase cash flow and grow your portfolio.
• Keep an eye on interest rates and adjust your investment strategy accordingly to maintain a safe financial position.
• Continuously educate yourself on real estate investing through podcasts, books, and online resources.
• If interested in coaching, consider reaching out to Kellan James for guidance and advice on real estate investing strategies.

Connect with Kellan James Website: https://www.kellanjames.ca/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/official.kellan.james  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kellan.james/  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellanpaniccia/  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@KellanJames/    Connect with Chris Shebib: Website: https://shebib.com/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIP29W-Jnbi528FAGMhhSjg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris.shebib/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shebib LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisshebib/   Loved this episode? Please leave us a review and rating.

When it comes to handling tenants, there are a few different ways that you can go about it. You can try to do it yourself, or you can hire a professional to help you. There are pros and cons to both options, and it really depends on your individual situation as to which one is best for you. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to hire a professional to help you with tenant issues is up to you but before you do listen to this conversation with Andrew Choubeta. He is a paralegal offering services across all of Ontario.  We cover a lot of ground in this episode, and this is one of the most important areas of expertise and knowledge and learning curves to tackle for investors. Mistakes can cost thousands of dollars.  Some of the topics we discuss; 

• what if your tenant stops paying rent? 
• some fringe cases and the critical paths to success.
• how to set up the relationship, the lease, and your team, including property managers, paralegals, leases, and addendums 
• making sure that it's set up to be a win-win engagement.
• what do you do if it becomes not a win-win anymore?

For beginner, intermediate, and advanced investors, everybody needs to have this area of their investing business understood and in the best shape, they possibly can.  Connect with Andrew Choubeta - Free 30-minute consultation https://caveatlegalservices.cliogrow.com/book  https://choubetalegalservices.com/   Connect with Chris Shebib:

• Website: https://shebib.com/
• YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIP29W-Jnbi528FAGMhhSjg
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris.shebib/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shebib
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisshebib/

  Loved this episode? Please leave us a review and rating.   Other episodes you'll enjoy: Perfecting Systems and Better Branding = Maximum Cash Flow https://www.thehiddenupside.com/episode15   How Other People’s Money Builds Your Wealth https://www.thehiddenupside.com/episode14    Take Action: Shoot the Puck More Than Others https://www.thehiddenupside.com/episode13

Doug and Brianne Hamilton, are successful real estate investors. The couple discusses how they got started in real estate investing, how they have juggled full-time jobs and raising children while also growing their portfolio, and the different strategies they have used to finance their investments. They share advice for other investors who are looking to achieve similar success. The Hamiltons started their real estate business by buying a duplex and doing much of the work themselves. They then slowly added more properties and began focusing on vacation rentals and short-term rentals. They have found that they are good at running a property management business and have grown their business to include other people's properties. This company offers property management and tenant placement services. They have a great reputation and offer their services for a reasonable price. In addition, they also have a short-term rental business that is doing very well. They are constantly marketing and advertising their properties to make sure that they are getting the most exposure possible. The Hamiltons decided to branch out into the short-term rental market in order to increase their cash flow. They saw an opportunity to buy properties in good vacation rental areas at decent prices during the Covid pandemic. They are using their experience as travelers to provide a good experience for their guests. They also discuss how they have used private lending and other financing methods to fund their real estate investments. They talk about how they found opportunities to do this through networking and how they were able to structure a deal where they are cash flowing on the property. Connect with Doug and Brianne www.junctionhouseproperties.com www.junctionhousegetaways.com   Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/junctionhouseproperties/ https://www.instagram.com/junctionhousegetaways/   Connect with Chris Shebib:

• Website: https://shebib.com/
• YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIP29W-Jnbi528FAGMhhSjg
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris.shebib/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shebib
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisshebib/

  Loved this episode? Please leave us a review and rating.   Other episodes you'll enjoy: How Other People’s Money Builds Your Wealth https://www.thehiddenupside.com/episode14    Take Action: Shoot the Puck More Than Others https://www.thehiddenupside.com/episode13    Lessons from Doing it all Yourself. And Then Not. https://www.thehiddenupside.com/episode12/

Dave Dupuis shares their journey in real estate and the various strategies they use to be successful. He also talks about the importance of mindset and raising capital. Dave describes how he became interested in real estate and met his partner Mel, who was already further ahead in investing.  Dave talks about their first investment property together and how they found their first tenant a man named George. Although George seemed like the perfect tenant, Dave was initially scared that something would go wrong. However, they ended up renting to him for several years and it turned out to be a great experience.  They then went on to purchase three more properties. In 2016, they read the book "Rich Dad Poor Dad" which changed their perspective on money and led them to purchase three more properties. Then a car crash changed Mel and Dave’s perspective on wealth and life. The crash made them realize that they needed to think differently and bigger in order to achieve their goals. It made them realize that they needed to unshackle themselves from their scarcity mindset in order to truly succeed. They started out investing in 12 properties in 12 months, and then shifted their focus to larger apartment buildings. By 2018, they had 72 units and decided to set up a property management company to manage them. This allowed them to scale their business even further but it became less enjoyable. In business, there comes a point where the methods that used to work no longer do, and this can be a difficult realization. Hiring someone to help with the workload is a major milestone, but it is necessary in order to continue growing. This shift happens at all stages of business growth. Creative financing can be a fun and interesting way to fund a business venture. There are many different options available, and each deal will be different. The key is to put together the right pieces to make the deal work. In this episode featuring Dave Dupuis, we cover: 1. Why they still went to a conference right after the car crash. 2. How managing almost 400 doors was unenjoyable and unsustainable. 3. Building wealth through seller financing and other people’s money.   Connect with Investor Mel and Dave Website: https://investormeldave.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-tZnYKP3Klse6plRKKBVOw    Connect with Chris Shebib:

• Website: https://shebib.com/
• YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIP29W-Jnbi528FAGMhhSjg
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris.shebib/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shebib
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisshebib/

  Loved this episode? Please leave us a review and rating.   Other episodes you'll enjoy: Take Action: Shoot the Puck More Than Others  https://www.thehiddenupside.com/episode13   Lessons from Doing it all Yourself. And Then Not. https://www.thehiddenupside.com/episode12/   Pivoting for the Times and Getting Creative https://www.thehiddenupside.com/episode11/

When Russell Westcott, an aspiring athlete, is confronted with the stark reality of his future job prospects, he embarks on a journey to learn the skills of sales, marketing, and leadership in order to pivot his career and follow his passion.   "Learn a skill set and the world will be your oyster to go whatever direction you want to go."   Russell Westcott is an OG in real estate investing in Canada and a renowned author and mentor. He has decades of experience in investing, raising capital, teaching, and consulting, and he currently invests in Alberta with impressive returns on infill developments.   Russell Westcott was an aspiring athlete of the year in high school, but his grades weren't high enough to get into college for commerce. He retook several classes through hard work and determination and graduated with a 95 average.    His gym teacher challenged him to compare the student and teacher parking lots and this lesson changed Russell's life by inspiring him to pursue a career other than teaching. Russell decided to learn the skill set of sales, marketing, and communication.    With the help of mentors and coaches, he worked his way up to becoming a successful businessman and author. His story is a testament to the power of mentorship, inspiring others to take action and reach for their goals.   In this episode, you will learn the following: 1. How one conversation informed an early pivot in career direction for Russell Westcott. 2. The importance of learning a skill set such as sales, marketing, and communication to achieve success. 3. The five things that will stop most people from achieving their goals.   Tune in here https://www.thehiddenupside.com/ or wherever you listen to podcasts.    Connect with Russell Westcott https://russellwestcott.com/   Connect with Chris Shebib:  

• Website: https://shebib.com/
• YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIP29W-Jnbi528FAGMhhSjg
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris.shebib/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shebib
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisshebib/

  Loved this episode? Please leave us a review and rating.   Other episodes you'll enjoy: Lessons from Doing it all Yourself. And Then Not. https://www.thehiddenupside.com/episode12/   Pivoting for the Times and Getting Creative https://www.thehiddenupside.com/episode11/    Having the Courage to Leave It Behind https://www.thehiddenupside.com/10

In this episode of The Hidden Upside, Chris Shebib interviews Andrew Hines about his journey through real estate investing and entrepreneurship. Andrew talks about some of the forcing factors around scaling and shares information about his current focus on three main businesses: townhouse development, a glamping campground, and media and podcasting. Andrew talks about his journey from teaching entrepreneurship at Ivey Business School to becoming a mortgage broker and real estate investor. He shares how he got into renovating student rentals and how it was lucrative for him. He then talks about how he pivoted into running his own construction company and developing townhouses and single-family homes. In his first real estate investment endeavour, Andrew Hines learned the importance of not trusting people blindly and of having systems in place to prevent small mistakes from snowballing into larger problems. He also learned the value of keeping an eye on his investments, whether they be local or remote. In the interview, Andrew Hines discusses his experience working as a contractor. He talks about how most of his work was simply making calls to the next person on the list. He also talks about how, when someone didn't work out, he would just call the next person. He notes that he made some great contacts on his first project that have followed him through to today. He also talks about his current development projects in Sarnia, Florida, and his campground business. Andrew discusses the importance of outsourcing and hiring employees to help with the various businesses and how he has learned to delegate and create systems to take himself out of the equation, and how this has helped him to spend more time with his son.  This episode discusses the idea that major life changes can be a catalyst for positive change. It also stresses the importance of taking responsibility for one's own decisions and being accountable for the outcomes. Tune in here https://www.thehiddenupside.com/ or wherever you listen to podcasts.  In case you missed it; Pivoting for the Times and Getting Creative with Sarah Larbi  - https://www.thehiddenupside.com/episode11/   Having the Courage to Leave it Behind with Natasha Cultrao - https://www.thehiddenupside.com/episode10  Down on the Farm: Rural Investing and Diversifying with Candice Bakx-Friesen https://www.thehiddenupside.com/episode09

Sarah Larbi shares her journey from a corporate employee to real estate investor, detailing how she became obsessed with the idea of financial freedom. She explains that she started investing in 2013 after doing extensive research online and that she focuses on work-life balance in her current development projects. Sarah Larbi started with a buy-and-hold rental property, which she found by looking for the cheapest house she could afford. They did some minor cosmetic renovations and then rented it out to her husband's sister. However, they quickly learned that this was not a good idea, as she was a very difficult tenant. Chris and Sarah discuss the importance of having a plan and a target when investing in property, and how to find good tenants. They also talk about how the market for rental properties has changed in recent years. Sarah reflects on their journey as an entrepreneur and how they have had to manage their time and commitments. They suggest that planning and prioritizing are key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance and that saying no to some opportunities is necessary in order to focus on what is important. She describes how she built up her rental property portfolio over seven years, eventually owning 15 properties, half of which were short-term or mid-term rentals. She credits the success of her investments to a mix of appreciation and cash flow from the short-term rentals. She talks about how her dedication to her job made it difficult to dedicate time to her business, but she eventually realized that she could make the jump and leave her job to grow her business full-time. A self-labeled serial entrepreneur, Sarah describes how she enjoys and is passionate about real estate, and how she loves creating something unique. She also talks about how, after hitting a point where she needed to rejuvenate and refocus, she identified new opportunities and let them evolve and grow. Get in touch with Sarah Larbi: Website: www.sarahlarbi.com Mid-Term Rentals: www.midtermrentalproperties.com Inspire Beach Resort: www.inspirebeachresort.com  Email: [email protected] Instagram: @investorsarahlarbi    Connect with Chris Shebib:  

• Website: https://shebib.com/
• YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIP29W-Jnbi528FAGMhhSjg
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris.shebib/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shebib
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisshebib/

  Loved this episode? Please leave us a review and rating.   Other episodes you'll enjoy: Having the Courage to Leave It Behind https://www.thehiddenupside.com/10   Down on the Farm: Rural Investing and Diversifying https://www.thehiddenupside.com/9   How to be the CEO of Your Real Estate Business https://www.thehiddenupside.com/8

Natasha Cultrao is a real estate investor and owner of a property management company. She and her husband recently moved to Costa Rica to do more investing and change their lives.  Natasha shares some valuable insights into the connection between business and personal success, and how past challenges have helped her to approach current challenges in a more positive way. In 2006, Natasha and her husband bought a duplex in Vancouver for $184,000. They rented out the basement and used the income to help make the mortgage payments. In 2011, they decided to move again and Natasha got into property management. She discusses their experience of buying cheap properties and renovating them in order to make a profit. They also talk about how they started their own property management business in order to have more flexibility in their life. The conversation also touches on the trend of motivation through proximity to immigration, and how this can be a factor for entrepreneurs. It discusses a trend of intergenerational fuel and motivation to leverage opportunities and find different paths, as exemplified by the move to Costa Rica. They found that it was a lot harder than they thought it would be, but they eventually made it work. This story is about overcoming fear and making a big life change. Natasha says that in Costa Rica when they turn off their computer at work, they are able to completely relax and enjoy their free time, whereas in Canada they find themselves still thinking about work even when they're not at the office. Tune in for a fascinating conversation around investing, life, and having the courage to leave it all behind  Get in touch with Natasha Cultraro: Website: www.icpmpros.com Email: [email protected]   Connect with Chris Shebib:

• Website: https://shebib.com/
• YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIP29W-Jnbi528FAGMhhSjg
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris.shebib/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shebib
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisshebib/

  Loved this episode? Please leave us a review and rating.   Other episodes you'll enjoy: Down on the Farm: Rural Investing and Diversifying https://www.thehiddenupside.com/8   How to be the CEO of Your Real Estate Business https://www.thehiddenupside.com/8   Stay the Course, But Being Prepared to Pivot https://www.thehiddenupside.com/7