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If you added up every dollar you made in real estate last year… how much of it actually stayed in your pocket after taxes?

Not your gross revenue. Not the deal projections. What you actually kept.

Most investors spend years learning how to find properties, analyze deals, and raise capital. But when it comes to real estate taxes, many rely on basic tax preparation once a year and call it a day. That’s compliance — not strategy.

In this episode, I sit down with Charles Tarantino, a U.S.-based CPA who works closely with real estate investors — from active operators flipping and developing to passive investors in syndications and private equity deals. His focus is proactive tax planning designed to reduce tax liability and build long-term wealth.

We cover
• Bonus depreciation and what’s changing
• Active vs. passive income for tax purposes
• How depreciation works for syndication investors
• The difference between filing a return and building a real tax strategy
• Smarter tax systems as you scale your portfolio

If you’re investing in U.S. real estate and serious about keeping more of your cash flow and profits, this episode is worth your time.

Follow CJ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cjthecpa/

Learn More About Our Trusted Partner - Ellements Financial Group

Ellements Group offers real estate investors like you the peace of mind that comes from their insightful, full-team approach to financial coaching, holistic financial planning and managing your entire financial picture, not just your portfolio.

Would you like to learn more? Visit:
https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/ellements-financial-group

Savvy Investor Links:

Website: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvy_investors
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesavvyinvestor

Join our Savvy Squad Community for 14 Days Absolutely FREE!
https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/join

Disclaimer: The views and advice expressed on this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the podcast host or affiliated parties. The content is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. The podcast host and producers are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided.

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Is short-term rental investing still worth it… or has the acquisition boom cooled off?

With cities tightening regulations, licenses disappearing, and bylaws changing fast, the question isn’t just “How much can this Airbnb make?” — it’s “Is this market stable enough to invest in?”

Joining me is Kenny Bedwell, Founder & CEO of STR Insights, a data-driven platform helping investors analyze revenue potential, seasonality, regulation risk, and market saturation before buying. Coming from a financial analytics background, Kenny breaks down how to remove speculation and make smarter, numbers-based decisions.

In this episode, we cover:

• How government regulation is reshaping short-term rentals
• How to spot stable vs. high-risk markets
• The key data points serious investors should be tracking
• Whether STRs still cash flow in today’s environment
• Why boutique hotel models are gaining attention

If you’re investing in Airbnb or thinking about entering the short-term rental space, this conversation will change how you approach market selection and risk.

Follow Kenny on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenny_bedwell/

Learn More About Our Trusted Partner -  Barr LLP

Barr LLP is a full service law firm based in the Province of Alberta with a broad range of practice areas to assist all clients. Their Commercial and Residential Real Estate and Finance team helps new and experienced clients navigate the world of real estate investing in an easy and open manner. 

Would you like to learn more about Barr LLP or get in touch with them? Visit: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/barr-llp

Savvy Investor Links:
 
Website: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvy_investors
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesavvyinvestor

Join our FREE Savvy Investor Facebook Community:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/341243106757064

Disclaimer: The views and advice expressed on this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the podcast host or affiliated parties. The content is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. The podcast host and producers are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided.

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If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I start investing in real estate with no money?” — this episode is for you.

Wholesaling real estate is one of the most talked-about strategies for beginners. No down payment. No mortgage approvals. No renovations. Just find a deal, lock it up, and assign it to another investor for a profit.

On paper, it sounds straightforward. In reality? It’s a full-on business.

In this episode, I sit down with Wade Fenner, a seasoned real estate investor with over a decade of experience buying, selling, flipping houses, holding rental properties, and adapting through multiple market cycles. Over time, Wade focused heavily on wholesaling and creative real estate deal structuring — building systems to consistently source off-market properties and match them with serious investors ready to close.

We get into the real mechanics behind building a successful wholesaling business, including:

• How wholesaling has evolved in today’s real estate market
• Proven strategies for finding off-market deals in competitive markets
• What actually makes a profitable wholesale deal
• The mindset of motivated sellers and how to approach negotiations
• Where investors are overestimating property values right now
• Protecting your assignment fees on both sides of the transaction
• What ethical wholesaling really looks like in practice
• Lead generation systems, follow-up strategies, and building a strong cash buyer list

We also talk about the grind behind the scenes — the calls, the follow-ups, the rejected offers, and the persistence it takes to build momentum. Wholesaling can be highly profitable, but it requires consistency, strong negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of real estate investing fundamentals.

If you’re interested in real estate wholesaling in Canada, finding motivated sellers, building a deal pipeline, or creating cash flow without owning property long term, this conversation gives you a practical look at what’s working right now.

Learn More About Our Trusted Partner - Green Mortgage

Green Mortgage has been specializing in working with real estate investors since 2008. 80% of Green Mortgages’ clients are investors, and Green Mortgage has funded over $1Billion in mortgages over its lifespan.

Would you like to learn more? Visit: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/green-mortgage-team/ 

Savvy Investor Links:

Website: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvy_investors   
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesavvyinvestor

Join our Savvy Squad Community for 14 Days Absolutely FREE! https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/join

Disclaimer: The views and advice expressed on this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the podcast host or affiliated parties. The content is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. The podcast host and producers are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided.

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We've hit a big milestone… the 100th Episode of the Savvy Investor Podcast!

To celebrate, we went LIVE on our YouTube channel with a special panel episode called: “If I Were To Start All Over Again…"

We bring in three veteran investors — Patrick Francey, Danielle Chiasson, and Christian Szpifogel — for an honest conversation about the real journeys behind their real estate investing success… the lessons, the challenges, and what they’d do differently if they were starting from scratch today.

This is the kind of episode you don’t want to catch later. 
Come celebrate this milestone with us, It’s going to be a great one.

Savvy Investor Links:

Website: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvy_investors
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesavvyinvestor

Join our Savvy Squad Community for 14 Days Absolutely FREE! https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/join

Disclaimer: The views and advice expressed on this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the podcast host or affiliated parties. The content is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. The podcast host and producers are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided.

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Short-term rentals have changed the real estate investing game — but the rules keep shifting. Airbnb and VRBO can drive bookings, but they’re not something you own. And when your income depends on a platform you can’t control, that’s a risky place to be. The hosts who are winning long-term are treating STRs like a hospitality brand, not just a listing.

I’m joined by Steph Weber, founder of The Weber Co., a branding and marketing agency built specifically for short-term rental owners, boutique hotels, and micro-resort operators. Steph is also an STR owner herself, so she understands both the guest experience side and the real business behind it.

We talk about how to stand out in crowded STR markets, why guest experience drives long-term cash flow, and how direct bookings can create stability, control, and real brand equity. If you want to build something guests remember — and something you actually own — this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to build a short-term rental brand beyond Airbnb
• Why STRs are closer to hospitality than traditional rentals
• What separates average listings from destination-level stays
• How direct bookings protect your income and your business
• Ways to create long-term demand instead of chasing algorithms

Whether you already own short-term rentals or you’re thinking about getting started, this episode breaks down what it takes to do STRs the right way — with intention, strategy, and long-term vision.

Follow Steph on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theweberco/

Learn more about our Trusted Partner - SingleKey

Used by more than 150,000 homeowners across the U.S. and Canada, SingleKey is a digital platform that helps property owners make more informed decisions when selecting tenants and managing their risk. Their tenant screening service, automated rent collection tool, and Rent Guarantee Program bring trust, transparency, and accountability into the rental process, allowing homeowners, renters, property managers, and realtors to rent risk free.

Stop guessing with tenants. SingleKey’s got the tools: Screening, automated rent, and a Rent Guarantee. Used by 150,000+ landlords. Don’t risk it. Get SingleKey.
Use promo code SAVVY10OFF or use the link below to login into your SingleKey account or create new account. Savvy members are entitled to an exclusive recurring 10% discount on all single credit bureau reports regularly priced at $29.99.

Would you like to learn more? Visit:
https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/singlekey 

Savvy Investor Links:

Website: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvy_investors
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesavvyinvestor

Join our Savvy Squad Community for 14 Days Absolutely FREE! https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/join

Disclaimer: The views and advice expressed on this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the podcast host or affiliated parties. The content is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. The podcast host and producers are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided.

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Taxes are one of those topics every real estate investor complains about, but very few spend enough time planning around. In this episode of the Savvy Investor Podcast, host Michael Ponte continues the conversation on tax strategy — this time with a focus on U.S. real estate investing and cross-border investors who want to do it right from the start.

Michael is joined by Amanda Han and Matt MacFarland of Keystone CPA’s, two of the most recognized real estate tax strategists in the United States. With decades of experience and thousands of investors advised, they’re known for breaking down complex tax concepts into strategies investors can actually use.

This episode covers key tax planning topics every U.S. real estate investor should understand, including:

• The most common tax mistakes real estate investors make — and how to avoid them
• What proactive tax planning looks like before tax season arrives
• Short-term rental tax strategies and where investors often get tripped up
• Cost segregation and depreciation, and when these tools truly move the needle
• Entity structures — when they matter and when they just add unnecessary complexity
• How to stay organized year-round and avoid scrambling when taxes are due

Whether you’re already investing in U.S. real estate or just exploring the opportunity, this episode delivers practical insights that apply to any investor looking to run their real estate business smarter, protect their cash flow, and keep more of what they earn.

Follow Amanda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda_han_cpa/

Learn More About Our Trusted Partner -  Barr LLP

Barr LLP is a full service law firm based in the Province of Alberta with a broad range of practice areas to assist all clients. Their Commercial and Residential Real Estate and Finance team helps new and experienced clients navigate the world of real estate investing in an easy and open manner.

Would you like to learn more about Barr LLP or get in touch with them? Visit: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/barr-llp

Savvy Investor Links:
 
Website: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvy_investors
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesavvyinvestor

Join our FREE Savvy Investor Facebook Community:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/341243106757064

Disclaimer: The views and advice expressed on this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the podcast host or affiliated parties. The content is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. The podcast host and producers are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided.

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Taxes might not be the most exciting part of real estate investing, but they can make or break your long-term returns. In this episode, we’re talking about the side of investing most people avoid until it’s too late — tax planning.

We’re joined by our trusted partner, Lisa Elle from Ellements Financial, to break down how real estate investors should actually be thinking about taxes if they want to keep more of what they earn. This isn’t about scrambling at filing time. It’s about building smarter tax strategies that support your portfolio year after year.

Lisa shares why so many investors end up paying more tax than necessary, how simple planning decisions can change your outcomes, and why structure and timing matter more than most people realize. We also talk about common mistakes investors make, what to consider before tax season hits, and how proactive planning can quietly improve your cash flow and overall wealth.

If you’re serious about real estate investing, growing your portfolio, and maximizing profits, this episode is a must-listen. Understanding how the tax rules work — and how to use them properly — can help ensure all that hard work actually pays off.

Follow Lisa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisa_elle/

Learn More About Our Trusted Partner - Ellements Financial Group

Ellements Group offers real estate investors like you the peace of mind that comes from their insightful, full-team approach to financial coaching, holistic financial planning and managing your entire financial picture, not just your portfolio.

Would you like to learn more? Visit:
https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/ellements-financial-group

Savvy Investor Links:

Website: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvy_investors
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesavvyinvestor

Join our Savvy Squad Community for 14 Days Absolutely FREE!
https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/join

Disclaimer: The views and advice expressed on this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the podcast host or affiliated parties. The content is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. The podcast host and producers are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided.

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If financing feels like the thing slowing down your real estate business, this episode is for you. I sat down with Kyle Green from the Green Mortgage Team to talk about what financing really looks like for investors right now and how lenders are evaluating deals in today’s market. This isn’t theory — it’s based on what’s actually happening behind the scenes when loans are reviewed.

In this episode, we cover:

• How banks and lenders are looking at real estate deals right now
• What investors are getting flagged for most often without realizing it
• Changes in lending standards and how they affect approvals
• Why loan structure and entity setup can either support growth or quietly limit it

We also dig into financing strategies based on property type and long-term goals. Kyle explains why one financing approach doesn’t work for every deal and how investors should think about funding as part of a bigger business plan.

You’ll also hear about:

• Financing differences between residential, multifamily, and commercial properties
• What to know about commercial lending before you start making offers
• How to plan ahead so financing is ready when the right deal comes along

If scaling your portfolio is on your radar and you want to work smarter with lenders instead of constantly hitting walls, this episode gives you a solid foundation to build on.

Follow Kyle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylegreen_14/

Learn more about Trusted Partner - Phipps Real Estate Group:

Phipps Real Estate Group is based out of Calgary, Alberta and provides supportive and value driven real estate services to their clients who wish to buy, sell or invest. Their team specializes in residential & commercial real estate, as well as property management.

To get in touch visit: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/phipps-realty/ 

Savvy Investor Links:
 
Website: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvy_investors
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesavvyinvestor

Join our Savvy Squad Community for 14 Days Absolutely FREE!
https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/join

Disclaimer: The views and advice expressed on this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the podcast host or affiliated parties. The content is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. The podcast host and producers are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided.

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Infill and multifamily projects don’t leave much room for error. Land is scarce, construction costs keep climbing, and timelines move fast. In this episode, we talk about the decisions that actually shape long-term performance — the ones made before the first shovel hits the ground. It’s not just about rents or exit value. It’s about how the building runs once people move in and the expenses start rolling in.

I’m joined by Dan Illes, civil engineer, real estate investor, and founder of a water submetering company working with multifamily and commercial properties across North America. Dan breaks down why water is one of the most underestimated operating costs in infill and multifamily development, and how submetering changes tenant behavior, controls utility expenses, and protects NOI over time. From new construction to existing buildings, this conversation connects smart development planning with real-world operations and long-term asset value.

In this episode, we cover:
- Why water costs quietly erode cash flow in multifamily properties
- How submetering improves operating efficiency and fairness
- The role utilities play in NOI, asset value, and investor returns
- Planning smarter during design instead of fixing problems later
- What infill developers should think about before construction starts

If you’re developing, owning, or investing in multifamily real estate, this episode offers a practical way to think about utilities, expenses, and performance — especially the next time a water bill shows up

Follow Dan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illes_invest/

Learn More About Our Trusted Partner - Green Mortgage

Green Mortgage has been specializing in working with real estate investors since 2008. 80% of Green Mortgages’ clients are investors, and Green Mortgage has funded over $1Billion in mortgages over its lifespan.

Would you like to learn more? Visit: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/green-mortgage-team/ 

Savvy Investor Links:

Website: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvy_investors   
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesavvyinvestor

Join our Savvy Squad Community for 14 Days Absolutely FREE! https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/join

Disclaimer: The views and advice expressed on this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the podcast host or affiliated parties. The content is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. The podcast host and producers are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided.

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Happy New Year and welcome back to the Savvy Investor Podcast. This episode is all about pressing pause, looking at where you’ve been, and setting a clear tone for the year ahead. A fresh year brings motivation, big goals, and that feeling that change is finally possible — but sticking with it is where most people get tripped up.

I’m joined by Melanie Robinson for a grounded, thoughtful conversation on starting the year with intention. We talk about why mindset plays such a big role in investing, business, and personal growth, and how habits can quietly pull you back into old patterns even when your goals really matter to you.

This episode covers:

• Why emotional connection to your goals matters more than willpower
• How familiar habits can derail progress without you noticing
• What to focus on when motivation fades and consistency becomes the challenge
• How to reset when the year doesn’t unfold the way you planned
• Staying aligned with who you’re becoming, not just what you’re trying to achieve
• Why mindset shows up in every financial and life decision

If you’ve ever started a year feeling energized, only to lose momentum a few months in, this conversation will hit home. It’s about building awareness, staying grounded, and creating a mindset that supports follow-through — even when things feel uncomfortable or uncertain.

Follow Melanie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanie___robinson/

Learn more about our Trusted Partner - SingleKey

Used by more than 150,000 homeowners across the U.S. and Canada, SingleKey is a digital platform that helps property owners make more informed decisions when selecting tenants and managing their risk. Their tenant screening service, automated rent collection tool, and Rent Guarantee Program bring trust, transparency, and accountability into the rental process, allowing homeowners, renters, property managers, and realtors to rent risk free.

Stop guessing with tenants. SingleKey’s got the tools: Screening, automated rent, and a Rent Guarantee. Used by 150,000+ landlords. Don’t risk it. Get SingleKey.
Use promo code SAVVY10OFF or use the link below to login into your SingleKey account or create new account. Savvy members are entitled to an exclusive recurring 10% discount on all single credit bureau reports regularly priced at $29.99.

Would you like to learn more? Visit:
https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/singlekey  

Savvy Investor Links:

Website: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvy_investors
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesavvyinvestor

Join our Savvy Squad Community for 14 Days Absolutely FREE! https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/join

Disclaimer: The views and advice expressed on this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the podcast host or affiliated parties. The content is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. The podcast host and producers are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided.