The rooms are probably not getting enough fresh dry airflow, or are lacking insulation, or both. There is probably condensation occuring on the walls, which will create mildew/mold over time. Is the mold/mildew on the outer walls? The house itself probably has too much humidity for some...

The cost per square foot that Thomas noted should be right in the ball park. It depends how much mechanical infrastructure and other structural changes you may have to do to create residential units. Some other things to consider are what the rents would realistically be and how much demand...

The tenant is manipulating you.(or you're letting her manipulate you) She is out of line by what she said. It is an asset, pure and simple. It's her home, but she is only renting the use of that asset and her rent needs to cover all of the true costs, plus some extra. If she can't afford...

I don't think you need anyone with a real specialty for those items. As I understand it, Contract assignments are pretty easy & most of the work is done when you fill out the purchase offer. All you have to do is add 'or assignee' after your name at the top.(assuming you are the original...

There are always opportunities, even in expensive areas like TO and Van. They just require the right eye to see them. I would categorize opportunities in a few ways: Macro economic oppportunities; such as when a big event such as the 2008-10 crash creates opportunities such as what Rickson...

I think when I used the term 'small time investor' in my post above, I should have defined what I meant by that; To me, a small time investor is someone that has just one or two units and is just starting out, with very limited capital. I do get that some investors will be completely...

I agree that PM's should be factored in, but only in the following situations, IMO; -You already have a small collection of buildings and time is becoming an issue. Hire one so you can focus on growing your business. - Location, the property isn't nearby to you. -You have lot's of starting...

Yes, cash flow is usually the smallest of the 3, but in my mind it's more important than appreciation on its own. If the investor has bought smart such that they get decent cash flow, then they can sleep better at nite. Appreciation can't absolutely be counted on and if the property doesn't cash...

Thomas- I would disagree with part of your post here. I've never put down more than 20% on my properties and do get real cash flow, after setting aside funds on a monthly basis for maintenance and upgrades. The key is buying right and staying out of overbought areas such as Toronto and...

Rickson- I've scanned thru much of this thread, but forgive me if you have already answered this; Is there a trigger, or triggers that would cause you to sell? It appears to me that you have done well & now that the USD has a 10% advantage over the loonie, that has given you an additional...

Hi everyone- I have some equity in a couple properties and I'm interested in hearing ideas on how to creatively access it. One property has about 40% owner equity, but doesn't free cash flow* very much right now- maybe $50-100/month. (it will cash flow better in a few years as the units...

Hi Trevis- I'm wondering if you could clarify what funds you sourced for the down payments on the 2 properties? Especially on something like a 4 plex & 8 plex which would need significant grubstakes. ie. did you use existing home equity, RRSPs, savings, gifts?? or? Thanks in advance...

Actually, if you read my first post on this thread, I currently have a couple investment properties. I've owned several off and on over the years, buying my first one in 1991. I also have a bit of business experience, having co-owned a successful business from 2005-2012. There's still room to...

Some things people should be aware of if they plan to break a mortgage; Almost all mortgages have some sort of a prepayment privilege, ie. a 10/10, 20/20 etc. These prepayments are usually based on the original amount of the mortgage. Many of these are based on the calendar year. When you...

I sent you a note.

Hi Ramona- Depending on your knowledge, If you're willing, you can do a lot of the design work yourself, before getting architects and engineers involved. 1st you need to make sure you have enough useable square footage, zoning and land area for what you're proposing. Depending on what...

Thanks, I've signed up for the local meetup group that was suggested to me as well. Looking forward to meeting you folks. Brian

Introduction (I hope it's ok to post this in this forum?) Hi I'm a smaller Active Investor/Operator in The KW/London Area of SW Ontario. I only recently became aware of this site and am looking into all that this program offers. I'm also looking to network with other like minded folks in...

Hi Mike- I'm new to this site and have property in London. How do I find out about your regular meetings? Thanks in adavnce. Brian