E144 Why High Operating Expenses Aren’t Always a Red Flag

Become an REI Hot Seat Insider: ⁠https://submit.jotform.com/info_Admin_info831/rei-hotseat-insider-sign-up-formIn episode E144 of the REI Hot Seat, Andrew and David review a 15-unit purpose-built building in Guelph and walk through its numbers, financing options, and long-term investment potential.The property stands out with its brick construction, sloped roof, newer balconies, and unusually large three-bedroom units—an asset class in short supply compared to the abundance of micro-units in new builds.Current rents are well below market, with some units at $1,200–$2,100 when comparable market rents are closer to $2,100 or higher, creating significant upside for investors willing to manage natural tenant turnover.At a list price of $3.5 million, modeled closer to $3 million, the deal represents about $200,000 per door with a cap rate near 5.6%. Investors would need roughly $650,000 in capital for down payment, closing, and fees, while CMHC-insured financing could provide a $2.5 million loan at around 4.1–4.25% on a 10-year term.The property is projected to generate about a 4.4% cash-on-cash return initially, with the potential to lift its value to $5.1 million once rents stabilize.Andrew and David frame the opportunity as a hybrid between turnkey and value-add, highlighting how it provides positive cash flow out of the gate with significant appreciation potential through refinancing under CMHC once rents are brought to market.While operating expenses are currently high at 41%, they note this is more rent-driven than inefficiency-driven, and natural tenant turnover at 10–15% annually will gradually allow rents to catch up. Toward the end of the episode, the conversation shifts to creative U.S. deal strategies, built on existing low-interest mortgages, demonstrate how subject-to structures can produce immediate cash flow with minimal capital.Altogether, the episode emphasizes that investors are not limited to strict “turnkey” or “value-add” models; hybrid strategies in Canada and creative approaches in the U.S. can both unlock stable financing and long-term wealth creation.Don't forget to join the Insiders list for access to off-market deals and other unique opportunities.Andrew's linktree : https://linktr.ee/theandrewhinesREI Hot Seat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reihotseat/David Hulshof Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davehulshof.realestate/Disclaimer: This episode, as with every episode of this show, should NOT be considered as advice. Investment advice is NEVER given on this show. Always consult a competent investment advisor before making an investment decision.---Andrew Hines is a seasoned real estate investor, business-builder, educator, and podcast host, well-recognized for his extensive experience in the field. Andrew graduated with an HBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business in 2008 and spent three years teaching introductory business at Western University as a Lecturer. He has been investing in real estate since 2011 and completing value-add projects since 2015, primarily in the luxury student rental space. Andrew started a project management company for building out new-construction townhomes in 2016 and has since built over 50 residential units throughout Southwestern Ontario. Andrew is an advocate for treating real estate investing like a business and uses his experience in his educational endeavors, coaching numerous investors on strategies to achieve financial independence and scale their portfolios effectively.His podcast, "The Andrew Hines Real Estate Investing Podcast," serves as a platform for sharing insights, strategies, and success stories, connecting a community of like-minded individuals passionate about real estate investing. With a background that blends practical investing experience and investor-focused work, Andrew has become a pivotal figure in the Canadian real estate investing community.