E128 The Ultimate Canadian Guide to Scaling Your Multifamily Portfolio

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In E128 of the REI Hot Seat Andrew Hines shares a concise, high-level guide to buying multifamily real estate in Ontario and across Canada.

He breaks down the key differences between residential and commercial financing, emphasizing the advantages of scaling with commercial loans and CMHC-insured options like MLI Select, which can offer up to 95% loan-to-value and extended amortizations.

Andrew also explains how to leverage vendor take-back (VTB) mortgages, seller financing, and joint venture partnerships to minimize capital outlay and boost cash flow.

The episode covers essential due diligence steps—including analyzing rent rolls, verifying expenses, ordering building condition and environmental assessments—and outlines best practices for ownership structure, tax efficiency, and insurance.

With insights on using CMHC underwriting guidelines to evaluate deals consistently, this episode is a must-listen for real estate investors looking to scale smartly in today’s market.

Learn how to buy multifamily real estate in Ontario and across Canada with expert insights from Andrew Hines.

This episode covers commercial vs. residential financing, CMHC and MLI Select mortgage programs, vendor take-back (VTB) strategies, due diligence checklists, and corporate structuring tips. Ideal for new and experienced investors looking to scale their real estate portfolio, boost cash flow, and navigate multifamily investing with confidence.

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E128 The Ultimate Canadian Guide to Scaling Your Multifamily Portfolio

01:15 – Residential vs. Commercial Financing

03:30 – CMHC & MLI Select Explained

06:40 – Vendor Take-Back (VTB) & Creative Deal Structuring

08:20 – Cash Flow Spreadsheet & DCR Basics

09:35 – Corporation vs. Personal Ownership

13:45 – Liability, Insurance & Corporate Costs

14:30 – Joint Ventures: Raising Capital Without Your Own

15:40 – Due Diligence Checklist: Rent Rolls, Expenses & Inspections

17:30 – Environmental Assessments & Appraisals

20:00 – Standardizing Analysis with CMHC Guidelines

22:15 – Under-Rented Units, Title Issues & Appraisal Tips

24:00 – Thinking Like a Lender & Long-Term Strategy

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.

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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.