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From Dream to Reality: Capital Strategies for Real Estate in 2025

by | Oct 10, 2025 | , ,

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In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah and Kelly sat down with returning guest Marcin Drozdz to talk about what it really takes to scale in real estate through capital raising. Since his last appearance, Marcin has focused on expanding his portfolio, navigating market shifts, and doubling down on the high-income skill of raising capital.
He shares what’s working right now when it comes to investor conversations, lead generation, and team building, and why it’s more important than ever to have systems in place as markets tighten. From scaling up to a nine-figure fund to managing relationships with high-net-worth investors, this episode is full of tactical insights and real-world experience.

What You’ll Learn:
  • Why capital raising is the number one skill real estate investors should master
  • How to identify and package your “unfair advantage” to stand out to investors
  • What’s happening in the U.S. market and how Canadian investors can play smart
  • How Marcin structures his teams and builds trust with long-term partners
  • The importance of high-income skills and investing in your own development
  • Where new investors should start when it comes to scaling with confidence
Marcin Drozdz is a capital-raising expert and strategist who has built a career around helping others grow their portfolios by mastering the skill of attracting investment capital. With experience spanning both Canadian and U.S. markets, Marcin focuses on multi-family properties, strategic partnerships, and creating scalable systems for real estate success. His work today includes launching a new fund to acquire distressed assets and helping other investors build their own investor networks.

Listen now at sarahlarbi.com/podcast-home

Ready to raise capital with confidence? This episode is your playbook.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start raising, grab your free copy of Unlimited Investor Leads Marcin’s guide to attracting the right capital the right way.

Contact Marcin Drozdz here:
Website: https://www.marcindrozdz.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therealmarcindrozdz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmarcindrozdz/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcindrozdz/

This episode has been brought to you in part by:
Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com
US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca
Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com
Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com
Jamil Rahemtula – https://jamilrahemtula.com

Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com

Building a Resilient Business in a Volatile Economy

by | Sep 19, 2025 | , ,

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In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah and Kelly sat down with Nick Hill, a real estate investor, mortgage broker, and co-host of The Canadian Real Estate Investor podcast. They had a no-fluff conversation about what it takes to build wealth in today’s market.

From launching multiple businesses to managing burnout, Nick shares how he’s navigating an uncertain economy while staying focused on growth. This episode goes beyond strategy. It’s about mindset, resilience, and learning how to pivot when the numbers or your energy aren’t adding up.

What You’ll Learn:
  • How Nick started investing and what he’d do differently now
  • The truth about managing multiple income streams without burning out
  • Behind the scenes of building a hit real estate podcast
  • Time-blocking tips and staying consistent through chaos
  • How to invest when prices are high and confidence is low
  • Why community, curiosity, and clarity still matter
Nick Hill is a real estate investor, mortgage broker, entrepreneur, and co-host of The Canadian Real Estate Investor podcast. With experience across real estate, finance, and media, Nick brings a fresh and grounded perspective on what it takes to succeed in Canada’s evolving market. He has built multiple businesses, interviewed the country’s top investors, and continues to help clients and listeners make smarter long-term investment decisions.

New to investing or ready to scale? This one’s for you.

Listen now: sarahlarbi.com/podcast-home

Contact Nick Hill here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybuddynick/
Website: https://www.realist.ca/ and https://www.land-bank.ca/  

This episode has been brought to you in part by:
US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca
Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com
Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com
Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com
Jamil Rahemtula – https://jamilrahemtula.com

Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com

Helping Canadian Real Estate Investors Understand US Entry and Section 8

by | Sep 5, 2025 | , ,

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Thinking about expanding your portfolio across the border?

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah Larbi and Kelly Casimiro reconnect with Jamil Rahemtula, an investor-focused realtor and cross-border expert, who breaks down exactly how Canadians can enter the U.S. real estate market. From setting up the right entities to navigating financing and Section 8 housing, Jamil offers a clear, practical look at what’s possible when you invest strategically in markets like Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana.

He shares how to avoid the most common pitfalls, structure your deals properly, and find the sweet spot between cash flow, appreciation, and landlord-friendly laws.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
  • Why U.S. markets offer stronger cash flow opportunities than many parts of Canada
  • How to structure your LLCs or partnerships for legal and tax efficiency
  • What Section 8 is, how it works, and why it’s an underrated cash flow strategy
  • The basics of U.S. financing for Canadians: DSCR loans, VTBs, and more
  • How to overcome challenges like credit building, remote management, and finding local teams
  • Why long-term value lies in diversification, not just location
Jamil Rahemtula is a seasoned real estate investor and agent with hands-on experience investing in both Canada and the United States. He specializes in helping Canadians find profitable opportunities in U.S. markets and navigate the legal, logistical, and financial steps of cross-border investing. Jamil is passionate about education, transparency, and helping others build wealth through smart, strategic real estate moves.

This episode has been brought to you in part by:
Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com
US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca
Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com
Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com
Jamil Rahemtula – https://jamilrahemtula.com
Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com

Real Estate Adventures From the Philippines to Nunavut

by | Aug 22, 2025 | , ,

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In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah and Kelly sat down with Fritz Vilegas, a registered nurse, twin mom, and real estate investor whose story is rooted in resilience, purpose, and community.

Originally from the Philippines, Fritz immigrated to Canada, worked multiple jobs to save her first down payment, and began a real estate journey that has grown across Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Alberta.

Fritz’s path wasn’t easy especially during the pandemic when burnout led her to reevaluate everything. But with determination, education, and support from her wife and mentors, she’s built a portfolio that supports her values and her vision for the future.

Today, she’s not just investing, she’s showing others how to do it too.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How Fritz started investing while working three jobs and helping her parents buy their first home
  • Why burnout during the pandemic became a turning point in her investment strategy
  • The mindset shifts required to invest remotely from Nunavut across multiple provinces
  • How she transitioned from single-family homes to multifamily and joint venture deals
  • Why helping other nurses invest in real estate became part of her mission
  • The importance of mentorship, education, and community in growing your portfolio

Fritz Vilegas is a full-time registered nurse, mother of twins, and real estate investor based in Nunavut, Canada. Since buying her first property in 2018 to support her family, she has built a portfolio spanning three provinces, with a focus on multifamily properties and JV partnerships. Today, she empowers other nurses and busy professionals to build wealth through real estate so they can reclaim their time and create lives of purpose, freedom, and balance on their own terms.Listen now at www.sarahlarbi.com/podcast-home

Ready to build wealth while staying true to your values? Don’t miss this episode.

Contact Fritz Vilegas here:
Email: fritzvrei@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fritzvillegas/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fritzvill/

This episode has been brought to you in part by:
Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com
US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca
Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com
Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com
Jamil Rahemtula – https://jamilrahemtula.com

Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com

Strategies to Adapt and Succeed From Major Setbacks

by | Aug 8, 2025 | , ,

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In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah and Kelly sat down with Debbie Balfour, a real estate investor and coach whose story goes far beyond spreadsheets. From launching her investment journey in 2019 to navigating a devastating house fire and a sudden layoff within two months of each other, Debbie’s resilience has helped her rebuild, not just her portfolio, but her entire life.
She opens up about what it’s really like to adapt when your strategies stop working, when regulations change, or when life throws you curveballs. This is a grounded, honest conversation about aligning your investments with who you are and what you want your life to look like.
What You’ll Learn:
  • How Debbie rebounded from personal loss while keeping her investing goals intact
  • Why understanding your investor profile is the most important (and most skipped) first step
  • How to combine short, mid, and long-term strategies for income and growth
  • What to do when government regulations or rising rates kill your cash flow
  • How to rethink risk, time, and return when you’re rebuilding from scratch
  • Why coaching, mentorship, and community matter, especially when things get hard

Debbie Balfour is a Real Estate Investing Success Coach, entrepreneur, and professional investor based in British Columbia. After losing her family home in a fire and being laid off from her corporate job, she turned her real estate business into a foundation for freedom and purpose. Debbie helps new and scaling investors create personalized investing strategies that match their goals, risk tolerance, and lifestyle, without burning out. She’s also the host of Let’s Talk Real Estate Investing and a passionate advocate for investing with intention.

Contact Debbie Balfour here:
Email: Debbie@DebbieBalfour.com
Website: https://www.debbiebalfour.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiereicoach/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbie.balfour.16

This episode has been brought to you in part by:

Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com
US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca
Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com
Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com
Jamil Rahemtula – https://jamilrahemtula.com
Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com

Building the Development Dream: Creating Successful Housing Solutions

by | Jul 18, 2025 | , ,

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In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah and Kelly sat down with Babar Moghal, a returning guest whose real estate journey has gone from small multifamily BRRRRs to major development projects, including senior housing and large-scale multifamily across Alberta.
Babar walks us through how he leapt from investor to developer, covering deal structuring, capital raising, partnerships, and how he’s navigating today’s challenging market environment. If you’ve been wondering how to scale or what it takes to move into bigger deals, this conversation is packed with real-world insight.
What You’ll Learn:
  • How Babar transitioned from small BRRRRs to multifamily and land development
  • The key elements of the GP/LP structure and why it matters
  • Why Alberta is a strong market for landlord-friendly, cash-flow development
  • How to raise capital, manage out-of-province builds, and structure smart partnerships
  • The biggest challenges in development and how to build the right team
  • Babar’s approach to building community-focused projects that make a real impact
  • The role of education, mentorship, and staying grounded when scaling up.

Babar Moghal is a real estate developer and investor focused on creating scalable rental communities and senior housing in landlord-friendly Alberta. Over the last several years, he’s grown from operating smaller BRRRR strategies to leading large multifamily developments, managing construction projects, and raising capital through structured GP/LP partnerships.

Known for his strong focus on team-building and strategic vision, Babar also serves as a mentor for new investors looking to scale. He brings practical experience, community-minded goals, and an honest, investor-first approach to every project he touches.

Got questions about scaling into development? Reach out to Sarah or Babar, this episode is your blueprint for going bigger, smarter, and more impactfully.Contact Babar Moghal here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/babar.moghal.rei#
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmoghal/
Website: www.canadianhomeownersolutions.caThis episode has been brought to you in part by:

Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com
US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca
Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com
Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com
Jamil Rahemtula – https://jamilrahemtula.com
Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com

Opportunities and Strategies for Real Estate Financing in 2025

by | Jul 4, 2025 | , ,

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In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah Larbi reconnects with mortgage expert Dalia Barsoum from Streetwise Mortgages to unpack what’s going on in real estate financing mid-2025. With over a decade of collaboration, Sarah and Dalia dive into what’s changed, what’s working, and how investors can adapt to the new economic realities.

From interest rate hikes to value drops, Dalia explains why Ontario’s market may be struggling, but also where opportunities are quietly emerging. Whether you’re worried about upcoming renewals or thinking about expanding your portfolio, this episode is a practical guide to navigating today’s investment landscape.

What You’ll Learn:
  • How to prepare for mortgage renewals in today’s uncertain rate environment
  • Why some investors are using vendor takebacks to close deals and reduce risk
  • Where turnkey properties, rent-to-own models, and student rentals are actually cash flowing
  • What financing programs exist for adding units under Bill 23 or scaling into commercial
  • How new investors are entering the market and where experienced ones are consolidating
  • Why hybrid mortgages, commercial lending, and debt consolidation strategies matter now more than ever
Dalia Barsoum is the founder of Streetwise Mortgages, a boutique mortgage brokerage that specializes in income property financing. With clients ranging from first-time investors to portfolio builders, Dalia’s team helps Canadians scale their real estate businesses with strategic lending options. A thought leader in real estate financing, Dalia is a trusted voice for investors seeking clarity in turbulent markets.

Mid-2025 is a turning point, and this episode helps you get ahead of it.
Streetwise Mortgages special webinar on “90 Days To Your First Investment”
This episode has been brought to you in part by:
Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com
US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca
Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com
Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com
Jamil Rahemtula – https://jamilrahemtula.com
Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com

Beyond the Desk: Living with Intention

by | Jun 20, 2025 | , ,

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What happens when you buy your first property at 19, move across the world, and build a portfolio that’s aligned with your lifestyle, not someone else’s idea of success?
In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Sarah and Kelly sit down with Amy Brooke, a CPA-turned-full-time investor who left corporate life to pursue real estate full-time with her husband Nigel. Amy shares the real story behind their success, including the mistakes, mindset shifts, and strategy pivots that helped her scale without losing sight of what matters most.

We talk about how she navigated over-leveraging, burnout, and the pressure to do “what everyone else is doing,” and instead focused on building a business that supports her long-term vision, including spending part of the year living in Spain.

If you’re juggling career transitions, market uncertainty, or just wondering what’s next in your investing journey, Amy’s story is packed with relatable lessons and grounded inspiration.

What You’ll Learn:
  • How Amy bought her first home at 19 and continued building after moving to Canada
  • What she learned from scaling too fast and the cost of over-leveraging
  • The importance of defining your own success, especially when leaving corporate
  • How BRRRRs, conversions, flips, and even Airbnb shaped her investment strategy
  • Why property management experience changed her perspective as an owner
  • What lifestyle-aligned investing looks like and how it’s fueling her plan to live part-time in Spain
  • The realities of working with your partner and building businesses together
  • How she’s helping other investors by sharing what really works (and what doesn’t)

Amy Brooke is a CPA and real estate investor who began her journey at 19 in the UK and has since built a thriving multifamily portfolio across Ontario with her husband, Nigel. Together, they’ve explored a wide range of investment strategies from BRRRRs and flips to short-term rentals, industrial conversions, and ground-up development. After leaving behind her corporate finance career, Amy leaned fully into real estate and entrepreneurship, co-founding a growing property management company and building a business that aligns with her lifestyle.

Amy’s mission is to make real estate relatable, accessible, and transparent, especially for women and couples navigating similar transitions. She’s passionate about helping others learn from her mistakes, build smarter portfolios, and create a life that actually feels like freedom.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to walk away from a traditional career and make real estate work on your own terms, this one’s for you.Contact Amy Brooke here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-brooke-cpa-cma-cgma-acma-a6bb6822/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amybrooke_life/
EMail – amy@spsinvestments.caThis episode has been brought to you in part by:
Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com
US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca
Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com
Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com
Jamil Rahemtula – https://jamilrahemtula.com
Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com

Crafting Freedom: Building a Life on Your Own Terms Through Real Estate

by | Jun 6, 2025 | , ,

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Ever thought about walking away from the security of a 9–5 to build your own real estate business?

In this episode of Where Should I Invest Sarah and Kelly sit down with Kyle Guthro, an investor, licensed agent, and entrepreneur who left a high-paying corporate job to pursue a life and business on his own terms.

And he’s not holding anything back.

Kyle walks us through his 18-year journey in real estate from buying his first rental during the 2008 crash to building a multi-million dollar portfolio, launching a construction business, and stepping fully into entrepreneurship.

We also talk about the real cost of growth: failed partnerships, financial pressure, burnout, and how to build your mindset to survive and thrive through it all.

If you’re thinking about making the leap or wondering how others actually do it, this episode is full of hard-earned wisdom, practical tips, and real talk.
What You’ll Learn:
  • What it really takes to leave a corporate job for full-time real estate
  • Kyle’s first deal, how he scaled, and the lessons he learned along the way
  • Why money management and mindset are as important as property strategy
  • What “burning the boats” means and how to know when it’s time
  • Behind-the-scenes stories of risk, failure, and bouncing back stronger
  • How Kyle structures his businesses and what he teaches new entrepreneurs
  • Why surrounding yourself with the right people can make or break your journey

Kyle Guthro is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, licensed agent, and speaker who left the corporate world to build a business that aligned with his values and helped others do the same. Since 2008, Kyle has built a multi-million dollar portfolio across Southern Ontario using strategies like Airbnb, buy-and-hold, fix-and-flip, multifamily, and private lending.

He’s also an award-winning sales professional and public speaker who’s shared the stage with Grant Cardone and played a key role in launching Cardone’s Canadian licensing program. Kyle has advised organizations like REIN and REWL, and even made an appearance on the reality TV show Listing Large.
Now, he’s focused on helping other entrepreneurs break free from the rat race through coaching, education, and honest conversations about what building a business really takes.
This episode is a powerful reminder that success takes strategy but also sacrifice, resilience, and community.Contact Kyle Guthro here:
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@kyleguthro
Website:  https://www.kyleguthro.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyleguthro/#
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kyleguthroThis episode has been brought to you in part by:

Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com
US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca
Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com
Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com
Jamil Rahemtula – https://jamilrahemtula.com
Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com

Cash Flow and Scalability with US Property Investments

by | Jun 1, 2025 | , ,

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What if your next investment wasn’t in your backyard but across the border?
In this episode of Where Should I Invest, I sit down with James Lloyd and Voytek Mardula from USProperties.ca to talk about why Detroit is becoming one of the most attractive markets for Canadian investors.

I recently bought a property through them, and share my own experience from why I chose Detroit to how the numbers made sense.

We dig into Section 8 rentals, Airbnb strategy, cross-border financing, and how Canadians can start building wealth in the U.S. without the overwhelm.

Whether you’re just starting to explore U.S. investing or you’ve been sitting on the fence, this episode breaks it all down clearly and honestly.
What You’ll Learn:
  • Why Detroit is still undervalued and packed with investor opportunity
  • What’s really going on with Section 8 housing, and what to watch for
  • The full turnkey process with USProperties.ca: from acquisition to management
  • Why short-term rentals in Detroit are outperforming expectations
  • How James and Voytek manage over 600 doors (including 20+ Airbnbs)
  • What Canadians need to know about financing, structure, and legal setup
  • The step-by-step process I went through and how to start your own
James Lloyd is the Canadian Sales Manager at USProperties.ca. With 18+ years in hospitality and sales, he guides Canadian investors through every step of buying in the U.S., from financing and legal setup to long-term portfolio growth. Known for his hands-on support and no-fluff approach, James helps remove the overwhelm and make cross-border investing approachable.
Voytek Mardula is a lifelong entrepreneur and real estate investor with over 13 years of experience managing and renovating rental properties in both the U.S. and Canada. As the operations lead at USProperties.ca, he oversees the renovation, management, and scaling of over 300 doors in the Detroit area and has built a strong reputation for delivering reliable turnkey results.
Together, they’ve helped hundreds of Canadians invest in Detroit and scale profitable U.S. portfolios with ease.

Listen now at https://www.sarahlarbi.com/podcast-homeAnd don’t miss our FREE live webinar on June 10 at 7 PM EST, where we’ll walk through Detroit deals, numbers, and strategies. Sign up at https://sarahlarbi.com/latest-events/
Contact James Lloyd here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-lloyd-37898b44
This episode has been brought to you in part by:
Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com
US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca
Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com
Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com
Jamil Rahemtula – https://jamilrahemtula.com
Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com

Freedom and Lifestyle by Design: Investing & Living in Portugal and Beyond

by | May 23, 2025 | , ,

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Are you building a real estate portfolio that supports your lifestyle or one that traps you in hustle mode?

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Kelly and Sarah chat with Fernando Nunes, a business development coach, investor, and speaker who’s rethinking what financial freedom really means.

Fernando shares how his investing journey led him to self-storage, boutique hotels in Portugal, and a lifestyle-first approach that focuses less on “owning more” and more on living better.

We talk about why simplifying your financial goals might get you to freedom faster, what international investing in places like Portugal actually looks like, and how to stop letting traditional thinking box you in.
If you’ve ever thought about living abroad, building passive income, or finding more peace in your business, this episode is packed with fresh insight.

What You’ll Learn:
  • How Fernando moved from Ontario rentals to U.S. self-storage and European properties
  • What investing in Portugal actually looks like (yes, it’s more doable than you think)
  • How lowering your cost of living can accelerate your path to freedom
  • What it means to create a “lifestyle by design” and how real estate supports it
  • How to shift from working in your business to building a life with your business
  • Tips for building trusted teams in foreign markets
  • The mindset needed to pivot when the market (or your life) changes
  • Why coaching, simplicity, and values matter more than ever in entrepreneurship
Fernando Nunes is a real estate investor, business development coach, and speaker with a passion for helping entrepreneurs create lives they don’t need to escape from.

After investing in Ontario multifamily properties, Fernando pivoted into U.S. self-storage and international investments, specifically in Portugal, where he’s building out boutique hotel assets.

With a background in corporate leadership and over 25 years in business, Fernando brings a grounded, thoughtful, and systems-driven approach to both investing and coaching.

His current mission? To help other entrepreneurs simplify their lives, focus on what matters most, and use real estate as a tool, not a trap.

This episode is a reminder that freedom doesn’t have to be far away; it just takes clarity, strategy, and a willingness to think differently.

Contact Fernando Nunes here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fngoodlife/
Website:  https://www.fngoodlife.com/ and https://www.madesimpleinvestments.com/
Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/fngoodlife/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nunes-fernando/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fngood

This episode has been brought to you in part by:

Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com
US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca
Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com
Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com
Jamil Rahemtula – https://jamilrahemtula.com
Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com

The Strategic Shift: Why Choose Hotel Investing Over Multifamily

by | May 16, 2025 | , ,

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Curious about hotel investing but not sure where to start?

In this episode of Where Should I Invest, Kelly and I are joined by hotel investor and entrepreneur Sujay Mehta, founder of Bloom Ventures. Sujay shares how he went from exploring a development opportunity in his community to building a growing portfolio of branded hotel properties across the U.S., including partnerships with industry leaders like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt.

We get real about what makes hotels different from other real estate strategies, how to spot a great deal, and why even small changes in hotel operations can add up to massive cash flow improvements.
If you’ve ever looked at hotels and thought “too big,” “too complicated,” or “too far off,” Sujay breaks down exactly how it’s possible to get started even with limited capital or no prior experience. This one’s packed with practical insights, mindset shifts, and clear advice you can take action on today.
Whether you’re looking to pivot from residential investing or explore new verticals, this is a must-listen masterclass.

What You’ll Learn:
  • How hotel investing compares to multifamily and where the cash flow differences really are
  • How Sujay bought his first 75-room hotel using an SBA loan and a friends-and-family raise
  • Tips for finding hotel deals (including off-market strategies)
  • The biggest profit opportunities in hotel operations, down to the bagels
  • What it means to truly “own a business within a building”
  • The mindset and work ethic required to build a hotel portfolio from the ground up
  • How beginners can start small with Airbnbs, capital partners, or boutique properties
Sujay Mehta is a hotel investor, entrepreneur, and founder of Bloom Ventures. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Sujay has acquired and developed over a dozen hotels, working with global brands like Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott.

Known for his hands-on approach and ability to create cash flow through operational excellence, Sujay also supports other investors through coaching, angel investing, with the Hotel Investor Academy. His deep focus on long-term value, transparency with partners, and no-nonsense work ethic has made him a respected voice in both real estate and entrepreneurship.

This episode is your roadmap to entering one of real estate’s most misunderstood but most profitable asset classes.

Listen now and share this episode with anyone who’s ready to think bigger in their investing journey.

Contact Sujay Mehta here:
Website:  https://bloom.ventures
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sujmehta/
Hotel Investor Academy: https://community.boutiquehotelacademy.com/

This episode has been brought to you in part by:

Dalia Barsoum, Streetwise Mortgages – https://streetwisemortgages.com
US Properties – https://www.usproperties.ca
Mid Term Rentals – https://midtermrentalproperties.com
Inspire Beach Resort – https://inspirebeachresort.com
Jamil Rahemtula – https://jamilrahemtula.com
Do you need help or ideas for your own real estate investing business? Reach out and let us support your journey www.sarahlarbi.com or email sarah@sarahlarbi.com