Breakthrough Real Estate Investing Podcast

Hosted by Rob Break & Quentin DSouza

BusinessInterviews guestsExplicit

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Episodes

242

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

EN-CA

About the show

We put this show on to inspire you and help you breakthrough to the life that you want to live through the power of real estate investing.

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60 recent

June 15, 202652 min

Episode #242: The Mad Scientist of Multifamily: Using Technology to Find Better Real Estate Deals with Neal Bawa

Here's what you'll learn in our interview with Neal... Why data beats gut feel in real estate investing How technology is changing multifamily investing What Build-to-Rent (BTR) development means for investors How AI is impacting the future of real estate Ways to use data analytics to identify stronger investment opportunities and much, much more... Neal Bawa is a technologist, real estate investor, and entrepreneur widely known throughout the commercial real estate industry as "The Mad Scientist of Multifamily." As CEO of Grocapitus, Mission10K, and MultifamilyU, Neal oversees more than $660 million in assets under management and has helped thousands of investors make more informed real estate decisions through a data-driven approach. Combining expertise in technology, data science, and real estate, Neal has built a reputation for identifying market trends before they become mainstream. His portfolio spans projects across multiple states and metropolitan markets, with a strong focus on multifamily and Build-to-Rent development. Neal is also a frequent speaker, podcast guest, and author whose philosophy centers around two core beliefs: "We can only manage what we can measure" and "Data beats gut feel by a million miles." Connect with Neal Website: www.grocapitus.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nealbawa/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MultifamilyU Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/NealBawaMFU

May 15, 202652 min

Episode #241 - From One Duplex to 10 Properties: The BRRRR Playbook with Tanner Lewis

Here's what you'll learn in this episode with Tanner Lewis: How to launch your REI journey during market downturns — Tanner shares his 2021 COVID strategy of purchasing a turnkey side-by-side duplex at low interest rates and scaling through turnkey purchases, BRRRRs, and strategic refinancing Cash flow vs. equity growth trade-offs — Why Durham offers strong cash flow potential compared to Lindsay/Peterborough markets, and how to prioritize returns based on your investment goals Converting properties into higher-unit multifamily — Practical insights on converting duplexes and even former group homes into triplexes and fourplexes, including navigating municipal permit delays Managing financing and tenant quality — The importance of debt coverage ratios, careful tenant screening, and delegating work to scale your portfolio efficiently Planning your next level — Tanner's roadmap for pursuing larger multifamily investments (6–10+ units), including a recent four-unit purchase in Lindsay and considerations for adding a fifth unit or accessory rental unit (ARU) In this episode, Rob and Quentin kick things off discussing Quentin's recent 280 km hike across Costa Rica and upcoming travel plans before welcoming guest Tanner Lewis, owner of Accustone Landscaping and Century 21 Percy Fulton realtor. Tanner is a Durham REI member and active real estate investor with 10 two-to-four-unit properties who shares his journey from COVID-era investing to building a diversified portfolio. Learn how strategic financing, smart market selection, and delegation can accelerate your path to larger multifamily investments. Tanner Lewis | LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/tannerlewisrealtor?igsh=MWlzcTcyamh4ZmdrMg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

March 17, 202653 min

Episode #240 - U.S. Financing for Canadians with Gillian Irving

Here's what you'll learn in our interview with Gillian… Why Canadians are investing abroad How U.S. investor financing actually works Ways to finance different deal types How to pick the right market without overthinking it and much much more... Gillian Irving describes herself as an “accidental investor,” a label that traces back to a 2009 purchase of a downtown Toronto duplex made with little planning. After realizing that her early success was driven more by luck than strategy, she committed to a more disciplined, data driven approach, motivated by the need to build long term security for her family. With a background in market research, Gillian built a sizeable real estate portfolio across five Ontario markets and New Brunswick. Today, as a mortgage agent with LendCity, she combines investor and lending experience to help Canadian clients structure investor focused financing, including supporting those exploring cross border opportunities in the United States and Mexico. Email: Gillian@lendcity.ca Phone: 647-404-7271 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-irving/

February 15, 202654 min

Episode #239 - No Hype, Just Proven Fundamentals with Kory MacKinnon

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: How to choose the right real estate asset class, from multifamily to storage, based on your goals Why systems, processes, and cash reserves matter more than the deal itself How to navigate today’s market and make smarter buy, hold, or sell decisions Practical financing and management strategies that create clarity and long-term success And Much Much More... Kory MacKinnon is a seasoned real estate investor with over 20 years of experience across multiple investment strategies, including multifamily, development, furnished rentals, and self-storage. As a partner of Strategic Success Consulting, Kory is passionate about helping people reach their next level through custom resources such as coaching, events or communities of like minded investors or business owners. With a multiple 8-figure portfolio and financial freedom achieved, Kory now focuses on empowering others to achieve the same success to live an intentional life on their own terms! Kory is also a father of 4 who enjoys travel, most every sport and being a health nut in his spare time. Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/korymackinnon/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KoryMacKinnon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kory-mackinnon-19095b4

January 15, 202657 min

Episode #238: Smart Property Valuations With Greg Hall

Here’s What You’ll Learn in This Episode with Greg: • How Greg’s career began in the 1980s, from the video business to finance and real estate, and the key lessons learned from decades of market cycles. • The story behind a major real estate venture in Toronto’s Annex, and what long-term investors can learn from high-value urban properties. • Why Greg stepped back into finance due to health challenges, and how perseverance helped him return to real estate investing in 2024 with renewed focus. • The importance of planning, patience, and adaptability when navigating ups and downs in real estate and business. • An introduction to Prop Vest IQ, Greg’s new property valuation and management tool designed to help investors analyze deals and make smarter decisions. • How Greg is offering Prop Vest IQ free to viewers in exchange for feedback, and why real-world user input is shaping the platform’s future. • Personal stories, industry insights, and a look ahead at upcoming real estate projects and investment opportunities. greg@propvestiq.com www.propvestiq.com www.greg-hall.ca greg.hall@rbc.com Greg’s career in finance and real estate has unfolded over several decades, shaped by experience rather than a straight line. He began in finance in the early 1980s, moved into entrepreneurship in 1985, and purchased his first rental property in the late 1980s—only to sell it at a loss during the 1989 crash. In the early 2000s, he converted a single-family home in Toronto’s Annex into a multi-unit and sold it at a profit. In 2009, a severe hip injury led to multiple surgeries and years of recovery. During that period, he requalified in finance and joined RBC Dominion Securities in 2013, where he remains today. Greg was finally able to re-enter real estate in 2024 and 2025, purchasing a duplex in Oshawa and converting two Brantford single-family homes into a duplex and a triplex. Now in his mid-60s, he is back on track—grounded by hard-earned experience and perspective.

December 15, 202542 min

Episode #237 - Condo Flips, Deal Analysis, and Scaling Up

Here’s What You’ll Learn in our interview with Jordan Walczak: • How Jordan got started in real estate at just 19 years old, buying her first home and building momentum early as a young investor from Vancouver Island. • What it’s really like flipping condos in Calgary, including the advantages, challenges, and realities of working with condo boards and navigating special assessments. • Why reviewing condo documents carefully is critical, and how missing key details can turn a good-looking deal into a costly mistake. • The importance of detailed construction cost estimators and deal analyzers when flipping condos, and how they protect investors from thin or risky profit margins. • Common pitfalls of taking on projects with margins that are too small, and why discipline in deal analysis matters more than speed. ....and much much more.... Jordan Walczak is a Vancouver Island–born investor who bought her first home at just 19 years old and has been breaking barriers ever since. After moving to Calgary at 20, she founded Stirling Investments and built experience across flipping, BRRRRs, wholesaling, STRs, leasing, property management, and also holds her real estate license. Still under 30, Jordan has flipped 22 properties, including a notable 5-unit condo portfolio where she raised just shy of $2M. Her mission is to inspire young and female investors to pursue big goals. Instagram @jordwal website www.stirlinginvestments.ca

November 15, 202553 min

Episode #236 - The Power of Taking Action with Bilgehan Erdem

Here's What You'll Learn in Our Interview with Bilgehan... How to efficiently manage real estate conversions—including tackling unexpected renovation challenges with practical, experience-based strategies. Why detailed planning and strong project management are essential for keeping investments on track and minimizing costly surprises. Creative financing and refinancing tactics that can help investors scale their portfolio and optimize long-term returns. The importance of community, mentorship, and a collaborative team dynamic in accelerating growth and building confidence as an investor. How maintaining your personal ‘why’ and prioritizing continuous learning can keep you focused, motivated, and successful in real estate investing. And Much Much More! Dr. M. Bilgehan Erdem is a machine learning expert, technical leader, and educator based in Toronto. He holds a PhD, MSc, and BSc in Industrial & Systems Engineering and has spent the last decade building and scaling AI-driven products, most notably as the CTO of Smart Nora, where he led the end-to-end development of a non-intrusive snore-prevention device used globally. Bilgehan specializes in applied machine learning, optimization, and product-focused engineering, with hands-on experience across hardware, firmware, mobile, and data science teams. He is also an adjunct professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, teaching data analytics, Python, database systems, and advanced statistical modeling. Beyond tech, he is an active real-estate investor involved in multi-family developments and student rentals across Ontario. Bilgehan is passionate about building practical AI solutions, mentoring students, and exploring new opportunities at the intersection of ML, smart devices, and real-world problem solving. LinkedIn profile: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/bilgehanerdem

October 24, 202551 min

Episode #235 - The 'Be a Pro' Mindset with Adam Finch

Here's What You'll Learn in Our Interview with Adam... How to plan and execute efficient renovation projects — and avoid common mistakes. Why early planning and building a strong power team are essential for successful renovations and real estate investing. How AI tools like ChatGPT are being used in construction—from sketching layouts and on-site procedures to navigating building codes and creating organized project flow. Smart financial strategies for investors—such as maximizing discounts, managing credit and payments, and planning ahead for refinancing. What the “Be A Pro Network” is and how collaborative communities are shaping the future of construction and real estate. Adam Finch is a licensed carpenter, construction manager and real estate investor with over 20 years of experience in residential, commercial, and high-rise development. A former owner of his own renovation company, he now assists in planning and coordinating multimillion-dollar projects across Ontario as a construction scheduling manager at Melloul-Blamey Construction out of Waterloo Ontario. Known for his expertise in workflow efficiency and automation, Adam is helping teams modernize their systems and improve communication between field and office with technology and the emerging world of AI. A passionate speaker, podcaster and father, he shares insights on construction innovation, real estate investing, and leadership—helping others work smarter, build better, and lead with a “Be A Pro” mindset. https://linktr.ee/theadamfinch Join the Be A Pro Network here: https://stan.store/Theadamfinch

September 15, 20251 hr 0 min

Episode #234 - The Art of Where, What, and Who With Russell Westcot

Here's What You'll Learn in our Interview With Russell... - Why What you buy, Where you buy and Who you rent to are the most important fundamentals in any real estate deal - The impact of government policies, not just on investors, but on all Canadians - The importance of having a knowledgeable team - And much much more... Russell helps Real Estate Investors start, grow, and scale the portfolios of their dreams. His presentations are known for being passionate, entertaining, educational, and inspirational. At his core, Russell is a teacher and master communicator. Over his career, he has reached more than 375,000 people through books, audio programs, live presentations, interviews, and podcasts. Russell brings nearly 30 years of real estate experience. He built his first million-dollar portfolio within a year of starting and has been actively growing and managing his holdings ever since. Russell is also the co-author of two Canadian bestsellers: 97 Tips for Canadian Real Estate Investors and Joint Ventures: The Canadian Investor’s Guide to Raising Money and Getting Deals Done. www.russellwestcott.com

August 15, 20251 hr 3 min

Episode #233 - Building the Missing Middle with Dave Knight

Here’s What You’ll Learn in our Interview with Dave: How Ontario’s “missing middle” housing market is creating new opportunities for investors. Key strategies to maximize property potential through lot severances and favorable development loopholes. How to navigate financing challenges, interest rate fluctuations, and MLI Select benefits. Practical tips for raising capital, staying compliant with securities laws, and managing projects effectively. The Missing Middle Conference and how you can be part of it. And much much more... Dave Knight is a seasoned real estate investor, developer, and community leader with extensive experience across Canada and the U.S. He is a partner at SDG Canada, where he leads capital strategy and investor relations for purpose-driven infill and missing middle housing projects that prioritize both impact and scalability. With 15 years as an active-duty police officer, Dave brings a rare combination of deeply rooted integrity, trust-based leadership, and real-world problem-solving to the development space. He is also the founder of the First Responders Wealth Network, a national platform and podcast that empowers first responders throughout Canada and the US towards financial literacy and real estate investing across multiple asset classes. As co-founder of the Missing Middle Conference, Dave is focused on convening the most insightful and action-oriented voices in housing—from developers and planners to institutional leaders and policymakers. His mission is to get the right people in the room, spark meaningful conversations, and push the dialogue forward on how we can build housing better, faster, and more responsibly. @daveknighter on Instagram Missing Middle Conference 2025 Toronto Fairmont Royal York September 12thwww.TheMMC.ca Missing Middle Development Community - WhatsApp Group chat https://chat.whatsapp.com/ECz3fd5RFTqJmCYcjIUEBa?mode=ac_t