Freedom from Build to Hold Real Estate with Natalie Cloutier
How can Canadian real estate investors build wealth in an expensive housing market?
Natalie Cloutier joins the Passive Wealth Strategy podcast to discuss how she and her husband have built over 30 rental properties from the ground up in Canada’s hot housing market. They use a “build-to-hold” strategy, constructing new small multifamily buildings with sweat equity and zero money down loans. Natalie outlines their entire process, from financing these deals to managing the rentals at scale. She also shares key lessons for aspiring build-to-rent investors.
Natalie works with Transport Canada full-time and is a part-time real estate investor. She started investing in 2014 building her first home from the ground up with no money down.
(00:00 – 03:42) Getting Started With Build-to-Rent
- Used sweat equity to build first home with 0 down at 20 years old
- Added rental suite to basement for extra income
- Financed second single-family home through HELOC and converted to duplex
(03:43 – 09:33) Scaling Through Multiple Properties
- Focused builds in area they knew well with strong rental demand
- Kept loan-to-value ratios below 75% to allow for interest rate fluctuations
- Sold some peak priced units during pandemic to redeploy capital
(09:34 – 13:55) Managing Properties & Teams
- Hired property manager briefly but took back control
- Using Buildium software to systematize maintenance
- Building in-house team to allow for scalable growth
(13:55 – 28:00) Adapting to Interest Rates
- Mortgage terms are 3-5 years in Canada, so rates fluctuate
- Focus on keeping costs low as rates change
- Maintain under 75% loan-to-value ratio
- Book recommendation: The Secrets to the Canadian Real Estate Cycle
- Who inspires Natalie?: Brandon Turner and Natalie’s mother.
Quotes:
“Really anybody can do this. And I do have friends and family who has done, built their own home or built rental properties on their own.” – Natalie Cloutier
“If you’re able to stay safe in your leveraging, that’s probably the best tool you can use in order to keep scaling.” – Natalie Cloutier
Connect with Natalie:
Website:
https://www.thenewbuildcouple.com/
Apply to Invest with Taylor at www.investwithtaylor.com
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About our Guest
Guest Name
Natalie works with Transport Canada full-time and is a part-time real estate investor. She started investing in 2014 building her first home from the ground up with no money down.
