Bill Allen is a retired navy pilot, seasoned real estate entrepreneur with hundreds of units in his portfolio, and the CEO and founder of 7 Figure Flipping, a high-level real estate mastermind. He is with us in this episode to talk about what trends he is seeing in the US real estate market, what makes a successful real estate investor, and more.

Listen now for expert insights from Bill, his advice for investors struggling to keep up with market shifts, and what you can do today to change the trajectory of your business towards the end of the year!

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:11 How did Bill get into real estate investing?

04:37 How has Bill’s real estate business grown through the years?

07:05 What business is Bill more involved in today?

09:43 What should people understand about real estate investing?

10:44 Why is social media so important to real estate businesses today?

12:30 How many units does Bill have in his portfolio today?

16:11 Why should you find your competitive edge in business?

19:19 What are the most important things you should be investing in?

22:52 What are real estate investors focused on in today’s market?

27:04 How important is flexibility when you’re in real estate?

33:39 Why do you need to know when to pivot as a CEO?

35:15 What are Bill’s most favorite deals?

37:50 What lessons did Bill learn from his best deals?

38:58 What was Bill’s worst deal ever?

42:01 What lessons did Bill learn from his worst deal?

47:03 Why is it important to make mistakes if you want to grow?

48:34 What has changed with Bill’s approach to real estate investing?

49:22 What is the most overlooked or overhyped investing strategy today?

51:33 How can you get in touch with Bill?

Quotables

“The visual business card right now is your Instagram account, it’s your TikTok, your Youtube, it’s Facebook, it’s LinkedIn – all of those places are really where people go to figure out who you are.”

“People are the system and so finding the right people that have the same values and character you do, and you know are gonna work hard, that are gonna do the right thing when nobody is looking, and have integrity – all of those things.”

“When you think you got it made, like everything you touch turns to gold, you’re gonna get pinned and that’s where I was.”

Links

Website: Bliss

https://offmarketbliss.ca/

Website: 7 Figure Flipping

https://www.7figureflipping.com/

Book: 7 Figure Flipping

https://7ffbook.com/

Instagram: Bill Allen

https://www.instagram.com/billallenrei

In this episode of the Selfwealth Real Estate Podcast, we sit down with Erin Donnelly and Heather Loduca, the dynamic duo behind Pink Wall Designs. Specializing in designing Airbnbs and boutique hotels, Erin and Heather share their journey from real estate investing to creating unique and captivating hospitality spaces. They provide valuable insights into why design is crucial for increasing bookings and overnight rates and offer practical tips for transforming properties into memorable experiences. Whether you're a real estate investor or a hospitality enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you stand out in the competitive market.

Key Talking Points:

00:00 Introduction
00:21 Host's Renovation Project
01:04 Importance of Design in Hospitality
01:16 Backgrounds of Erin and Heather
03:11 Differences in Design for Residential vs. Hospitality Properties
04:08 Unique Design Ideas and Examples
10:33 Benefits of Boutique Hotels over Airbnbs
24:21 Design Tips for Airbnbs and Boutique Motels
41:06 Marketing Strategies for Hospitality Properties
48:11 Favorite and Least Favorite Design Projects

Links and Resources Mentioned:
Follow Pink Wall Designs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkwalldesigns/
Bliss Off-Market Property Deals:

http://www.offmarketbliss.ca/

Tune in next week for another insightful episode!

Allan Orasuk is a construction manager in Ottawa that we have worked with on multiple projects. He has extensive experience as a general contractor managing projects and subcontractors, and he is on the Self Wealth Real Estate podcast today to help us better understand the construction side of real estate investing.

Listen now to learn more about what goes on in the construction side of real estate investing and what you can do to build better working relationships with your contractors!

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:15 What is Allan’s background?

05:05 How has Allan’s experience in construction helped him in managing projects?

06:50 What is the best way for investors to vet their contractors?

09:05 What can investors do to manage their flips the best way possible?

14:13 How does Allan execute a flip?

19:32 What is the best way to build a team for your flips?

25:06 How does Allan manage timelines for his projects?

28:00 Why should you consider incentivizing your contractors for a flip?

30:38 What is a fair pay structure for your contractors?

41:31 What is the most efficient way to manage contractors for a permitted project?

45:34 Who should be handling inspections for your flips?

48:55 What is the best way to deal with smoker houses?

54:01 What is Allan’s favorite renovation that he’s done?

59:06 What was Allan’s least favorite project like?

01:03:55 What has changed with Allan’s approach in managing construction projects?

01:05:29 What is Allan’s advice for his younger self?

01:06:32 How can you get in touch with Allan for your construction projects?

Quotables

“Like any investor, I wouldn’t suggest to hire a GC that just manages the whole project for you. I mean you can, it’s just that those margins aren’t gonna be there that you’re looking for.”

“Construction law, it kinda protects the contractor in Ontario. Let’s face it, it is what it is so at that point, you have to use your electric documentation, your email, as much as you can and then just set the rules.”

“What I look for in signing contracts on your behalf or for myself, is there’s not just protection for the contractor, there’s also protection as a homeowner.”

Links

Website: Bliss

https://offmarketbliss.ca/

Phone: Allan Orasuk

(613) 884 - 1715

Email: Allan Orasuk

construction@blissrealtyinvestors.com

Jonathan Wallace is a realtor and real estate investor in Ontario with years of experience investing in his own portfolio and listing properties for us alongside other investors in the area. We have invited him on the Self Wealth Real Estate podcast to talk about his experience as a realtor and investor, the opportunities he is seeing in the market, and so much more.

Listen now to hear market insights from a seasoned real estate professional so you know what opportunities to look for and how to navigate markets like we have today!

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:29 What is Jonathan’s background?

04:50 What should people know about investing in mobile homes?

09:01 What kind of deals does Jonathan specialize in?

11:10 How did Jonathan get into real estate investing?

15:07 What does the market look like today for buyers?

17:26 What challenges is Jonathan seeing in building and flipping properties today?

24:16 Why is it more practical to build multifamily properties in today’s market?

25:36 What kind of investments is Jonathan focused on today?

31:00 What is Jonathan’s advice for investors looking for off-market deals?

36:44 What opportunities is Jonathan seeing in today’s market?

39:53 What was Jonathan’s best deal like?

42:49 What lessons did Jonathan learn from his best deal?

51:54 What is the best way to manage contractors on site?

57:21 What are the biggest mistakes investors are making on their projects today?

01:00:40 What has changed with Jonathan’s approach to real estate?

01:01:12 What is Jonathan’s advice for his younger self?

01:07:06 What is the most overlooked or overhyped investing strategy today?

01:10:01 How can you get in touch with Jonathan?

Quotables

“I feel like the properties that weren’t selling were the ones that were a bit rough around the edges, but sellers were more motivated to move the product so it opened opportunities.”

“Don’t be afraid to make those phone calls to movers and shakers of the market and say “what do you have that no one else knows about?” because that’s where some of the fruit lies.”

“As an investor, start hunting. The deals don’t just typically land on your desk and it’s the home run, slam dunk deal if you don’t go looking for it, if you’re not purposeful in your conversations to say “here’s what I’m looking for”.”

Links

Website: Bliss

https://offmarketbliss.ca/

Instagram: Jonathan Wallace

https://www.instagram.com/jonathanwallacerealestate/

Darren Smith is a commercial real estate investor based in the US with years of experience in flipping, wholesaling, and industrial properties, among many other things. He is on the Self Wealth Real Estate podcast today to talk about the commercial space in the US and how building relationships helped him get to where he is today.

Listen now to learn more about Darren’s real estate operations in the US, the commercial real estate space, and how you can find success in it like he has!

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:33 What is Darren’s background?

04:27 How did Darren get into commercial real estate?

09:37 What kind of commercial deals is Darren focused on doing?

11:44 Why did Darren decide to focus on industrial buildings?

14:32 What is flex industrial real estate?

15:50 Why do investors divide and sell industrial properties per unit?

18:26 How does Darren evaluate industrial properties?

22:21 What are cap rates in real estate investing?

24:40 How are triple net expenses covered for industrial buildings?

28:12 What marketing strategies does Darren use to find industrial properties?

31:25 How does Darren utilize creative financing strategies for industrial properties?

42:34 What do Darren’s industrial deals typically look like?

49:24 What kind of industrial properties has Darren invested in so far?

50:58 What is Darren’s favorite deal?

58:57 What lessons did Darren learn from his favorite deal?

01:00:05 What was Darren’s worst deal like?

01:03:49 What lessons did Darren learn from his worst deal?

01:05:35 What has changed in Darren’s approach to real estate investing?

01:08:19 What advice would Darren give his younger self?

01:09:35 What is the most overlooked or overhyped investing strategy today?

01:11:48 How can you find out more about Darren?

Quotables

“With industrial buildings, yes you can have build outs, there are things to repair, but you literally can have a tenant move out, clean it up, and have another tenant move in the next week.”

“You’ll have an office in the front and a warehouse in the back, but you will have people that will build out those to be more office space or whatever they want it to be.”

“The only difference I would say between residential and commercial on how I do it is I try and make everything just nicer, whereas in the residential space, the whole goal was how cheap can I get this postcard out.”

Links

Website: Bliss

https://offmarketbliss.ca/

Website: Solid Growth Properties

https://solidgrowthproperties.com/

Ken Bekendam is the President and CEO of LegalSecondSuites.com, a company focused on helping real estate investors make the most out of their properties by converting them into multi-unit properties. He is a well-known investor, developer, and land use expert, and he is on the Selfwealth Real Estate podcast today to help us learn more about development and conversions so we can take our real estate businesses to the next level.

Listen now to learn more about opportunities in developments and conversions, and some tips, tricks, and best practices from a real estate expert!

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:30 What is Ken’s background?

07:25 When did Ken start getting involved in property conversions?

08:43 What services does Legal Second Suites provide?

12:03 What are the opportunities you can create in converting properties?

18:11 What are the most common challenges with conversion projects?

23:33 How does Ken and his team help clients find the best use for their properties?

28:10 Why should more investors look into conversion investments?

31:01 What are some factors to consider when deciding what conversions to do?

35:57 What does it take to be an effective developer?

37:33 What kind of projects is Ken involved in today?

43:43 What are the challenges in the development space today?

48:44 Why is resourcefulness important in development?

52:14 What is Ken’s favorite deal?

56:14 What is Ken’s worst project to date?

01:03:35 What lessons did Ken learn from his worst project?

01:07:07 What has changed with Ken’s approach to real estate?

01:08:57 What is Ken’s advice for his younger self?

01:10:27 What is the most overlooked or overhyped investing strategy today?

01:13:10 How can you get in touch with Ken?

Quotables

“Right now, interest rates are high and it’s getting tougher to acquire more real estate so sometimes it is easier to pull back and just look at what you currently have and try to maximize that.”

“Get a building permit, obviously to make sure stuff is up to code, but all of these other regulations and studies that they make you jump through, a lot of times is a complete waste.”

“You’re gently creating housing. We’re not just doing unit turnovers and trying to evict low-paying tenants and increasing rent on a building.”

Links

Website: Bliss

https://offmarketbliss.ca/

Website: Legal Second Suites

https://legalsecondsuites.com/

Instagram: Ken Bekendam

https://www.instagram.com/kenbekendam/

Ryan DeLaurentis is a serial entrepreneur with experience in building multiple successful businesses including a wholesaling business and a real estate brokerage. He has successfully pivoted through the different challenges that came with the recent market cycles using different strategies and he is on the Self Wealth Real Estate podcast today to tell us how he did that.

Listen now to learn about Ryan’s journey into real estate investing and how he successfully pivots through different market conditions!

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:24 What is Ryan’s background?

04:51 How did Ryan get interested in real estate investing?

05:39 How did Ryan start building their real estate portfolio?

07:26 What are the benefits of doing JV deals with people that you can trust?

10:51 What kinds of properties does Ryan invest in?

12:47 How does Ryan make use of their profit from their properties?

15:43 What was it like for Ryan to transition to wholesaling?

19:47 How did Ryan adapt to the changes in the wholesaling market in recent years?

22:30 How has the transition to owning a real estate brokerage been for Ryan?

24:55 What other business ventures does Ryan have?

28:08 What are Ryan’s plans for his businesses in the future?

35:13 Why is it important to find your niche in real estate investing?

40:41 How much has Ryan been traveling in the last few years?

44:27 What are the benefits of being part of a community of like-minded people?

46:18 What was Ryan’s best deal like?

50:43 What lessons did Ryan learn from their best deal?

56:01 What are Ryan’s least favorite deals?

01:05:20 What has changed with Ryan’s approach to investing?

01:06:55 What is the most overlooked or overhyped investing strategy today?

01:08:35 How can you get in touch with Ryan?

Quotables

“I think it’s also pretty neat to see people that you see frequently be able to actually use the benefits of something that you brought to the table.”

“We went from 3 employees to 18 – it was a crazy time, it was a lot of fun, but also a lot of stress to figure out how to actually keep the wheels on the wagon and just problem solving every day.”

“Sometimes I think you can learn more from the losses than the wins.”

Links

Website: Bliss

https://offmarketbliss.ca/

Facebook: Ryan DeLaurentis

https://www.facebook.com/ryan.j.delaurentis

Email: Ryan DeLaurentis

ryan@dciproperties.ca

Email: DCI Properties Buyers List

adam@dciproperties.ca

Sean McRae is a music producer, real estate investor, and realtor who runs a team at eXp Realty in Ottawa. Through the years, Sean has invested in multiple projects ranging from duplex conversions to subdivisions and he is with us on the Self Wealth Real Estate podcast today to share his experience and the lessons he has learned as he went full time into real estate.

Listen now to learn more about Sean’s investing journey, how he manages his team of realtors and his investments, and what it really takes to achieve real estate success in today’s market!

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:13 What is Sean’s background?

04:52 How did Sean get into real estate?

07:26 What does Sean do in real estate today?

09:10 What other businesses is Sean involved in?

11:56 How does Sean manage his time between all his ventures?

15:01 How should entrepreneurs approach the idea of delegation?

18:58 Why do most entrepreneurs find it difficult to delegate?

20:32 How did Sean let go of his full-time job for real estate?

25:31 What is the impact of manifesting in your life?

32:18 What makes Sean’s real estate team stand out?

34:35 What kind of clients does Sean work with?

36:54 What kind of properties does Sean focus on investing today?

42:44 What is the best deal Sean has ever done?

46:37 What lessons did Sean learn from his best deal?

49:10 What was Sean’s worst deal like?

53:45 What would Sean change about his worst deal with his knowledge now?

01:00:56 What has changed with Sean’s approach to real estate investing?

01:03:00 What is Sean’s advice for his younger self?

01:05:32 What is the most overlooked or overhyped investing strategy today?

01:10:06 How can you get in touch with Sean?

Quotables

“Because I’m not fueled by basically the bottomline or the money anymore as much, I switch my focus where time and enjoyment and quality of life is worth way more than the amount of money I’m gonna make.”

“That’s why it’s not about growing the team in terms of the numbers. If I’m adding somebody or if I’m adding an avenue, it has to be the right fit.”

“Try to make your presence known. Speak when needed, listen when needed, don’t be the loudest in the room.”

Links

Book: Traction

https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837

Website: Bliss

https://offmarketbliss.ca/

Instagram: Sean McRae

https://www.instagram.com/iamseanfrost

Website: Sean Frost

https://www.seanfrost.com

Email: Atlético Ottawa Events

events@seanfrost.com