Build to Rent (BTR) is a strategy where you build a brand-new property with the intent to keep it as a rental, not to flip or sell right away. The goal is to design and construct a purpose-built rental from day one—meaning you’re thinking about long-term durability, tenant appeal, low CapEx, and consistent income from the start.

For us, it came down to control and long-term performance. With BTR, you get to build the property you wish you could buy—with better layouts, modern materials, and fewer surprises. You avoid years of deferred maintenance, legacy problems, and major CapEx right out of the gate. Plus, in Ontario, new builds are exempt from rent control, which is a game-changer.

On the surface, yes—but that’s only part of the story. New construction comes with fewer unknowns, way less maintenance, and the ability to command stronger rent from the right tenant pool. You’re also not buying someone else’s bad renovation or outdated floorplan. You’re building smarter from day one. And when you run your numbers right, the ROI can be just as strong—if not better.

Good question—and one we struggled with early on. The truth? You start small. Our first project was funded through a HELOC, and we built a lot of sweat equity in. As we grew, we learned to structure deals more efficiently, use corporations, and partner with private lenders or JVs when needed. It’s all about getting creative and not assuming traditional bank financing is the only way.

Risk is relative. Yes, building has its own risks—permits, timelines, rising material costs—but we manage those with solid systems, experience, and relationships with trades and municipalities. What’s also risky? Buying a property with outdated wiring, an old furnace, or a roof about to cave in. We prefer managed risk with more upside.

Yes—but not without doing the work. We started with no formal background in development. We DIY’d our first few builds, managed it all ourselves, and learned the hard way. If you’re willing to start small, ask questions, and put in the effort, you absolutely can do this. Just know it’s not passive at the beginning—it’s earned.

We like purpose-built duplexes, triplexes, or fourplexes—especially semi-detached designs with secondary dwelling units (SDUs). These types of properties let you maximize rental income while staying under the radar of major commercial lending rules. Bonus points if you can build multiple units on one lot or infill in a growing area.

Start small. House hack, build a garden suite, or hire a GC for your first one. You don’t need to go all-in right away. But you do need to take action. Learn, network, and try something that stretches you just enough to grow—but not enough to break you.

Honestly? We didn’t always handle it well. We burned out. We stretched ourselves too thin. Rob lost hair and we both almost our sanity at one point. But over time, we learned when to pull back, when to hire help, and how to systematize. We built SOPs. We hired virtual assistants. And most importantly, we stopped attaching emotion to every challenge and started treating it like the business it is.