The Savvy Investor Podcast

The Savvy Investor

Welcome to the Savvy Investor Podcast, where we provide practical insights on real estate investing, market trends, and expert tips from industry professionals. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned investor, our show offers actionable advice to help guide you through the world of real estate investing with confidence. Tune in to elevate your investment knowledge and help you live a savvy life.

  1. 6d ago

    Landlord Insurance: Are You Covered? with Michael Durigon & Matt Nelson

    Let Us Know What You Thought Of The Episode Are you confident your investment property insurance actually protects your real estate business? Many investors renew the same insurance policy year after year without reviewing whether their coverage still matches their portfolio.  In this episode of the Savvy Investor Podcast, host Michael Ponte is joined by insurance brokers Michael Durigon and Matt Nelson from BrokerLink Insurance to discuss what every real estate investor should know about landlord insurance, rental property coverage, and protecting their investments from costly surprises. Whether you own a single rental property or a growing real estate portfolio, this conversation explains the differences between homeowner's insurance and landlord insurance, why rebuild cost matters more than purchase price, and how the right policy can protect your cash flow and long-term investment strategy. You'll also learn about common insurance mistakes, renovation coverage, deductibles, liability protection, and why many investors discover coverage gaps only after filing a claim. In this episode, you'll learn: The difference between homeowner's insurance and landlord insurance.Why every rental property should have insurance designed for investors.How rebuild cost impacts your insurance coverage.Insurance considerations for single-family homes, duplexes, and small multifamily properties.How deductibles affect claims and out-of-pocket expenses.Why unreported renovations can impact your coverage.The difference between landlord insurance and tenant insurance.Common insurance gaps that could leave real estate investors exposed.Practical tips for reviewing your insurance policy before you need to file a claim.If you're a real estate investor looking to protect your rental properties, improve your risk management strategy, and avoid expensive insurance mistakes, this episode is packed with practical advice you can apply today. Follow their Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrokerLink Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokerlinkca/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKdtPhkE78WAF7dP3B_UNjw Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brokerlink Learn More About Our Trusted Partner - Rook & Knight Law Whether you are buying your first rental, scaling a portfolio, refinancing, using private lending, purchasing multifamily property, or planning for long-term wealth and estate protection, our team helps you navigate the legal side with clarity and confidence.  We understand that investors need more than a standard real estate closing — they need structure, strategy, communication, and practical guidance that supports the bigger picture. With a fully virtual model and a process-driven approach, Rook & Knight helps make your transactions smoother, your legal structures stronger, and your investment journey easier to manage. Would you like to learn more? Visit: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/rook-knight/ Savvy Investor Links: Website: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvy_investors    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesavvyinvestor Join our Savvy Squad Community for 14 Days Absolutely FREE! https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/join Disclaimer: The views and advice expressed on this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the podcast host or affiliated parties. The content is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. The podcast host and producers are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided.

  2. Aug 26

    Building Wealth By Wholesaling with Teanna Clark & Cody Kelly

    Let Us Know What You Thought Of The Episode In this episode, Michael Ponte sits down with Cody Kelly and Teanna Clark of JPL HomeBuyers, a family-run wholesaling business based in Alberta. Wholesaling has been around for years, but there’s still a lot of confusion around how it actually works—and what it takes to build a real business from it. Cody and Teanna have taken a very hands-on approach, starting with door knocking and handwritten letters and eventually building a buyers list of more than 10,000 investors. Cody came into wholesaling after building his own flipping business, giving him a strong understanding of the numbers and what makes a deal work. Teanna brought eight years of high-ticket sales experience to the business. Together, they’ve built a company that has closed assignments ranging from a few hundred dollars to more than $100,000 on a single property. In this conversation, we get into the practical side of wholesaling, including: What wholesaling actually is and how it differs from flippingHow to find motivated sellers and recognize a genuinely distressed propertyHow Cody and Tiana built a buyers network of more than 10,000 investorsThe legal issues new wholesalers need to understandMistakes that can damage your reputation in the industryWhat it really costs to operate a wholesaling business each monthWhat they would tell someone looking to get their first wholesale dealIf you’ve been curious about wholesaling, wondering whether it still works, or trying to figure out how to build a real business around it, this conversation is worth a listen. Follow their Socials: https://www.instagram.com/teannaclark/ https://www.instagram.com/mightyirishhomeinvestors/ Learn More About Our Trusted Partner - Ellements Financial Group Ellements Group offers real estate investors like you the peace of mind that comes from their insightful, full-team approach to financial coaching, holistic financial planning and managing your entire financial picture, not just your portfolio. Would you like to learn more? Visit: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/ellements-financial-group Savvy Investor Links: Website: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvy_investors YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesavvyinvestor Join our Savvy Squad Community for 14 Days Absolutely FREE! https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/join Disclaimer: The views and advice expressed on this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the podcast host or affiliated parties. The content is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. The podcast host and producers are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided.

  3. Aug 19

    Mistakes That Sink Developers with Robert Nichols

    Let Us Know What You Thought Of The Episode Zoning is changing faster right now than at almost any point I can remember. Cities across Canada & the US are opening the door to four, six, even ten units on lots that used to allow one. Now on paper that sound like an amazing opportunity. But for many investors it can be a nightmare when they don’t know what the heck they are doing. That gap, between what's legally possible and what's actually buildable, is where a lot of good intentions turn into expensive mistakes. Robert Nichols has spent more than 20 years closing that gap. He's a real estate developer out of Boston who's completed over 40 projects and personally led entitlement and permitting on 17 of them in one of the most difficult regulatory markets in the country. He's also a capital advisor through MIG Advisory, where he's placed over $800 million across commercial real estate deals, so he's seen this business from the development side and the money side. His path here wasn't a straight line. He set out to become an attorney, ended up in a corporate job instead, and it was buying his first property at 23 that changed everything. From there he learned development from the ground up, working under a development company that also ran a lending arm, which is where he picked up how to actually underwrite a deal. Here's what we get into: How zoning and entitlement decisions early on can make or break a project's returnWhat actually goes into building a capital stack that doesn't fall apartWhy understanding your exit strategy before you even close on landThe most common and most expensive mistakes he sees first-time developers makeHow he thinks about scaling from a single project into a repeatable development businessAnd so much moreHe also gives us a sneak peek into where he's seeing the best development opportunities right now. If you've been wondering whether your next move should be development instead of another single or multifamily property, then you really want to listen to this right to the very end. Follow Robert on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertlnichols/ Learn more about our Trusted Partner - SingleKey Used by more than +1 Million housing providers and tenants across the U.S. and Canada, SingleKey is a digital platform that helps property owners make more informed decisions when selecting tenants and managing their risk. Their tenant screening service, automated rent collection tool, and Rent Guarantee Program bring trust, transparency, and accountability into the rental process, allowing homeowners, renters, property managers, and realtors to rent risk free. Stop guessing with tenants. SingleKey’s got the tools: Screening, automated rent, and a Rent Guarantee. Used by 150,000+ landlords. Don’t risk it. Get SingleKey. Use promo code SAVVY10OFF or use the link below to login into your SingleKey account or create new account. Savvy members are entitled to an exclusive recurring 10% discount on all single credit bureau reports regularly priced at $29.99. Would you like to learn more? Visit: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/singlekey   Savvy Investor Links: Website: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvy_investors YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesavvyinvestor Join our Savvy Squad Community for 14 Days Absolutely FREE! https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/join Disclaimer: The views and advice expressed on this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the podcast host or affiliated parties. The content is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. The podcast host and producers are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided.

  4. Aug 12

    Remote Real Estate Investing with Kathy Fettke

    Let Us Know What You Thought Of The Episode What happens when the best real estate investment opportunities aren’t in your own backyard? In this episode of the Savvy Investor Podcast, Michael Ponte explores the world of out-of-state and remote real estate investing with Kathy Fettke, co-founder of RealWealth. Kathy and her husband Rich have helped more than 88,000 investors purchase rental properties across the U.S., many of them in markets far from where they live. With many investors sitting on capital while being priced out of their local markets, the question is becoming more important: Should you invest where you live, look for a better real estate market elsewhere, or wait for the market to change? Kathy shares the lessons she’s learned from building a real estate investing career and explains how she evaluates markets, manages risk, and creates systems that allow investors to successfully buy and manage rental properties from a distance. In This Episode, We Discuss: How Kathy evaluates a real estate investment market before ever visiting itWhat real estate due diligence really looks like from a distanceHow to build and manage a reliable local real estate teamThe biggest mistakes investors make when buying out-of-state rental propertiesHow to identify opportunities when you’re priced out of your local real estate marketWhy having the right systems and processes can make remote real estate investing possibleWhat Kathy would tell investors who are ready to invest but are still holding themselves backIf you’ve been wondering whether your next investment property should be somewhere outside your city, state, province, or even country, this episode is packed with insights to help you think differently about real estate investing, rental properties, market selection, due diligence, and building long-term wealth. Stay connected with Kathy: https://realwealth.com/ Learn More About Our Trusted Partner - Ellements Financial Group Ellements Group offers real estate investors like you the peace of mind that comes from their insightful, full-team approach to financial coaching, holistic financial planning and managing your entire financial picture, not just your portfolio. Would you like to learn more? Visit: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/ellements-financial-group Savvy Investor Links: Website: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvy_investors YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesavvyinvestor Join our Savvy Squad Community for 14 Days Absolutely FREE! https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/join Disclaimer: The views and advice expressed on this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the podcast host or affiliated parties. The content is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. The podcast host and producers are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided.

  5. Aug 5

    Should You Use CMHC MLI SELECT? with Nadeem Keshavjee

    Let Us Know What You Thought Of The Episode Thinking about using CMHC MLI Select for your next multifamily investment? It’s often promoted as the go-to financing solution, but the reality is that it’s not the right fit for every deal. In this episode, Michael Ponte sits down with Nadeem Keshavjee, Founder of GreenBirch Capital, to unpack what MLI Select really offers, where it shines, and where investors need to be careful. They discuss the trade-offs, common misconceptions, and why choosing the right financing strategy is just as important as choosing the right property. If you're considering commercial or multifamily investing, this conversation will help you evaluate whether MLI Select belongs in your investment strategy. In this episode, you'll learn: What CMHC MLI Select is and how it worksHow affordability, energy efficiency, and accessibility impact financing termsWhen MLI Select is the right choice—and when it isn'tThe hidden costs, restrictions, and reporting requirements investors should knowAlternative commercial financing options and how to choose the right one for your dealPractical insights from years of financing multifamily and commercial properties across CanadaWhether you're buying your first apartment building or expanding your portfolio, this episode will help you make more informed financing decisions. Follow GreenBirch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenbirchcapital Learn More About Our Trusted Partner - Calvin Realty Calvin Realty is a top-tier, investor-focused real estate team based in Edmonton. Our goal is to transform lives and build lasting relationships through real estate. We strive to offer exceptional service and guidance, ensuring every client’s success throughout their journey. We’re proud to be recognized as the top-rated real estate team in Edmonton and area, with over 570 Google reviews and the highest client satisfaction rating. Clients consistently describe us as responsive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to delivering exceptional service. In 2025, Calvin Realty earned the prestigious Northern Alberta Consumer Choice Award in the Commercial Real Estate category—marking us as a leading team in the region. We specialize in investor-focused services, providing exclusive access to private deals, a strong professional network, and strategic market guidance designed to help clients expand their portfolios and identify opportunities early. With our award-winning reputation, proven results, and investor-first approach, Calvin Realty stands out as a premier real estate partner in Northern Alberta. Would you like to learn more? Visit: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/calvin-realty/ Savvy Investor Links: Website: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvy_investors    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesavvyinvestor Join our Savvy Squad Community for 14 Days Absolutely FREE! https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/join Disclaimer: The views and advice expressed on this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the podcast host or affiliated parties. The content is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. The podcast host and producers are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided.

  6. Jul 29

    Scaling Without Capital with Sam Primm

    Let Us Know What You Thought Of The Episode In this episode of the Savvy Investor Podcast, Michael Ponte sits down with real estate entrepreneur Sam Primm to discuss how he went from a corporate career to building a real estate portfolio worth more than $40 million using the BRRRR strategy and other people's money. Sam also shares how documenting his journey on social media helped him grow an audience of over 2 million followers, build credibility, and raise capital to scale his business. In this episode, you'll learn: How Sam transitioned from a 9-to-5 career into full-time real estate investing.How the BRRRR strategy helped him build a $40+ million portfolio.How he structures deals and raises capital using other people's money.What it takes to grow from a solo investor to completing 250–300 deals a year.How social media became a powerful tool for building his brand and business.The biggest lessons he learned from setbacks and scaling his company.If you're looking for practical strategies to grow your real estate business and scale your portfolio, this episode delivers actionable insights from Sam's experience. Learn More About Our Trusted Partner - FrontLobby FrontLobby is a platform designed for Landlords, Property Managers, and Renters. Our mission is to improve the rental industry for everyone. We believe in creating a win-win scenario where Housing Providers and Renters prosper. Would you like to learn more? Visit: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/front-lobby  Savvy Investor Links: Website: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvy_investors  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesavvyinvestor Join our FREE Savvy Investor Facebook Community:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/341243106757064 Disclaimer: The views and advice expressed on this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the podcast host or affiliated parties. The content is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. The podcast host and producers are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided.

  7. Jul 22

    Seller Financing Understood with Rob Lamontagne

    Let Us Know What You Thought Of The Episode What happens when you've found a great real estate deal—but the bank says no? In this episode, Michael Ponte sits down with Rob Lamontagne, founder of Thinking Outside the Box, to talk about one of the most powerful tools many investors overlook: seller financing. Rob shares how the 2008 market crash changed his investing journey and why creative financing has become a key strategy for building wealth without relying solely on traditional lenders. They discuss how to recognize sellers who may be open to financing a deal, how to approach the conversation, and why thinking beyond the bank can open the door to opportunities other investors miss. In this episode, you'll learn: What seller financing is and how it works.Why some sellers are willing to finance a sale.How to identify good seller financing opportunities.Tips for presenting a seller financing offer.How creative financing can help you close more deals.If you've ever walked away from a great investment because financing didn't work out, this episode will show you there's more than one way to get a deal done. Follow Rob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamontjr381/ Learn More About Our Trusted Partner -  Barr LLP Barr LLP is a full service law firm based in the Province of Alberta with a broad range of practice areas to assist all clients. Their Commercial and Residential Real Estate and Finance team helps new and experienced clients navigate the world of real estate investing in an easy and open manner.  Would you like to learn more about Barr LLP or get in touch with them? Visit: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/barr-llp Savvy Investor Links:   Website: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvy_investors YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesavvyinvestor Join our FREE Savvy Investor Facebook Community:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/341243106757064 Disclaimer: The views and advice expressed on this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the podcast host or affiliated parties. The content is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. The podcast host and producers are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided.

  8. Jul 15

    The Right Way To Buy Multifamily with Pierre-Paul Turgeon

    Let Us Know What You Thought Of The Episode If you've been thinking about making the jump from single-family homes to multifamily investing, this episode is for you. Michael Ponte sits down with seasoned investor Pierre-Paul Turgeon to talk about what it really takes to buy and operate apartment buildings successfully.  Drawing from nearly 20 years of experience—from underwriting deals for lenders to building a portfolio of more than 160 units—Pierre-Paul shares the lessons, challenges, and strategies that have shaped his investing journey. It's an honest conversation filled with practical insights for anyone looking to grow their real estate portfolio. In this episode, we cover: Why multifamily investing requires a different approach than single-family real estate.How Pierre-Paul made the transition from underwriting deals to buying his own.What lenders look for in a strong multifamily investment.Common financing mistakes investors make—and how to avoid them.The operational challenges that can impact the success of an apartment building.Lessons learned from nearly two decades of investing in multifamily real estate.Practical advice for investors ready to scale with confidence.Follow Pierre-Paul on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turgeonpierrepaul/ Learn More About Our Trusted Partner - Green Mortgage Green Mortgage has been specializing in working with real estate investors since 2008. 80% of Green Mortgages’ clients are investors, and Green Mortgage has funded over $1Billion in mortgages over its lifespan. Would you like to learn more? Visit: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/green-mortgage-team/  Savvy Investor Links: Website: https://thesavvyinvestor.ca  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvy_investors    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesavvyinvestor Join our Savvy Squad Community for 14 Days Absolutely FREE! https://thesavvyinvestor.ca/join Disclaimer: The views and advice expressed on this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the podcast host or affiliated parties. The content is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. The podcast host and producers are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided.

About

Welcome to the Savvy Investor Podcast, where we provide practical insights on real estate investing, market trends, and expert tips from industry professionals. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned investor, our show offers actionable advice to help guide you through the world of real estate investing with confidence. Tune in to elevate your investment knowledge and help you live a savvy life.

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