Let's Talk Real Estate Investing

Debbie Balfour

View and Subscribe The Let's Talk Real Estate Investing PodcastYour Host: Debbie BalfourIf you’ve ever thought about investing in real estate but weren’t sure where to start… this podcast is for you. Let’s Talk Real Estate Investing is designed for aspiring and novice investors who want real, practical insights from people actually doing the work. Each episode features real estate investors, from those just getting started to seasoned pros, along with trusted service providers who support the industry. You’ll learn: How investors got started and built their businesses What strategies worked and why What went horribly wrong and how to avoid those mistakes How they’ve adapted to industry changes Practical tips you can apply right away

  1. Jun 24

    The Truth About Passive Income Investing with a $225M Real Estate Investor

    Most people say they want passive income. Very few understand what it actually takes to build it. In this episode of Let's Talk Real Estate Investing, I sit down with August Biniaz, co-founder and Chief Investment Officer of CPI Capital and LinkedIn Top Voice, to discuss how investors can build wealth through commercial real estate, multifamily investing, and build-to-rent communities. With more than $225 million in multifamily and build-to-rent assets, August shares the lessons he's learned from raising capital, navigating market cycles, protecting investors, and building a successful private equity real estate firm. In this interview, you'll learn: ✅ What multifamily investing really is ✅ The difference between multifamily and build-to-rent communities ✅ How Canadians can invest in U.S. commercial real estate ✅ How syndications, funds, and joint ventures work ✅ What passive investors should look for before investing ✅ How to perform proper due diligence on operators ✅ Why did some investors lose money during the recent market downturn ✅ Why August believes we're near the bottom of the real estate cycle ✅ How to raise capital and build credibility with investors ✅ The importance of education, trust, and investor relationships One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation: "The horse is the asset class. The jockey is the operator. Find the right jockey." If you're a real estate investor, aspiring syndicator, capital raiser, or passive investor looking to make smarter decisions, this episode is packed with practical insights. 🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with successful real estate investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. 👍 If you found value in this episode, please like, comment, and share it with someone who wants to build wealth through real estate. Connect with August Biniaz 🌐 http://cpicapital.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/augustbiniaz/ https://www.instagram.com/cpicapital/ https://web.facebook.com/soheil.biniaz #RealEstateInvesting #PassiveIncome #MultifamilyInvesting #CommercialRealEstate #BuildToRent #RealEstateSyndication #CapitalRaising #FinancialFreedom #PassiveInvesting #USRealEstate #CanadianInvestors #RealEstatePodcast #LetsTalkRealEstateInvesting #AugustBiniaz #DebbieBalfour

  2. Jun 10

    How to Raise Private Money for Real Estate (Without Chasing Investors)

    Most real estate investors think they have a deal problem. The truth is they have a capital problem. No matter how good the opportunity is, if you don't have access to funding, you'll eventually miss deals, lose momentum, and struggle to scale. In this episode of Let's Talk Real Estate Investing, I sit down with private capital expert Mitch Messer to discuss how successful investors build relationships that provide access to private capital long before they need it. Mitch shares how he built a $6 million real estate portfolio, lost everything during the 2007 market crash, and rebuilt by focusing on credibility, relationships, and private lending strategies that continue to fuel real estate deals today. In This Episode You'll Learn: ✅ Why most investors fail when raising capital ✅ The #1 mistake people make when looking for private lenders ✅ How to attract investors without pitching or begging for money ✅ The power of visibility, credibility, and trust ✅ Why storytelling helps attract private capital ✅ Private Lending vs Joint Ventures ✅ How experienced investors evaluate deals ✅ How to build relationships with lenders before you need funding ✅ Why communication is critical to long-term investor relationships ✅ How Canadian investors can access funding for U.S. real estate deals ✅ The simple strategy Mitch recommends for building a private lending track record If your goal is to scale your real estate investing business, attract more capital, and create opportunities before you need them, this episode is packed with practical advice you can implement immediately. Connect with Debbie Balfour Helping real estate investors build a network of people ready to invest with them. If you'd like access to Mitch's private capital community, send me a direct message and I'd be happy to make an introduction.

  3. May 28

    He Lost $6 Million, Then Built a Real Estate Empire He Runs From a Beach

    Real estate investing doesn't have to keep you tied to one city, one desk, or one country. In this episode of Let's Talk Real Estate Investing, Mitch Messer shares how he and his wife Monique built a $6 million portfolio, lost it all in the 2007 crash, and rebuilt everything through relationships, a powerful network, and private capital, all while living as full time digital nomads. Mitch is recording this interview from a rooftop in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, overlooking the Caribbean. He and Monique now live and work from cities like Medellín, Lima, Buenos Aires, and Santiago, while continuing to fund and close real estate deals from anywhere in the world. If your why behind investing is lifestyle freedom and the ability to travel while still growing a fully funded real estate business, this conversation is for you. 🎧 In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ How Mitch rebuilt after losing a $6 million portfolio in the crash ✅ Why relationships and private capital matter more than any single deal ✅ How to fund and run real estate deals while travelling internationally ✅ What it really takes to live the digital nomad life as an investor ✅ How private lenders and operators can connect to do more deals together 💬 FREE COMMUNITY INVITATION: Mitch has opened up complimentary lifetime access to his private UnfundableAF Skool community for our listeners, a carefully vetted, no-spam space where private lenders and real estate operators connect to fund deals. This is especially valuable for Canadian operators looking to access private lending for US deals. To claim your free membership, message Mitch Messer directly on LinkedIn and let him know you heard about it through the Let's Talk Real Estate Investing podcast. All members are personally vetted. 📌 Don't miss the follow up episode dropping in two weeks, where Mitch and Debbie go deeper on private lending and private borrowing, including funding options for Canadian investors operating in the US. 👉 If you got value from this episode, please do two things: 1️⃣ Hit LIKE so more investors can find this conversation 2️⃣ SUBSCRIBE so you're notified when the next episode drops 🔔 Subscribe for more real estate investing interviews, capital raising strategies, and conversations that help you build a confident, fully funded investing business. #RealEstateInvesting #PrivateMoney #DigitalNomad #RaisingCapital #RealEstatePodcast #PassiveInvesting #PrivateLending

  4. May 13

    Why Discipline Beats Returns in Real Estate Investing | Ann Jenga (Navy Vet, 400 Units)

    Real estate investing discipline is the single biggest factor that separates seasoned operators from new investors who keep losing deals. In this interview, Navy veteran and multifamily investor Ann Jenga breaks down why chasing the highest returns is the fastest way to lose money in real estate investing, and what disciplined operators do instead. You'll learn how to evaluate deals without emotion, why structure and process matter more than shiny numbers, and how new investors can underwrite deals, build credibility with brokers, and find the right mentor in the multifamily space. Ann also shares her perspective on smaller real estate deals versus multifamily, how to add value to sellers beyond price, and what questions new investors should ask seasoned operators when raising capital. Timestamps: 01:27 Why discipline beats returns in real estate investing 04:47 What separates seasoned operators from new investors 12:13 What most real estate investors are overlooking right now 18:35 How to build long-term credibility as a new investor 22:54 Top 5 things every new real estate investor must do 26:41 Raising capital and adding value to investors Connect with Ann Jenga on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (links below). Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anne.njenga.3551/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/njenga7077/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-njenga/ Subscribe for more real estate investing interviews, capital raising strategies, and multifamily investing insights.

  5. Apr 30

    How to Buy Real Estate With NO Money Down

    Most people believe you need thousands of dollars to start investing in real estate. That belief is keeping them stuck. In this episode, I sit down with real estate investor and mentor Rob Lamontagne, who went from zero properties to financial independence in just 10 years... using creative financing and other people's money. No massive savings. No waiting. No excuses. We break down exactly how he used strategies like: ➡️ 100% financing ➡️ Lines of credit and HELOCs ➡️ Vendor take backs ➡️ Joint ventures ➡️ Rent-to-own deals ➡️ Refinancing to scale If you've ever said: "I don't have the money to invest" This conversation will completely shift how you think. This isn't theory. This is how real investors build wealth. ⏱️ What You'll Learn: ✅ How to buy real estate with NO money down ✅ The truth about creative financing (and the risks) ✅ How to use other people's money to grow your portfolio ✅ Why mindset matters more than money ✅ The biggest mistakes new investors make ✅ How to structure deals that actually cash flow Who This Is For: 🎯 New real estate investors 🎯 Investors stuck waiting for capital 🎯 Anyone who wants to build passive income through real estate 🎯 Entrepreneurs ready to think differently about money Ready to Go Deeper? If you want to learn how to attract investors and fund your deals BEFORE you find them... 👉 Comment TRUST below and I'll send you the next steps.

  6. Apr 22

    Want to Move to Portugal? Here’s What You NEED to Know

    Dreaming of living in Portugal? Wondering what it’s really like to move, build a life, and invest in real estate there? In this episode of Let’s Talk Real Estate Investing, I sit down with António Barbosa, a U.S.-born investor and long-time Portugal resident, who shares what it’s actually like to live and thrive in one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations. From visas and residency requirements to what it costs to live comfortably, and even how to invest in real estate as a foreigner, this conversation is packed with the insights most people don’t tell you. If you're considering a lifestyle move, exploring geographic freedom, or just curious about what life in Portugal is really like… this episode is for YOU. What You’ll Learn (Timestamps): 00:00 - António’s story: From the U.S. to Portugal 03:30 - Why Portugal? Lifestyle, culture, and cost of living 07:50 - The truth about building community abroad 10:15 - How to get a visa and become a resident (simplified!) 14:40 - Portugal’s real estate market explained 19:25 - Buying property as a foreigner: What to expect 23:10 - Renting vs. owning: What makes more sense? 27:00 - Healthcare, taxes, and what surprises most expats 30:40 - Common mistakes people make when moving abroad 34:10 - Can you live in Portugal AND invest elsewhere? 38:45 - António’s biggest lessons after 20+ years in Portugal Top Quotes from António: “Portugal gave me something I didn’t know I was missing, peace.” “Moving abroad isn’t about escaping. It’s about choosing what truly matters.” “You don’t need to be a millionaire to live well here.” WATCH THIS IF YOU… Want to move to Portugal but don’t know where to start Are curious about visas, real estate, or the true cost of living abroad Value lifestyle and long-term financial freedom Want to live somewhere peaceful, beautiful, and fulfilling Are you exploring where to go next for your family or retirement Thinking About a Move? Want a Real Estate Strategy That Aligns with Your Life Goals? Let’s talk. Book your FREE 1:1 strategy call with me, Debbie Balfour: 👉 https://debbie-balfour-real-estate-investor-coaching.bixjet.com/appointment/debbie/coaching-strategy-call 🙌 Don’t forget to: 👍 Like this video if you’ve ever dreamed of living abroad 🗨️ Comment below — Is Portugal on your radar? Why or why not? 🔔 Subscribe for weekly investor insight & lifestyle freedom stories! #MoveToPortugal #LivingInPortugal #PortugalRealEstate #PortugalVisas #LetsTalkRealEstateInvesting #GeographicFreedom #ExpatLife #DebbieBalfour #AntónioBarbosa #RealEstateAbroad #TimeFreedom #FinancialFreedom #LifestyleDesign

  7. Apr 22

    The FREE Tool Every Real Estate Investor Needs To Use

    Ready to attract more capital partners and grow your real estate investing business? This episode of Let’s Talk Real Estate Investing is packed with real, raw, and actionable tips for new and aspiring investors who want to build AUTHORITY through social media — even if you're terrified to hit record. Debbie Balfour sits down with Vancouver-based realtor, investor, and content creator Cameron Manning, known for his honest, heart-centred approach and his ability to blend humour with hard truth. In this episode, we dive into: How to use social media to raise capital — without feeling salesy or awkward Why your messy, imperfect videos are actually your best marketing tool The easiest way to start showing up online (even if you hate being on camera) How documenting your journey creates trust AND credibility Tips to build a personal brand and investor pipeline with content The power of edutainment: mix education with entertainment for max reach Why being AUTHENTIC will beat polished content every time Whether you're trying to raise private money, build your brand, or just get visible in the investing space, this conversation is packed with gold. If you're a real estate investor stuck in overthinking or inaction, this is the episode for you. ✅ Subscribe for weekly episodes that help you create your personalized real estate investing strategy, streamline your systems, and achieve financial AND time freedom. Follow Cameron Manning: IG: @cameronmanning TikTok: @camonthego YouTube: @cameronmanning Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE if you found this valuable — and SHARE with a fellow investor who needs this today! #RealEstateInvesting #RaisingCapital #SocialMediaForInvestors #DebbieBalfour #CameronManning #LetsTalkRealEstateInvesting #FinancialFreedom #TimeFreedom #RealEstateTips #InvestingJourney

  8. Apr 22

    Why Passive Real Estate Investing Is DEAD (And What’s Replacing It in 2026)

    Real Estate Investors — are you still playing by the old rules? It’s time to WAKE UP. In this episode, Russell Coltess reveals why the passive investing model is BROKEN… and what smart investors are doing instead. 🎯 Discover how BuildShare is creating a hands-on path for investors to become builders, not just spectators. 👀 Inside this episode: • Why the “set-it-and-forget-it” strategy is failing in today’s market • How Russell pivoted from tech burnout to real estate development • A new way to invest WITHOUT needing millions (yes, really) • How to turn real estate into a purposeful, personalized business • What most new investors get totally WRONG about building wealth 💡 If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure which strategy is right for you… this conversation is the spark you need. Reach out to Russell: ⏱ CHAPTERS 00:00 - Intro: Who is Russell Coltis? 04:15 - Why Real Estate Is Changing Fast 08:50 - From Tech Startup to Infill Development 13:20 - How BuildShare Is Making Investing Accessible 18:30 - What Every Beginner Investor Needs to Know 25:45 - How to Get Involved Without Going Broke 31:00 - Final Thoughts on Strategy, Wealth & Freedom Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for weekly investor tips, stories, and behind-the-scenes from real estate pros just like you. #RealEstateInvesting #BuildShare #InvestorCoach #PassiveIncome #FinancialFreedom #InfillDevelopment #RealEstateStrategy

About

View and Subscribe The Let's Talk Real Estate Investing PodcastYour Host: Debbie BalfourIf you’ve ever thought about investing in real estate but weren’t sure where to start… this podcast is for you. Let’s Talk Real Estate Investing is designed for aspiring and novice investors who want real, practical insights from people actually doing the work. Each episode features real estate investors, from those just getting started to seasoned pros, along with trusted service providers who support the industry. You’ll learn: How investors got started and built their businesses What strategies worked and why What went horribly wrong and how to avoid those mistakes How they’ve adapted to industry changes Practical tips you can apply right away