Looking for rental income

[Tushar Sharma]

I’m located in Toronto currently invested in a condo downtown that I purchased 2 years ago. Own a commercial building in the Greater Toronto Area where I operate my business out of and renting out the other half (freehold building split into two) I also own 2 condos in Calgary that aren’t doing so well.

I’m looking for opportunities to invest across Canada to buy and hold for rental income. The GTA seems overvalued and hard to bring in a good cap rate. Searching for other opportunities. Considering more in Calgary since property took a hit with the oil dive. Not sure where to start or if other fellow Canadians have targeted areas. Would love to get into multi family homes. 

I use property management firms in Alberta and manage the commercial unit and Toronto condo myself.

I’d love to get involved in the US market but not sure on the tax implications and if it will be worth my time. 

[Thomas S.]

If you are OK with investing from a distance I would definatly be looking to the US. It is the first place  Canadians should be sending their money. Taxes are irrelevant if you can make a profit.

The biggest concern/advantage is with the American banking system. They did not learn much from the 2008 crash and are beginning to swing back into a dangerous zone. Too many unqualified home owners. Allowing forces personnel to get in for virtually nothing. I see a repeat of 2008 and a opportunity for Canadians to profit in the future due to our more stable financial positioning. I would be waiting for the shoe to drop but it may take a while. 

For now you may want to look to the east coast rather than to the west to invest. Stay away from condos the market is flooded.