Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show: The Smartest Way To Buy Your First Rental Property

The Smartest Way To Buy Your First Rental Property

Jun 5, 2026

If you are just getting started in real estate investing, your first move matters.

In this episode, Wayne and Gabby answer a listener question from a 28-year-old new investor in Edmonton who recently moved to Canada, works in IT, earns about $80,000 per year, has saved $40,000, and wants to start building long-term wealth through real estate.

Wayne breaks down what he would do in this situation and explains why many new investors make mistakes by trying to figure everything out on their own before getting proper education.

He also explains why your first property should be chosen based on future rental potential, not just personal preference.

Wayne discusses the strategy of buying a property as a primary residence with 5% down, living in it, improving it, and eventually turning it into a rental property.

He also explains why this strategy can help new investors stretch limited capital further, why Edmonton townhouses may be one of the best starting points right now, and why investors need to understand cash flow, risk, mortgage paydown, and long-term appreciation before they buy.

Wayne and Gabby also talk about the 5% Rule™, why cash flow protects investors during storms like interest rate increases, why cash flow should be saved instead of spent, and why reserves matter.

Later in the episode, Wayne explains why raising capital and joint ventures eventually become unavoidable for investors who want to scale beyond their own savings and mortgage capacity.

If you are a new investor wondering how to buy your first rental property, this episode will help you think through your first move with more clarity, strategy, and confidence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why new investors should ask better questions before buying
Why your first property can shape your future portfolio
Why education matters before making your first move
Why many investors regret buying the wrong first property
Why Wayne recommends buying with the future tenant in mind
Why your first home can become your first rental property
How 5% down can help new investors get started
Why Edmonton townhouses may be a strong starting point
Why buying one property with 20% down is not always the best use of capital
How mortgage paydown builds equity over time
Why appreciation across multiple properties can accelerate wealth building
Why cash flow matters as a risk mitigator
Why Wayne does not recommend spending your cash flow too early
Why the 5% Rule™ helps investors prepare for storms
Why interest rate increases do not have to destroy your portfolio
Why scaling eventually requires access to other people’s capital
Why joint ventures are inevitable for serious investors
Why building trust, credibility, and education matters before raising capital
Why opportunities do not last forever

Upcoming Events

Edmonton Garden Suites 101
June 12, 2026
Edmonton, Alberta
www.reimasters.ca/edmontongardensuites101

REI Masters Edmonton Real Estate Investing Bus Tour
August 22, 2026
www.reimasters.ca/edmontonbustour

About Your Hosts

Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and real estate investing coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Through their REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth using rental properties, BRRRRs, flips, joint ventures, wholesaling, seller financing, rent-to-own, garden suites, and creative financing.

The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show is a daily podcast focused on helping Canadian investors build cash flow, scale their portfolios, and invest with confidence.

Resources & Contact

Learn about the REI Masters Mentorship Program:
www.reimasters.ca

Bookkeeping & tax help for real estate investors:
www.finngo.com/rei

Get Wayne’s book:
The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors
https://a.co/d/jdZaBXM

Submit a question or connect with us:
info@reimorningshow.com

Thanks to Our Sponsors

Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor
calvinrealty.ca

Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax – For Investors, By Investors
www.finngo.com/rei

Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group
keaton@kbmortgages.ca