PILLAR 01 · WEALTH FOUNDATIONS Evergreen Education EP 064

6 Proven Strategies to Fund Your First Canadian Investment Property

A solo episode with Dalia Barsoum, Principal Broker, Streetwise Mortgages
Play: 6 Proven Strategies to Fund Your First Canadian Investment Property
LISTEN ON ▶ YouTube
27 min · May 20, 2025 · 265 views
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
  1. How to leverage a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to access up to 80% of your home's value for a down payment
  2. Why keeping cash reserves matters even when you have enough money to buy outright
  3. How unsecured lines of credit work as a flexible tool for down payments, closing costs, or renovations
  4. How to structure joint venture partnerships to combine capital, credit, and sweat equity
  5. How vendor takeback mortgages let motivated sellers finance part of your purchase
  6. When private money makes sense as short-term bridge financing—and when it doesn't
  7. Why stress-testing your cash flow against rising interest rates protects your investment
Show Notes
Timestamps 8
Questions Answered 5
Most aspiring investors never buy their first property because they believe they don't have enough money. In this episode, Dalia Barsoum breaks down six proven funding strategies she personally used to build her own portfolio, proving that capital doesn't have to be a barrier when you understand the right financing tools.



From leveraging home equity lines of credit and unsecured credit to forming joint ventures, negotiating vendor takebacks, and using private money, you'll learn the mechanics, benefits, and risks of each approach. Discover how to stress-test your deals, protect your partnerships with proper legal agreements, and choose the right strategy based on your risk tolerance and investment goals.
Can I use a HELOC to buy my first investment property?

Yes. In Canada, you can access up to 80% of your primary residence's value through a secured line of credit, minus any existing mortgage balance. You only pay interest on the amount you actually withdraw, making it a flexible and cost-effective funding tool.

What is a vendor takeback mortgage?

A vendor takeback is a creative financing strategy where the seller provides a mortgage to help you purchase their property. The amount, interest rate, and position are all negotiable, but it is temporary financing that requires a clear exit strategy such as refinancing when the term ends.

Should I use all my cash to buy an investment property?

No. Dalia advises against draining all your liquid cash because lenders prefer to see reserves, and you need a buffer for unexpected expenses. Using all your cash also creates opportunity cost and eliminates your financial safety net.

What are the risks of using private money?

Private money is typically the most expensive capital, with interest rates reaching 13% to 14% plus additional lender and broker fees. Because these are short-term loans and traditional lenders want to see your own equity in the deal, you need a clear, fast exit strategy before using private funds.

Do I need a lawyer for a joint venture?

Yes. You should work with a lawyer experienced in joint ventures to draft an agreement that outlines each partner's responsibilities, profit splits, and what happens if someone wants out early, dies, goes bankrupt, or divorces.

Where do you start?