PILLAR 03 · EXPERT INSIGHTS Panel Discussion EP 119

How to Build a 2 to 6-Unit Rental Portfolio in Ontario: Expert Strategies

with Ian Hawking , Broker and Co-founder , Hawking Homes Group at Keller Williams
Play: How to Build a 2 to 6-Unit Rental Portfolio in Ontario: Expert Strategies
LISTEN ON ▶ YouTube
1h 32min · September 4, 2026 · 1 views
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
  1. How to identify cash-flowing opportunities in Barrie, Peterborough, and Windsor.
  2. Strategies for densifying existing lots using garden suites and raised bungalows.
  3. How to execute phased densification to turn duplexes into 3 or 4-unit properties.
  4. The "giant BRRRR on steroids" strategy using 6-unit buildings and CMHC MLI Select.
  5. How to leverage HST rebates and municipal grants (CIP) to offset development costs.
  6. Understanding the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary markets for cap rates.
Show Notes
Timestamps 7
Questions Answered 3
Mentioned In This Episode 2
The Ontario real estate market has fundamentally shifted, moving away from traditional single-family rentals toward more profitable multi-unit strategies. In this Regional Roundtable, three local experts dive deep into what is working right now in Barrie, Peterborough, and Windsor.



From densifying existing lots with garden suites to executing "giant BRRRR" strategies with 6-unit buildings, this episode provides a roadmap for building a cash-flowing portfolio. You'll also learn about municipal grants, zoning changes, and live deal analyses to see how these numbers actually pencil out.
00:00:00 Welcome & Ontario Market Snapshots → 00:18:08 Top Investment Strategies by Region → 00:42:24 Municipal Grants & Zoning Changes → 00:54:24 Costly Investor Mistakes to Avoid → 01:03:57 Live Deal Analysis: Barrie Duplex → 01:13:10 Live Deal Analysis: Peterborough Phased Densification → 01:21:07 Live Deal Analysis: Windsor 6-Unit Build →
What is the "giant BRRRR on steroids" strategy?

It involves buying a multi-unit complex, such as a 6-unit building, and using HST rebates to recycle capital back into the next project.

How can municipal grants help real estate investors?

Municipalities may offer City Improvement Programs (CIP), tax exemptions, or per-unit grants to encourage housing development and affordability.

Why are secondary markets like Peterborough attractive for investors?

Secondary markets often offer significant discounts on purchase prices compared to primary markets while maintaining similar rental rates, which leads to stronger cap rates.

  • Streetwise Vault
  • Financing Roadmap
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Where do you start? →