PILLAR 01 · WEALTH FOUNDATIONS Interview EP 126

How to Use Private Money and RRSPs to Fund Real Estate Deals

with Denise and Stuart Macpherson , Real Estate Investment Team , deniseandstuart.com
Play: How to Use Private Money and RRSPs to Fund Real Estate Deals
LISTEN ON ▶ YouTube
48 min · November 1, 2026 · 2 views
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
  1. How to use RRSPs and TFSAs to lend money via private mortgages.
  2. The definition of creative financing as a win-win structure for lenders and borrowers.
  3. The legal necessity of using approved trustees like Olympia Trust for registered funds.
  4. The importance of 'arm's length' transactions to comply with CRA rules.
  5. Key due diligence steps for private lenders, including exit strategies and track records.
  6. Why losses within registered accounts are not tax-deductible.
Show Notes
Timestamps 8
Questions Answered 3
Mentioned In This Episode 3
Most investors believe a massive pile of cash is required to enter real estate, but Denise and Stuart Macpherson have built an 8-figure portfolio using creative financing and private money. They share their journey from starting in the negative after the 2008 crash to mastering the art of borrowing and lending through registered funds.



In this episode, we dive deep into the mechanics of using RRSPs and TFSAs to fund real estate deals. Learn the strict legal requirements, CRA compliance rules, and the importance of using approved trustees like Olympia Trust to structure arm's length private mortgages safely.
00:00:00 Intro → 00:01:35 Getting Started After the 2008 Crash → 00:06:08 The True Definition of Creative Financing → 00:08:20 Lending & Borrowing with Registered Accounts (RRSPs, TFSAs) → 00:13:00 Legal Requirements, CRA Rules & Approved Trustees → 00:18:26 Due Diligence to Protect Private Lenders → 00:25:30 Case Study: Scaling a $355K Property to $875K → 00:36:15 Transitioning to a Mutual Fund Trust (MFT) →
Is it legal to hold a private mortgage in an RRSP or TFSA?

Yes, it is legal and regulated as long as it is done properly. You must use an approved trustee and follow CRA guidelines to remain compliant.

What does 'arm's length' mean in private lending?

An arm's length relationship means there is no personal or family connection between the lender and the borrower. This is a requirement for structuring registered fund mortgages legally.

Can I claim a loss on a private mortgage investment in an RRSP as a tax deduction?

No, losses within registered accounts like an RRSP are not tax-deductible. Unlike cash lending, you cannot claim these losses against your income taxes.

  • Registered Funds Beyond Traditional Investments: What Canadians May Not Know Their RRSP Can Hold Guide
  • Olympia Trust
  • Financing Roadmap
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