In this episode of "A Canadian Investing in the U.S.," host Glen Sutherland interviews Jonathan Nichols, co-founder of Apogee Capital, a multifamily real estate investment company based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. 

Jonathan shares his journey into real estate investing, which began about seven or eight years ago with single-family rentals.

 Along with his wife Paula, they transitioned from buying single-family homes to pursuing multifamily syndication.

Key Points Discussed:

Background and Company Formation: Jonathan describes his background as an aerospace engineer and how it influenced the naming of his company, Apogee Capital.

The term "apogee" refers to reaching the peak or apex, symbolizing their goal of helping investors achieve financial success.

Investment Strategies: Jonathan explains their investment strategy, which initially focused on single-family properties with a BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) approach. 

They later pivoted to multifamily investments, primarily focusing on light value-add projects to enhance cash flow.

Transition from Single-Family to Multifamily: He emphasizes the lessons learned from single-family investments, particularly the mistakes made that provided valuable experience without risking other people's money.

 Jonathan highlights the importance of aligning investment strategies with personal skill sets, noting that their engineering backgrounds suited the analytical and operational demands of multifamily investing.

Current Projects: Jonathan discusses their recent acquisition of a heavy value-add property in Lubbock, Texas, which they purchased at a low price due to its occupancy challenges. 

He shares that they moved to Lubbock for three months to oversee renovations and stabilize the property, which is now seeing significant occupancy improvements.

Financing Challenges: The conversation touches on financing strategies, including the use of bridge loans with high interest rates and plans to transition to long-term financing through agency loans. 

Jonathan highlights the difficulties in raising capital for heavier value-add projects in the current market climate, where investors are more cautious.

Market Insights: Jonathan shares insights on market conditions, emphasizing the importance of diversifying job sources in the areas they invest in, particularly in university towns, 

which provide stability. He explains how understanding local demographics and economic factors can significantly impact investment success.

Future Outlook: Looking ahead, Jonathan expresses optimism about their current projects and the multifamily market's potential despite challenges.

 He encourages listeners to be diligent in their research and due diligence, emphasizing the need for conservative underwriting in today’s economic environment.

EP370 Navigating from Single-Family Homes to Multifamily with Jonathan Nichols

In this episode of "Canadian Investing in the US," host Glen Sutherland interviews Brett Henry, a real estate broker in the Dominican Republic. 

Originally from Saskatchewan, Canada, Brett transitioned from a 20-year career as a police officer to becoming a successful entrepreneur in real estate. 

He shares his journey of moving to the Dominican Republic after investing in a bar, which eventually led him to explore opportunities in real estate.

Brett discusses the unique real estate landscape in the Dominican Republic, emphasizing the importance of having a knowledgeable broker due to the lack of a centralized MLS system. 

He co-founded his brokerage, RealtordR.com, with a focus on quality marketing and providing up-to-date listings to cater to Canadian and American buyers. 

Brett highlights the economic advantages of investing in the Dominican Republic, including the country's stability, safety, and the rights of foreign investors to own property outright.

Throughout the conversation, Brett touches on various topics, such as the appeal of the north coast of the Dominican Republic, the vibrant expat community, and the country's diverse economy, which includes gold mining and agriculture.

 He explains the process of obtaining mortgages in the DR, noting that while financing is available, substantial down payments are required.

Brett also shares insights into the local culture, the benefits of living in the Dominican Republic, and the potential for profitable rental income through short-term rentals like Airbnb.

 He encourages listeners to consider the lifestyle advantages of moving to the DR, emphasizing the friendly atmosphere and low cost of living.

In closing, Brett invites those interested in exploring real estate opportunities in the Dominican Republic to reach out, providing his contact information and encouraging potential investors to experience the region for themselves.

EP371 Investing in the Dominican Republic- Insights from Real Estate Broker Brett Henry

In this insightful podcast interview, Glen speaks with experts about the E2 visa process, offering invaluable advice for Canadians interested in launching or expanding their businesses in the U.S. They delve into key topics such as the essential elements of a successful business plan, the importance of creating jobs, and the flexibility of the E2 visa for those looking to buy or build businesses across various industries. From property management to consulting firms, the conversation highlights the diverse opportunities available, including the option to bring essential employees from Canada. They also tackle common concerns about U.S. immigration and the border process, offering reassurance to Canadians considering the E2 route. Whether you're thinking of relocating or running a business remotely, this episode provides crucial insights for anyone looking to navigate the U.S. business landscape through the E2 visa.

EP373 E2 Visa Secrets How Canadians Can Build a Thriving U.S. Business Filomena Maimone

In this episode, Glen Sutherland and Kristopher McEvoy dive into the potential impact of proposed U.S. tax legislation on Canadian investors with U.S. assets. They discuss why proper investment structuring is more important than ever, the risks of increased withholding taxes, and how treaty changes could affect future returns. Kristopher shares why working with cross-border tax professionals is essential and offers practical strategies to help Canadians stay compliant, tax-efficient, and prepared for international policy shifts.

EP374 The Big Beautiful Bill What U.S. Tax Changes Mean for Canadian Investors Kristopher McEvoy

EP375 The Remote Real Estate Investor with Steve Pletz

Glen Sutherland welcomes back Marcin Drozdz to share how his U.S. real estate journey has grown since his earlier appearances. Marcin talks about his shift from single-family homes to larger commercial deals, including industrial and multifamily properties. He shares valuable lessons on partnerships, deal structures, lender challenges, and the importance of staying flexible.

The episode also dives into mindset, risk, and how building the right network can accelerate success. Marcin explains how taking action—even when things aren’t perfect—can lead to incredible growth and opportunities.

A must-listen for Canadian investors exploring U.S. real estate!

EP376 The Mindset Shift Behind Marcin Drozdz’s Real Estate Success

In this episode, Glen Sutherland is joined by his personal accountant, Kristopher McEvoy, a Canadian CPA specializing in cross-border taxation. Kristopher works with clients investing in U.S. real estate, as well as those relocating or expanding businesses between Canada and the U.S.

The discussion centers around a frequently asked question: what’s the most efficient way for Canadians to pay themselves from their U.S. real estate or business income?

Kristopher explains that the answer depends on the ownership structure:

If using a U.S. Limited Partnership (LP):
You’re taxed annually on profits—not on withdrawals—so taking money out has no further tax consequences.

If using a U.S. Corporation:
Paying yourself personally via dividends or payroll can be highly tax inefficient, with a potential combined tax burden of up to 50–60%.
A more efficient strategy involves using a Canadian corporation to own the U.S. corporation, enabling:

Management fees

Interest charges

Intercompany dividends (typically subject to only 5% U.S. withholding tax under the current tax treaty)

EP379 How Canadians Should Pay Themselves from a U.S. Company with Kristopher McEvoy

In this episode of Canadian Investing in the US, Glen Sutherland speaks with Torrin Brauch, an American expat who relocated to Ecuador in search of a better food supply and overall quality of life. Torrin shares his journey from growing organic food on a farm in Florida to building a 17-unit eco-lodge in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. He discusses his motivations for leaving the U.S., the process of buying his first property within days of arriving, and how Ecuador’s low property taxes, favorable climate, and structured property registry system made it a compelling place to settle and invest.

Torrin now operates a hospitality and real estate development business under the banner Live the Life in Ecuador, offering seller-financed lots, sustainable housing, and relocation support for foreigners. He walks listeners through the logistics of buying property, visa options, and the legal framework for ownership and financing in Ecuador. Torrin also highlights the lifestyle benefits, including clean air, fresh food from community food forests, and a welcoming local culture. Interested visitors can learn more or arrange a stay through his website, livethelifeinecuador.com.

EP383 Ecuador Real Estate Investing with Torrin Brauch

In this episode of Canadian Investing in the US, Glen Sutherland welcomes back CPA Kristopher McEvoy for another installment of their monthly accounting Q&A series. Kristopher, a Canadian accountant based in Fonthill, Ontario, specializes in cross-border taxation and real estate investing. He tackles a key question from investors: when should you start using QuickBooks Online (QBO)? While newer buy-and-hold investors may get by with spreadsheets initially, Kristopher explains that investors with more complex operations—like flips or BRRRRs—need proper systems early on to track profitability and stay tax-compliant.

Kristopher emphasizes that accounting software like QBO not only helps with tax filing but also enables better business management through automation, delegation, and financial reporting. He highlights the unique nuances of real estate bookkeeping, such as capitalizing interest during renovations and correctly categorizing repairs vs. improvements. For growing investors, Kristopher’s firm, LEAP ACT, offers flat-fee bookkeeping services that scale with volume, making it especially valuable for those managing multiple deals. Listeners can connect with him at leapACT.ca and are encouraged to mention the podcast when reaching out.

EP384 Real Estate Bookkeeping Mistakes to Avoid with Kristopher McEvoy

In this episode of Canadian Investing in the US, Glen Sutherland welcomes back immigration attorney Mena Maimone of Maimone Legal to clarify recent misinformation circulating online about a so-called "$250 visa fee" for Canadians entering the United States. Mena explains that this is actually the Visa Integrity Fee, which applies only to new U.S. visa applications—such as E2 investor visas or student visas—and has recently increased from $250 to $500. It does not affect Canadians traveling as visitors for shopping, vacations, or short business trips, nor does it impact those who already hold valid visas until they renew. The discussion highlights how social media has distorted the facts, leading many to believe the fee applies at the border to all travelers.

The conversation also addresses rumors that Canadians are being detained or deported in large numbers when entering the U.S. Mena confirms these claims are unfounded, noting that any detentions are typically tied to legitimate issues such as criminal history or security concerns. She suggests that fear-driven narratives may be partly motivated by concern over the increasing number of Canadians—especially high-income earners and investors—moving south for business and lifestyle opportunities. Both Glen and Mena encourage listeners to seek accurate, professional advice rather than rely on online hearsay, assuring that cross-border travel and investment remain accessible and safe for most Canadians.

EP381 $250 Visa Fee to Enter the USA Explained with Filomena Maimone

Helping anyone invest in the U.S. real estate market from anywhere!

New tracks tagged #glen sutherland