Monika Jazyk

In this episode of the Wisdom Lifestyle Money Show, host Scott Dillingham dives into LendCity's US lending options for Canadians and other foreign buyers interested in American investment properties. As a one-stop shop for residential and commercial lending in both Canada and the US, LendCity simplifies cross-border investing by offering competitive financing without requiring a US visa, partner, or income verification—focusing instead on the property's cash flow. Scott shares real-world examples, including a $4.65 million office purchase in Ohio financed at 7% over 25 years, an 8-unit property with rates dropping to 6.375%, and a Florida condo Airbnb deal. He emphasizes benefits like lower fees for multi-country clients, easy equity access, and guidance from a team of experienced investors.Scott breaks down the financing process, highlighting 30- or 40-year terms, interest-only options, and mortgages open after 3-5 years with no penalties. Key strategies include using seller credits to buy down rates—potentially saving hundreds monthly over reducing the purchase price—and targeting a debt coverage ratio above 1.25 for optimal terms. Down payments start at 25-30%, with minimum loans of $75,000-$100,000, and properties must avoid major deferred maintenance for buy-and-hold deals (flipping products handle renovations). He also covers new offerings like fix-and-flip loans, lines of credit for experienced investors, and portfolio blanket mortgages for scaling up to dozens of properties.As of November 2025, US real estate remains attractive for foreign investors, with hottest markets including Florida, Texas, and Ohio per LendCity's client trends—aligning with broader data showing strong ROI in areas like Dallas, Jacksonville, and San Antonio amid population growth and economic stability. Current mortgage rates for foreign nationals typically range from 7.14% to 7.64%, though buy-downs and lender shopping can secure lower effective rates as seen in recent deals. Scott recommends setting up a US entity for tax and liability benefits, opening a bank account, and choosing between done-for-you services like SHARE or DIY approaches. This episode equips aspiring investors with practical steps to expand portfolios south of the border.Key TakeawaysCross-Border Lending Benefits: LendCity offers residential and commercial financing in Canada and the US, reducing fees for multi-country clients, simplifying equity access, and providing investor-focused guidance without needing US income or partners.Financing Simplicity for Foreigners: No US visa required; qualification based on property income with 30-40 year terms, interest-only options, and open mortgages after 3-5 years—rates as low as 6.375% with buy-downs, though current foreign national averages are 7.14-7.64% in November 2025.Seller Credit Strategy: Use seller concessions to buy down rates or cover fees instead of lowering purchase price, saving significantly on monthly payments (e.g., 1% rate reduction saves $100-150/month) and long-term interest.Down Payment and Property Guidelines: 25-30% down required, minimum loans $75,000; suitable for 1-8 units, avoiding deferred maintenance for buy-and-hold—flipping loans available for renovations.Investment Process Steps: Set up US entity for tax advantages, open bank account, choose done-for-you (e.g., SHARE for turnkey rentals) or DIY path, then finance and close with LendCity's support.New Products and Markets: Access fix-and-flips, credit lines up to 3-4x project value, and portfolio loans; hottest 2025 markets include Florida, Texas, Ohio, with emerging spots like Dallas and Jacksonville for high ROI.Investor Resources: Join free Investors Hub for webinars, off-market deals, and networking; book strategy calls for personalized advice on US investing.Links to Show ReferencesLendCity Mortgages (for US and Canadian Lending): lendcity.caBook a Free Strategy Call: lendcity.ca/contactSHARE (Turnkey Real Estate Investing): sharesfr.com

In this episode of the Wisdom Lifestyle Money Show, host Gillian Irving interviews Monika Jazyk, a seasoned real estate investor and co-owner of RPI Education. Monika shares her background as a former teacher with a master's degree, mother of four, and how she transitioned into full-time investing over 14 years ago. Starting with buy-rent-hold properties in Northern Ontario, she and her husband built a portfolio that allowed her to stay home with her family while generating income. Monika discusses the challenges of distant markets like Timmins and Sudbury, including high vacancies, unreliable teams, and lack of appreciation, leading them to sell off those assets during the pandemic and pivot to higher-growth areas like Toronto, Markham, and Calgary.Monika explains the strategic shift to A-plus markets with strong economic fundamentals, emphasizing the BRRRR strategy (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) for creating value. She highlights the pitfalls of chasing high cap rates in low-growth areas and advises focusing on natural appreciation in stable regions. As of November 2025, Ontario's real estate faces ongoing tenant issues and tax increases, prompting many investors to explore Alberta and the US. Monika debunks fears around US investing, stressing the importance of on-site teams, personal visits, and partnering with locals who have proven portfolios.The conversation dives into US opportunities, including Atlanta (cash-flow neutral but expensive), Ocala in Marion County, Florida (booming with 4% annual growth, adding over 15,000 residents yearly, and major employers like Amazon, FedEx, and Chewy creating 30,000+ jobs), Houston in Texas for development and short-term rentals, Phoenix for student rentals and expansions, and even Los Angeles for value-add deals. Monika addresses Florida insurance concerns, noting rates have risen up to 40% in coastal areas due to hurricanes, but inland Ocala remains affordable at around $800 per property annually with block construction. She shares returns from a recent Ocala build project—66% ROI on forced appreciation, dropping to 36% for long-term holds with $400 monthly cash flow—urging investors to factor in all costs and view real estate as a long-term wealth builder. RPI Education helps vet teams and offers coaching for strategies from single-family rentals to syndications.Key TakeawaysPivot from Problematic Markets: Sold Northern Ontario properties due to high vacancies, unreliable management, and flat appreciation; shifted to high-growth areas like Toronto and Calgary for better control and returns.US Investing Essentials: Partner with local teams who live in the market and have successful portfolios; personally visit properties to avoid remote pitfalls, as seen in Monika's Atlanta client experience.Ocala, Florida Opportunities: Focus on inland areas with strong fundamentals—4% population growth in 2024, over 30,000 new jobs from logistics giants like Amazon and Chewy—yielding 36% ROI on buy-rent-hold with low insurance costs around $800 annually.Insurance and Risk Management: Avoid hurricane-prone coastal Florida; use block construction for durability; factor potential non-paying tenants or rate hikes (up 40% in some areas) into spreadsheets for realistic projections.Development Returns: Preconstruction builds in Ocala offered 66% ROI despite delays from hurricanes and permitting; long-term holds provide $400 monthly cash flow, emphasizing forced appreciation over immediate cash cows.RPI Education Role: Offers vetted teams in Atlanta, Ocala, Houston, Phoenix, and LA; provides coaching for active or passive investing, from single-family to multifamily syndications, helping bridge the wealth gap.Links to Show ReferencesMonika Jazyk's Contact: Email - info@rpinvestments.ca; Website - rpieducation.comLendCity Mortgages (for US and Canadian Financing): lendcity.caRPI Education Community: Sign up for newsletters and webinars at rpieducation.com