“It all started with a single basement suite in the northwest.”
This is the real story (with names changed for privacy) of a local investor we’ve worked with at Green Casa Property Management, someone who grew a humble one-unit rental into a full-scale multi-family portfolio. And it all happened right here in Alberta.
Let’s walk through the key milestones of his journey and what you can learn from it.
🔑 Year 1: The First Purchase, $315K Bungalow with Basement Suite
Chris was 32, working full-time in IT, and wanted to create passive income. He bought a house in Edmonton with a legal basement suite.
- Rented out the upper and lower units
- Lived in the garage temporarily
- Self-managed everything
Big Lesson:
“Cash flow looked good on paper, but tenants don’t always pay on time, and leaks happen. Still, it was worth it.”
🧩 Year 3: Moving into a Fourplex
With equity built and confidence gained, Chris refinanced and bought a 1960s fourplex in central Edmonton for $750K.
- Multiple tenants = lower vacancy risk
- Started using software for rent collection
- Realized the benefit of professional cleaning & regular maintenance
Green Casa Insight:
This is when many investors outgrow DIY management and need systems, vendor networks, and legal compliance help. Chris partnered with Green Casa shortly after to reduce tenant turnover and boost efficiency.
🏗️ Year 5: JV Partnership and a 16-Unit Building
With credibility and a solid track record, Chris secured a joint venture partner to help him acquire a 16-unit walk-up.
- Negotiated seller financing
- Retrofitted units to qualify for CMHC MLI Select
- Leveraged 5% down financing and 50-year amortization
Big Lesson:
“I didn’t need to be rich; I needed to be resourceful. The financing tools are out there if you know how to use them.”
🏢 Year 7: Scaling Up, Buying a 32-Unit Off-Market Deal
By now, Chris had an entire property management team, cash flow from 20+ units, and investors who trusted him. He found an off-market deal on a 32-unit building in NE Edmonton.
Green Casa helped:
- Coordinate inspections
- Manage the energy audit
- Place new tenants
- Transition operations smoothly
Today, he’s overseeing over 50 doors, with Green Casa taking care of everything on the ground.
🎯 What You Can Learn from Chris’s Story
✅ Start small, don’t wait for perfect.
✅ Use strategic financing (CMHC, JV, seller financing).
✅ Let professionals handle what you can’t.
✅ Alberta is full of off-market gems if you’re ready to grow.
🛠️ Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be an expert to become a successful investor in Alberta real estate. You just need the right mindset, the right mentors, and the right team.
At Green Casa, we’re here for every stage of your real estate evolution.
From that first basement suite… to the 50th door.
Let’s build something together.
