The Ultimate List of the Best Real Estate Investing Clubs in Canada
Networking with like-minded people
I was recently asked at an event, “What are the obstacles I need to overcome in order to take the next step with my real estate business?”
To be honest, my biggest obstacle was in my own head. I had A LOT of fears in the beginning and they were coming at me from a variety of different angles.
I worried “What if I mess up and my family’s finances become a permanent mess?”, and I had to deal with the rather uninformed opinions of some friends and family who thought I was nuts to be taking on what they saw as excess risk in the form of mortgage debt.
There was simply a lot of negative noise that I knew I had to get over in order to confidently move forward with real estate.
A big part of the solution to allaying my fears and taking action was finding the right group of people with whom I could surround myself. I wanted (and needed) to be around enthusiastic, successful and active real estate investors because I knew that was where I would find the motivation, inspiration and encouragement I needed to succeed.
Whether you are just beginning your investing career or you are already on your way to becoming the next Donald Trump, finding a group of people to connect with will always move you forward, no matter where you start.
The good news is that there are so many great real estate groups across the country and with a tiny bit of detective work you can probably find a club right in your community. In most urban centers, you can find your local club listing on meetup.com. Or you can go to Google and type in “your city + real estate investing club” and you’re bound to find something great.
If you would rather not do this homework yourself, I have rolled up my sleeves and investigated some clubs already. Here are some that I found that I would recommend split out by province:
BRITISH COLUMBIA Real Estate Investing Clubs:
1- Real Estate Investment Network
The REIN community is a dynamic network that includes individual investors, families, corporations, professionals and entrepreneurs of every kind, all sharing a desire to secure their financial futures with positive cash flow real estate. REIN members learn how to apply proven investment strategies and how to take advantage of economic events that affect real estate markets across this country.
Where: Monthly meetings in BC, Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Toronto ON and quarterly meetings in Ottawa, ON. Online membership options are also available for those not able to attend the live workshops.
Who is it for: Anyone interested in securing their financial future through investing in real estate
Content/focus: Real estate education and networking
Networking time: 4 hours at the monthly workshops and continuously via our online forum.
Run by: Patrick Francey (CEO) and Jennier Hunt (President)
The REINVESTORS are on a mission to help and inspire 1 million people to become financially educated and inspired to invest in real estate so they too can live a more fulfilled life. Founders of the “GO BIG TO GIVE BIG MOVEMENT” The REINVESTORS are a For-Purpose business inspiring others to set bigger goals so they can give back more to their passions and communities.
Where: Monthly meetings in Victoria, BC.
Who is it for: Anyone looking to network with like-minded people in the real estate world.
Networking time: 2 hours with a guest speaker and time for networking.
Run by: Randy & Steve
3- Surrey Investors Network
This club’s focus is on education and raising one’s level of financial knowledge; Their site explains that gaining the right information and training, ultimately leads to financial independence and freedom.
Where: Surrey, BC
Who is it for: All levels
Content/focus: Education focused
Who runs the group: Geoff Lee
4. Surrey Real Estate Investment Club
This club is aimed at individuals who understand the potential of real estate as an investment but who need more information about what to do, or more importantly, what not to do. The club’s goal is to provide an atmosphere for networking and fun, as well as to provide education and guidance to people who are thinking of getting into real estate investing, particularly in local BC markets (yes, you can make money in real estate in the Lower Mainland!). They also discuss investments in the USA and out of province.
Where: Surrey, BC (A second chapter in Richmond with Teresa Leung is coming soon!)
Who is it for: All levels
Content/focus: Education focused
Networking: 30 minutes before the keynote speaker and 30 minutes after the 1-hour presentation. This group allows for a brief introduction from every member (why they are there, what they’re looking for, etc.). At the end of the keynote, 15 minutes is allotted for any member that has a deal, is looking for a JV, etc.
Who runs the group: Sua Truong, Senior Mortgage Advisor @ MortgagesLab Financial (www.SharingBankSecrets.¬com)
Marc Ramsay – USA Investment Specialist (Majura Properties, Majura Investments)
5. Passive Income through Real Estate
This group was founded just three years ago and has already grown to over 1200 members. The purpose of this group is to help individuals learn about real estate investing through the collective forces of a group. Every month knowledgeable guests are invited to speak on real estate investing as well as share with the group their experiences and personal development tips so investors can take their advice to build their real estate portfolio.
Where: Vancouver, BC
Who is it for: All levels
Content/focus: Education only (strict policy of no selling)
Networking: Following the presentation
Who runs the group: Bai Jiang
ALBERTA Real Estate Investing Clubs:
1. Real Estate Investment Network: Edmonton & Calgary: See REIN description above
2. Edmonton Real Estate Investors Association:
Join this meet-up to discuss properties on the market, contracts, mortgages and anything else about real estate investing and business. Meet and network with successful like-minded people with similar goals and ambitions. Whether you’re looking to buy your very first property or you’re a seasoned professional, we invite you to come out and meet others in the Real Estate industry. This is Edmonton’s longest running Real Estate Club, established in 1985.
Where: Edmonton, AB
Who is it for: All levels of real estate investors
Content/focus: Education as well as the ability to share deals with the group
Networking: Plenty of networking time.
Who runs the group: Brandon Rolheiser
SASKATCHEWAN Real Estate Investing Club:
We’re not aware of any active clubs in Saskatchewan anymore. If you’re attending or running a great club, please email below and let us know the details please.
MANITOBA Real Estate Investing Clubs:
Truly Invested is a club where like-minded real estate investors come together. This club is located in Winnipeg, but members can also join the group virtually. The group meets monthly and covers various topics related to real estate and investing. They are member-focused, and strive to create great networking and informative meetings to create opportunities for growing wealth.
Where: Winnipeg, MB
Who is it for: Open to all levels of investors
Content/Focus: Education only (strict policy of no sponsors, no relationships with vendors or service providers, no backroom deals)
Networking time: 15 minutes before the presentation, 15 minutes between speakers, 1-2 hours after the meeting
Run by: Ben Eko-Davis, Tamika Joseph, and Candice Bakx-Friesen
2. The Manitoba Real Estate Investor Association (MREIA)
MREIA meets once per month for an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, grow one’s network and listen to great speakers with great content.
Where: Winnipeg, MB
Who is it for: Open to all levels of investors
Content/Focus: Education focused
Networking time: Before and after the featured speaker
Run by: Stefan Aarnio
ONTARIO Real Estate Investing Clubs:
The Rock Star Inner Circle was founded to bridge the gap between real estate theory and the implementation that provides real life results. Not only does the group provide constant education and information through members-only newsletters, interviews, classes, and events, but the team works one-on-one with investors to help them implement the strategies to reach their goals. Its mission is to help people use real estate to live their “Rock Star Lives,” whether it is travelling the world or spending time at the cottage. Either way, it is living on your terms.
Where: Based in Oakville, ON with events in the Greater Toronto Area
Who is it for: Investors looking to use real estate to live life on their terms
Content/Focus: A list of classes and events focused on providing current day, on the streets information and strategies with personalized coaching to implement them.
Networking time: Multiple times a month during different member classes, and three times a year at “Your Life. Your Terms.” events.
Run by: Tom and Nick Karadza (two brothers outrageous enough to name their company “Rock Star”)
2. The Durham Real Estate Investor Club
Founded in 2008, this club has grown in active monthly attendance from three to 100 people. Every month the Durham REIC draws in great keynote speakers and then allows ample time for networking. The three main goals of the Durham Real Estate Investor Club are:
1. Network – with like-minded people focused on the Durham Region
2. Educate – wide range of speakers on talks of interest to Real Estate Investors
3. Support – provide peer support for Real Estate Investors to help their business grow
Where: Whitby, Ontario (Durham Region)
Who is it for: Open to all levels (but 90% of attendees own at least one property)
Content/Focus: Education only (strict policy of no sponsors, no relationships with vendors or service providers, no backroom deals)
Networking time: 15 minutes before the presentation, 15 minutes between speakers, 1-2 hours after the meeting
Run by: Quentin D’Souza, Chief Education Officer, full-time real estate entrepreneur.
3- Guelph Real Estate Acquisitions Team (G.R.E.A.T.)
An educational and networking group for Real Estate investors, located in Guelph. This is a strict “no selling” group. We are simply there to learn from each other and to make connections! We are not there to sell any product or business.
Who is it for: Whether you have zero properties or one hundred properties, we would love to see you! Get inspired, learn, find a mentor, network, but most of all….grow wealthy and have fun!
What to expect: They will meet five times a year to hear the stories and lessons learned from investors. Learn new ways to profit from Real Estate. Learn from mistakes, pitfalls, and successes of others. Make connections with successful Real Estate investors!
Mr. Hamilton’s Inner Circle meetings are packed to capacity with attendees that are experienced, friendly and always willing to share their investing knowledge. The meetings are not open to the public and the average attendee already owns more than one investment property. Every month the group invites high calibre speakers, conducts a review of a real estate-related book and provides need-to-know information about investing in Hamilton and the surrounding area.
Where: Oakville, Ontario
Who is it for: Anyone interested in spending time with like-minded people who are investing in Hamilton and surrounding areas
Content/Focus: Education and networking. This club generally avoids beginner material and instead educates its attendees about what’s happening on the ground in Hamilton and it also provides tactical information that Hamilton investors can apply to improve their business. This group has guest speakers on a wide range of subjects from goal setting to land development.
Networking time: As much as folks want until they have to lock the doors!
Run by: Erwin Szeto and The Mr. Hamilton Team of Rock Star Real Estate Brokerage
5. Stilettos & Hammers – Modern Women Investing in Real Estate
This group was created to empower women all across Canada to reach their personal and financial goals as well as gain independence through the purchase of Real Estate. The goal of this club is to provide solid, comprehensive education as well as the tools and systems necessary for anyone to make sound investment decisions (whether that is the purchase of one’s first home, a rental condo, or a multifamily property).
Where: There are chapters in Ottawa, Mississauga, Markham, and Toronto.
Who is it for: This group is for any woman who is looking for tools, education, resources and networking opportunities to expand her Real Estate portfolio. The group welcomes women with any level of experience, whether they are a complete novice or an advanced investor. All members are encouraged to share their experiences and wisdom with others and encourage a supportive and interactive environment
Content/Focus: Content and education. Zero selling from speakers. Self-promotion by members is encouraged in a “non-selling” context. Sponsorship opportunities for people who would like to promote their products or services limited to 1 sponsor per meeting with only a 10 minute speaking spot.
Networking time: 30 minutes prior to the presentation. 45 minutes – 1.5 hours after the presentation.
Run by: Lena Guirguis: Lena Guirguis is a real estate coach, asset management consultant and author, managing Partner New Venture Solutions, VP of Operations NV, Property Management, Founder Stilettos & Hammers
6. Real Estate Investments Club
This club was founded three years ago with three main goals in mind: to share, inspire and network. Today the club has 1300 members and is still growing. Every month one to two speakers are invited to share their own journey and to educate and inspire the group with their personal trials and triumphs in real estate.
Where: Monthly meetings are held in downtown Toronto and bi-monthly meetings are held in Mississauga and Oakville.
Who is it for? Investors of all levels
Content/Focus: Education
Networking time: Before and after each speaker
Run by: Todor Yordanov – Investor and real estate agent
7. Smart Home Choice
Smart Home Choice is one of Durham Region’s largest groups of investors and it offers guidance through years of experience and understanding of the market.
Where: Ajax, Ontario
Who is it for: This group is to educate all level of investors to ensure they have the required knowledge and resources to allow them to make informed decisions in their investing strategies.
Content/focus: Their primary focus is education. However, they do allow presenters to promote their website, materials and other content focused on providing education to all levels of investors.
Networking time: 1 hour for networking: 15 minutes at the beginning, 15 minute break between presenters and 30 minutes at the end of the meeting.
Who runs the group: Gary Hibbert – Real Estate Agent, Darlene Hibbert – Mortgage Agent
Thornhill Wealth Forum is dedicated to helping people build wealth through real estate investing. Beginning investors can connect with active real estate investors and prosper through knowledge sharing and networking. Through monthly meet-ups, participants get direct access to prominent investors, practical resources, local real estate deals and financing strategies to help them leverage their time and efforts.
Where: Thornhill, Ontario
Who is it for: All levels
Content/focus: Proven beginner strategies for building wealth, getting started with or without money, diversification and getting to the next level
How much time for networking? 40%
Who runs the group: Rachel Oliver — active investor, best-selling author, trainer and leading expert on Rent to Own.
8. The Brockville Real Estate Investment Club
The Brockville Real Estate Investment Club is a new but growing club, focused on education, networking and support in the Brockville community. Each meeting has a different theme and includes a segment on the latest news impacting the real estate world, such as a discussion of current property listings, tools and resources available to investors, a book review or legal and accounting tips. Each meeting also has an invited guest speaker whose presentation is related to the theme.
Where: Brockville, Ontario (on the first Thursday of every month)
Who is it for: All levels – The club is open to new investors as well as seasoned pros.
Content/Focus: The content of the presentation is education-focused.
Networking: 30 minutes at the end of the presentation. This is the only time that members can discuss their respective business services. Otherwise, there is a strict “no selling” policy. The focus is on education, networking, and support.
Who runs the group: Jeff Patry
9. The GTA Real Estate Investors and Professionals Networking Group
This is one of the longest running groups in the GTA and now has over 700 members. The purpose of this club is to hold networking events where real estate investors can meet, mingle and form joint venture partnerships with other real estate investors and professionals in the real estate industry as well as expand their knowledge base and stay current with trends in real estate.
Where: Thornhill, ON (at The Bayview Golf and Country Club)
Who is it for: All levels
Content/Focus: 1 hour educational component featuring star guest speakers as well as regular sponsors with informational booths set up at every event offering the best services and wealth creation opportunities to attendees.
Networking: 1 hour of mingling
Who runs the group: Monika and Vaughan Jazyk, owners of Real Property Investments, helping REAL people build REAL wealth through REAL Estate
10. Ottawa Real Estate Investors Club
The Ottawa Real Estate Investors Organization is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education, networking, and support to new and experienced Canadian real estate investors in the Ottawa and surrounding areas. At the monthly meetings, guest speakers educate attendees on how to invest in real estate, how to manage their properties, how to attract joint venture partners and much more.
Where: Ottawa
Who is it for: All levels
Content/Focus: 1 hour educational component featuring star guest speakers as well as regular sponsors with informational booths set up at every event offering the best services and wealth creation opportunities to attendees.
Networking: Plenty of networking prior to and following the speaker
Who runs the group: John Walsh
11. G.R.E.A.T. (Guelph Real Estate Acquisitions Team)
An educational and networking group for Real Estate investors, located in Guelph. This is a strict “no selling” group. We are simply there to learn from each other and to make connections! We are not there to sell any product or business.
Who should join: Whether you have zero properties or one hundred properties, we would love to see you! Get inspired, learn, find a mentor, network, but most of all….grow wealthy and have fun!
Where: Ottawa
Who is it for: All levels
Content/Focus: Learn new ways to profit from Real Estate. Learn from mistakes, pitfalls, and successes of others. Make connections with successful Real Estate investors!
Networking: Meet 5 times a year
Who runs the group: Dean Curtis
QUEBEC Real Estate Investing Clubs:
1. Montreal Real Estate Investors Group
Local Meetup
This group is dedicated to supporting the beginner real estate investor. At every event attendees can expect announcements about other real estate events, updates on relevant real estate articles, guest speakers and access to support.
Where: Lachine, QC
Who is it for: Beginner investors
Content/focus: Education
How much time for networking? Ample time for networking
Who runs the group: Jennifer Lynn Walker
2. Club d’investisseurs immobiliers du Quebec
Where: Montreal, QC
French investment club with mentoring, courses and club meetings. If you speak French check out their extensive website for more information. They have 20,000 members in Montreal and Quebec.
NEW BRUNSWICK Real Estate Investing Club:
1. The Moncton Real Estate Investors Organization (REIO)
Moncton REIO is a non-profit organization group of professionals dedicated to encouraging and promoting ethical real estate investing in the Greater Moncton Area. Every meeting consists of a networking session, “positive action stories”, sharing deals and listening to guest speakers.
Where: Moncton, NB
Who is it for: All levels
Content/Focus: Education and members are able to share their deals.
Networking: Plenty of networking time
Who runs the group: Darlene Smith
NOVA SCOTIA Real Estate Investing Clubs:
1. Real Estate Investors Halifax
This is a friendly and ambitious group of seasoned and new real estate investors interested in meeting, learning, sharing and networking with one another in order to achieve optimal results with Real Estate investing. The meetings are FREE and the club guarantees that by the time you leave you will have made new friends and increased your network of professionals as well as taking action on the path to wealth and financial freedom.
Where: Halifax, NS
Who is it for: All levels
Content/Focus: The content of the presentation is education-focused.
Networking: 30 minutes at the end of the presentation. This is the only time that members can discuss their respective business services. Otherwise, there is a strict “no selling” policy. The focus is on education, networking, and support.
Who runs the group: Richard Killeen Payne
2. The HRM Real Estate Investor Group
This is a group for anyone interested in meeting like-minded people investing or planning on investing in Real Estate. Affordable real estate education is the priority to the community and different speakers present every month on the six vehicles of real estate wealth generation. This group strongly believes that real estate investing is the best vehicle toward wealth creation and it is their desire to help their members reach their goals faster.
Where: Dartmouth Private Board Room / Metropolitan Tower of Boyne Clarke LLP
Who is it for: All levels of Real Estate Investors
Content/Focus: The content of the presentation is education-focused (mostly on the six vehicles of real estate Investing), networking, support.
Networking: 15 minutes at the beginning of the meeting for people to network and to introduce themselves and make their goals known. Another 30 minutes are allotted at the end of the presentation.
Who runs the group: Nick Harvey-Pearson
By attending any one of these clubs, you will most certainly find a community of individuals filled with energy, enthusiasm and passion for real estate investing. Surrounding yourself with the right people is critical for any real estate journey, whether you are just starting or are a seasoned pro.
I am sure I have missed some really great clubs. If yours was somehow forgotten (or you attend a really great club that isn’t on this list), please let me know, as I will update the list regularly.
If you are unable to find a club in your area, consider starting your own by following this easy process (How to Run the Best Real Estate Investing Club).
Gillian Irving of InvestInStudentRentals.com likes to say she was an “accidental investor”, when buying a duplex in downtown Toronto in 2009 with little planning or preparation. Luck was on her side though, and she was able to ride the value up and refinance to get capital to keep growing. At that point, she wasn’t going rely on luck and an “H&P” (hope & pray) strategy if she wanted to leave her job and provide long-term financial security for her disabled son and three other children. Gillian became a serious student of real estate investing and combined what she learned with her professional skills as a market research analyst to purchase 35 doors in Southern Ontario in 18 months. Today, Gillian is a full time investor and entrepreneur, focused on student rental investing with joint venture partners. She’s also going to be opening up a fabulous Sky Zone Trampoline Park in the Toronto area in 2015.
Also by Gillian Irving – 39 Website Resources for Canadian Real Estate Investors
