The 3 Choices That Make Real Estate Investors Successful (According to a Mortgage Broker Who Sees It All) | Keaton Kirkwood | Real Estate Investing Canada

🎧 The 3 Choices That Make Real Estate Investors Successful (According to a Mortgage Broker Who Sees It All)

Real Estate Investing Morning Show – Hosted by Wayne & Gabby Hillier

Today’s episode features a special guest: Keaton Kirkwood, investor-focused mortgage broker and long-time friend of the show. Instead of the typical mortgage talk about rates, renewals, and predictions, Keaton breaks down something far more valuable:

The three choices he consistently sees successful real estate investors make — based on thousands of real investor files he’s reviewed over the years.

This episode gives you a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what separates investors who grow stable, sustainable portfolios from those who stall out or crash and burn.

We also break down today’s Bank of Canada announcement expectations, why adjustable-rate mortgages aren’t as scary as people think, and some real talk about career changes, families, and avoiding burnout.

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🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The real three traits that successful real estate investors share

• Why the cautious-and-motivated partnership dynamic is a superpower

• How to involve your spouse (properly) so your portfolio doesn’t blow up

• Why buying “cheap” properties is almost always a trap

• The difference between market appreciation vs. property-specific appreciation

• Why unique property characteristics (value drivers) matter more than purchase price

• The biggest mistake new investors make when they chase quick money

• How to filter every deal through your long-term goals

• Bank of Canada interest-rate expectations for 2026 and beyond

• Why adjustable-rate mortgages can be a strategic choice

• Real-life insight into the burnout cycle of work camps, rigs, and shift work — and how it affects investing success

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👥 About Your Hosts

Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through their REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth using rental properties, BRRRRs, flips, joint ventures, and creative real estate strategies.

New episodes every weekday morning featuring real stories, coaching moments, and tactical investing advice.

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💡 Resources & Contact

Learn about our Mentorship Program: www.reimasters.ca
Bookkeeping & tax help for investors: www.finngo.com/rei
Submit a question for the live show: [e-mail]

📘 Get Wayne’s Book — The 5% Rule™: A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors
Buy it here: https://a.co/d/7pDlPZh

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🤝 Thanks to Our Sponsors

🏠 Krystal Kromm – Red Deer Investor-Focused Realtor
[phone]
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🏢 Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor Team
calvinrealty.ca
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📊 Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax – Investor-Focused Accounting Firm
www.finngo.com/rei
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💼 Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group – Investor-Focused Brokers
www.kbmortgages.ca
[e-mail]
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🏗️ Calvert Home Mortgage Investment Corporation
403-278-0249
[e-mail]
FSRAO License Numbers: 13267 and 13268