All Forum Posts by: Francois De Gourville

@Steve Davis sounds good to me!

@sam

Hi Sam, I am moving into Kelowna this month from Calgary. Do you have any insight into the market, in this Covid19 world? I am in the Construction industry, REI minded, looking to connect/JV with other investors who could use my skill set to keep capital output low and returns higher.

Would love any advice from you seasoned professionals. 

thanks in advance. 

@Sean Kollee

Thanks for the article post. I had seen that one myself shortly before you shared it. I do not discredit your argument, I am only stating that my plan is different. I do not aim to be "off grid", per se. We cannot fight the current system and expect to win right off the bat without massive public support, we need to work within the rules temporarily and work together towards a positive change OF the rules.  Its unfortunate that this man was evicted, but he played outside the rules.

@Sterling Cox

Its a shame I wasn't closer, I am a steel stud framer by trade and I wold have loved to help you with that!

Either way, keep it moving my friend, your definitely right about who figures this out will definitely win. I will PM you shortly. 

@Blake Brose

Bravo! I love what you guys are doing. Its just what I've always envisioned, except I REALLY want to use recycled containers. The cost factors may not be much difference overall, but the uniqueness of their design is intriguing. 

A hybrid of your model and the one I envision...could be a winner. Would be interested in speaking more maybe?

Hi guys, thanks for your input so far. 

@Sean Kollee you are absolutely right about red tape. I want to add, that this venture has less to do with it being a "resort", and more of a launching pad with which to showcase one way in which we can solve a part of the affordable housing problems. There are an increasing number of companies that are popping up, and showcasing their container homes, within urban city limits. I know of one in Alberta, who has just recently launched their platforms, inside of urban communities. They are finding ways to cut through the red tape, and continue forward. 

My plan, is to take the socially conscious route, and make it about solving our very real housing problems. If it becomes a community issue, and not just " investors trying to make money", then we stand a better chance of cutting through the red tape, and gaining the right support. But this is just my theory, and of course it can be incorrect. Yet if I can learn anything from the likes of Tesla, and AirBNB, it will be to aim for the knees, and when they come at you with red tape, tell all your friends to bring scissors.  

@Michael Greenberg

Have you been developing these models on your own, or with help from a design/engineering firm? I know of one company in BC who not only designs, but has built these models, and they have prints, and engineering details etc already worked out, and connections with companies familiar with the build process. That might help accelerate your process?

@Sterling Cox

That's awesome! I am happy to hear that. How was the actual build process for you, compared to conventional? Did you have any build-outs or additions, or kept the shell as is, with added windows and doors? What kind of reception did you have once it was completed?

Would love to know more of your journey with your build!

Thanks for your input so far guys!

Hi Folks, 

I am a relatively new investor, from Alberta Canada, I've been actively involved in this journey just over a year now. I have not been very active on bigger pockets, but am working on changing that.

I wanted to pick your brains and wealth of experiences on my favorite real estate strategies: student rentals and Short term rentals. Yes the returns are favorable, but more importantly, it aligns with my investor identity.  

My goal with real estate investing, is to use all of my combined skills and experiences to Build/Develop a "resort", based around some core principles: Sustainable/Green build practices, adventure tourism, community. 

I have backgrounds and experience in Adventure based youth leadership, Construction (currently), and sales.

At this time I am perusing creating this model using raw land, and building shipping container style homes/cabins on the land parcel, for use as vacation rental properties. I've also identified markets in tourism hot spots, where this model can thrive.

With all the advancements in technology, that Idea has moved from the dream realm to a reality. I've been in contact with a few companies that are very familiar with the design and build process, of recycling shipping containers, which makes the process of putting the other puzzle pieces together much easier. 

The main purpose of this, is to create a profitable model that can generate revenue, to then turn around a create the same type of model for student rentals, in a specific market I've identified that has a strong need for both models!

It is a huge task and venture, but I am committed to see it through. Yet I am not above being shown where there could be holes in the theory . I am more than open to hearing feedback, suggestions, comments, from you seasoned folks on this venture; especially when considering it from an outside investor standpoint.

I look forward to hearing from you all!

Cheers, 

Francois de Gourville

Hey @Yousef Reda, 

glad I could help you out. I normally am not on here much except that Alberta is one of my keywords, so I try to read those posts, and saw that this one I actually knew something about. 

As for Calgary market, I am no expert, but I do know some who are very familiar with that marketplace. I could connect you with them if you like. I live in Red Deer, which is conveniently located 1 hr north of Calgary, and 1 hr south of Edmonton. I also have Edmonton investment connections I can pass along your way. Feel free to message me.

My thoughts on the market, is that deals are created, not so much found. I do my best to find out first what is the sellers pain, and how I can go about solving it, to create a win win situation via creative means. These days I don't have much of a chance to actively peruse deals, as I am currently working closely with a Red Deer investor who owns about 30 properties, and I am helping manage them. 

Personally, I like"change of use" strategies. More upfront work, but  in most cases a better chance of meeting 1-1.5% criteria, from my observations. If you pick a niche market, and strategically serve them the best way you know how, it generally works out for the best. 

Again, just my 2 cents!

Cheers! 

Hi @Yousef Reda

I am familiar with the property you are referring to, I've talked with the seller on a few occasions, and presented an offer of my own at one point, thinking to wholesale the deal. I ended up walking away because I could not justify selling something I would not personally buy, and also because most investors i spoke too weren't interested in the amount the seller claims (justifiably) it cash flows if that was the only positive thing about the deal. Bear in mind, his numbers are based on a very low variable interest rate that he gets currently. As has also been mentioned already, the exit strategy is weak if your only hope is the cash flow. He isn't in a hurry to sell, last I spoke to him,  which means he isn't going to budge on price, until he really needs to be rid of the property, or there is an acceptable creative solution presented. It does happen to be a very unique property, in an area where there is nothing comparable, but I still think what he is willing to accept is too high, and I wouldn't go for it in those conditions personally speaking!

My two cents!

Cheers!

Hi guys, Awesome choice of topic. For a new investor like myself, Alberta market has been a tricky one to figure out. 

@Jett Rao I live in Red Deer, and it appears to be in the same situation as Calgary. The multi unit market has not been that great as far as there being anything for sale. What does come up is in my opinion overpriced for the property. They are listed usually as  "great investment potential", but do not stack up to some of my basic analysis. Might just be my limited experience overlooking something, but i'm not the only one that feels this way. 

I do look at properties outside of Calgary, and I have discovered Lethbridge to be a bit of a gem. I was in a starbucks recently, just listening to other peoples conversations as I worked, and 2 gentlemen were talking amongst themselves saying that "Lethbridge is booming for some reason". It  kind of confirmed my feelings of the area, but I haven't had much time to discover more for myself.  

Another spot i've identified, is a small town named Oyen. I've got a contact out there that said it is prime location for a specific niche market yearning for investment stimulation. Its a bit of a trip, but I think it would be worth it.

My 2 cents. 

Hello Kirk, Welcome!

I know this is VERY short notice and I hope you get this in time and are available, but I will be hosting a Cashflow Game tonight at 530, in moxies . There will be 15 other Real Estate investors there who would love to chat with you as well. We belong to a Meetup.com group of about 70 other REI, who meet once a month to discuss our favorite topic. It would be great to see you there!

Feel free to contact me whether you can make it tonight or not!

Hope to see you tonight and if not, we can meet another time for sure!

Cheers!

Francois

Thank you @Mark Nolan for the welcome!