Rent vs. Buy: Why Not Both?

Josh Perez • May 9, 2024

It's Josh Perez, and today I want to dive into a topic that doesn't get enough attention: the idea of renting where you live while simultaneously buying property as an investment. It's a strategy that can significantly boost your financial outlook, yet it's often overshadowed by the classic debate of renting vs. buying.


Let's break it down.

If you choose to buy and invest right now, you have to find a property that has a path toward cash flowing and does not become a burden for your monthly budget.

First off, why limit yourself to just one option? Renting provides flexibility and freedom, while buying property offers the potential for long-term wealth accumulation. So, why not do both?


Here's the key: when you decide to invest in property, it's crucial to find a place with the potential to generate cash flow without straining your monthly budget. This means seeking out properties that can cover their own expenses and even produce a surplus income.


Why is cash flow so important? Well, it's the foundation of real estate investing. By having someone else cover your monthly expenses, you not only create a steady income stream, but you also benefit from your mortgage being paid down over time.


But the perks don't stop there. As you hold onto your investment property, you'll also enjoy the potential for appreciation over the years. This can result in two significant advantages: a larger down payment if you decide to sell the property and buy your own home, or a reduced down payment if you opt to refinance and keep the asset while purchasing your dream home.


In either scenario, your financial situation gets a serious boost.


So, if you've been sitting on the fence, debating whether to rent or buy, consider this alternative approach. Why not take advantage of both options to supercharge your financial future?


If you're intrigued and want to explore this strategy further, shoot me a message. Let's work together to build a personalized plan that aligns with your goals and sets you up for success.



Don't limit yourself to conventional wisdom. With the right strategy, you can have the best of both worlds: the flexibility of renting and the wealth-building potential of real estate investment. Let's make it happen.

Josh Perez
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Deposit vs. Down Payment: Key Differences for Homebuyers

By Josh Perez • February 18, 2026
When you’re buying a home, two terms often cause confusion: deposit and down payment . While they’re related, they serve very different purposes in the homebuying process. Here’s what you need to know. What Is a Deposit? A deposit is the money you provide when you make an offer on a property. Think of it as a show of good faith that proves you’re serious about purchasing. How it works : Typically, you provide a certified cheque or bank draft that your real estate brokerage holds in trust. If your offer is accepted, the deposit remains in trust until the deal moves forward. If negotiations fall through, the deposit is refunded. Connection to your down payment : Once the sale is finalized, your deposit becomes part of your total down payment. Why it matters : The amount is negotiable, but a larger deposit can make your offer more attractive in a competitive market. Keep in mind, however, that if you back out after conditions are removed, you risk losing your deposit. What Is a Down Payment? Your down payment is the amount you contribute toward the purchase price of your home when securing a mortgage. Minimum requirement : In Canada, the minimum down payment is 5% of the home’s purchase price. Anything less than 20% requires mortgage default insurance. Sources : Down payments can come from your savings, the sale of another property, RRSP withdrawals (through the Home Buyers’ Plan), a gift from family, or even borrowed funds. Example: How They Work Together Imagine you’re buying a $400,000 home with a 10% down payment ($40,000). When you make your offer, you provide a $10,000 deposit . Once conditions are met, that deposit is transferred to your lawyer’s trust account. At closing, you add the remaining $30,000 to complete your full down payment. The lender provides the rest—$360,000—through your mortgage. The Bottom Line Your deposit shows commitment and secures your offer, while your down payment is what makes the mortgage possible. Together, they work hand in hand to get you into your new home. 📞 If you’d like clarity on deposits, down payments, or any other part of the mortgage process, let’s connect. I’d be happy to walk you through it step by step.
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Is a 5% Down Payment a Mistake? Here’s the Unpopular Truth.

By Josh Perez • February 15, 2026
Discover why a 5% down payment isn’t always irresponsible. Learn when a low down payment is a smart financial move for Ontario homebuyers and when it’s a risk.