The Journey of a Real Estate Investor

Josh Perez • July 20, 2024

I recognize that I was very fortunate to get into real estate when I did, but like anyone who's invested in real estate, when following a system and the fundamentals of real estate, particularly focusing on cash flow, things can snowball quickly. What started as investing in duplexes soon expanded to triplexes, the occasional flip, and eventually mixed-use properties and apartment buildings. Now, I'm venturing into a bit of development.


My investments span from Florida to local projects, with a strong emphasis on multifamily and cash-flowing assets. Beyond these, I've also explored some other asset types, but multifamily properties have been the cornerstone of my real estate portfolio. Currently, I manage about 90 doors, and with a few deals in the works, I’m hopeful to double that number in the coming months.


I share this journey because I want to emphasize that I have skin in the game. I’m working toward the same goals as many of you. I'm not just a mortgage broker or a financing person trying to administer transactions. I'm continually seeking the next best approach for my investment portfolio and my financial goals. At Synergy, our value add is sharing our experience and what we’re seeing in the market to help you succeed.


By focusing on cash flow and leveraging the fundamentals of real estate, you too can see your investments grow. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your portfolio, the key is consistency, diligence, and a keen eye for opportunities. Together, we can navigate the real estate landscape and achieve our investment goals.


If you’re interested in learning more about my journey or want to discuss your investment strategies, feel free to reach out. Let's work together to build a robust and profitable real estate portfolio.

"I have skin in the game. I'm not just a mortgage broker or a financing person trying to administer transactions. I'm still looking for the next best approach for my investment portfolio and my goals, and our value add at Synergy is really about sharing our experience and what we're seeing in the market."

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.
Cozy armchair next to a small wooden table with a mug and an open book. Sunlight streams through a window.

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.