The Value of a Great Property Manager in Multifamily Investments

Josh Perez • October 22, 2024

In a recent conversation with my friend Dave Hulsho, a Commercial Realtor & Investment Specialist, we touched on an often overlooked topic in multifamily investments—the critical role of a skilled property manager.

"Where do you want to deploy your time? If you want to be full-time at it, and this is the best use of your time to manage your own properties, have at them. But most of the people we work with, it's not the best use of their time, and they're not the most efficient at it."

Many investors ask, "Should I manage my properties myself?" For most, it’s not the best use of time. A great property manager handles much more than day-to-day operations; they coordinate renovations, lease units, and leverage contacts in the trades to streamline investments and maximize value.


Hiring a property manager is more than just delegating tasks. They offer valuable on-the-ground support, particularly during renovations, ensuring that projects run smoothly and on time. Property managers' industry connections can accelerate repairs and maintenance, helping you avoid delays that could cost money or tenant satisfaction.


Dave and I both agree—while self-management may seem appealing to new investors wanting hands-on experience, in the long run, a professional property manager is worth their weight in gold. Whether it’s freeing up your time, optimizing your investment’s value, or simply offering peace of mind, they become indispensable. When you’re thinking of expanding your multifamily portfolio, having the right property manager on your team is key to long-term success.

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.