How to Earn Money with Real Estate & Investment

Best Side Hustles in Canada to Earn Money with Real Estate & Investment

Real estate and investment offer some of the most profitable side hustles in Canada. Whether you have experience in property management or are just getting started in investing, there are numerous opportunities to earn significant income. Here are some of the best real estate and investment side hustles you can pursue in Canada.

1. Real Estate Flipping

Overview:
Flipping houses involves buying properties at a low price, renovating them, and selling them at a profit. While it requires capital and knowledge of the real estate market, it can be one of the most lucrative side hustles in real estate.

How to get started:

• Research markets in Canadian cities with growth potential.
• Secure financing or find investors to back your purchases.
• Partner with contractors for renovations and improvements.
• List the property for sale once renovations are complete.

Potential earnings: $20,000–$100,000 per flip, depending on the location, market, and renovation costs.

2. Rental Property Investment

Overview:
Owning rental properties allows you to generate passive income through monthly rental payments. This can include single-family homes, duplexes, apartments, or even vacation rentals like Airbnb.

How to get started:

• Research areas with high demand for rentals and good rental yield (like major cities or tourist spots).
• Purchase property and make any necessary improvements.
• List your property on rental websites like Craigslist, Kijiji, or Airbnb.
• Manage tenants or hire a property manager to handle day-to-day tasks.

Potential earnings: $1,000–$5,000 per month depending on property size, location, and market demand.

3. Real Estate Wholesaling

Overview:
Real estate wholesaling involves finding properties at a discount and then selling the purchase contract to an investor or buyer for a fee. You don’t have to own the property, making it a low-risk and low-cost option to get into real estate investing.

How to get started:

• Learn how to find motivated sellers through networking, driving for dollars, or online searches.
• Develop relationships with real estate investors looking for discounted properties.
• Negotiate contracts with property sellers.
• Assign the contract to a buyer or investor for a fee.

Potential earnings: $5,000–$20,000 per deal, depending on the size of the property and the negotiated price.

4. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

Overview:
REITs allow you to invest in real estate without owning physical property. A REIT is a company that owns or finances income-producing real estate, and investors can purchase shares to earn returns from rental income or property sales.

How to get started:

• Open a brokerage account with platforms like Questrade or Wealthsimple.
• Research and invest in Canadian REITs with strong track records and diversified portfolios.
• Start with as little as a few hundred dollars.

Potential earnings: 5%–10% annual returns, plus potential dividends depending on the REIT.

5. Real Estate Photography

Overview:
Real estate agents and property sellers are always in need of high-quality photos to showcase their properties. If you have photography skills, you can offer real estate photography as a side hustle, capturing professional images for listings.

How to get started:

• Invest in a quality camera and photography equipment.
• Build a portfolio showcasing your work.
• Partner with local real estate agents or advertise your services online through platforms like Craigslist or social media.

Potential earnings: $100–$500 per photoshoot, depending on the property size and location.

6. Property Management

Overview:
Managing rental properties for landlords is a great way to earn extra income without owning property. Property managers handle tenant relations, maintenance, rent collection, and other responsibilities for property owners.

How to get started:

• Offer your services to landlords who don’t want the day-to-day hassle of managing their properties.
• Get licensed as a property manager if required in your province.
• Charge a percentage of the rent collected (typically 5%–10%) or a flat fee for your services.

Potential earnings: $500–$2,000 per property per month, depending on the size of the property and the level of service required.

7. Real Estate Consulting

Overview:
If you have experience in the real estate industry, you can offer consulting services to buyers, sellers, or investors. Real estate consultants provide advice on market trends, property investments, and strategic decisions.

How to get started:

• Build a personal brand as a real estate expert.
• Offer your services to individuals looking to buy, sell, or invest in properties.
• Provide strategic advice, market analysis, or investment planning.

Potential earnings: $50–$200 per hour, with large consulting projects paying up to $10,000.

8. Airbnb Hosting

Overview:
If you have a spare room, vacation home, or investment property, you can list it on Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms. This is especially profitable in popular tourist areas or near major cities.

How to get started:

• Ensure your property meets local regulations for short-term rentals.
• List your property on Airbnb, Vrbo, or similar platforms.
• Manage bookings, cleanings, and guest communications.

Potential earnings: $1,500–$5,000 per month, depending on the location and property type.

9. Real Estate Agent

Overview:
Becoming a real estate agent is a popular side hustle for those with an interest in property sales. Agents help buyers and sellers navigate the real estate transaction process and earn commissions on successful sales.

How to get started:

• Complete the required courses and licensing to become a certified real estate agent in your province.
• Join a real estate brokerage to get access to listings and resources.
• Build a network of clients through marketing and referrals.

Potential earnings: $10,000–$100,000+ annually, depending on the number and size of transactions.

10. Crowdfunded Real Estate Investing

Overview:
If you want to invest in real estate but lack the capital to buy entire properties, crowdfunded real estate platforms allow you to invest in commercial or residential properties with a small initial investment.

How to get started:

• Sign up for platforms like Addy Invest or NexusCrowd in Canada.
• Research the properties or projects available for investment.
• Invest as little as $100 and earn returns as the property generates income or is sold.

Potential earnings: 5%–15% annual returns, depending on the performance of the property or project.

Conclusion

Real estate and investment side hustles offer a variety of ways to generate extra income in Canada. Whether you prefer a hands-on approach, like property management or flipping, or a more passive route, like investing in REITs or crowdfunded real estate, there’s an option for everyone. With the right strategy, real estate can become a highly profitable side hustle that can grow into a full-time business.