In this episode, Stephen Jagger sits down with Howard Lau, founder of Hay2Brick, to discuss his journey from electrical engineer to a successful U.S. real estate investor. Howard opens up about his strategic investments in Ohio’s multi-family housing market and how Canadian investors can diversify into U.S. real estate.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
Howard’s Journey to Real Estate
Howard shares his transformation from an immigrant electrical engineer in Canada to a successful real estate investor. Starting small with a single-family home in Phoenix in 2012, he steadily scaled his operations, eventually acquiring over 400 units in Ohio. His journey underscores the importance of perseverance, learning, and the willingness to explore new markets.
Why Ohio for Real Estate Investment?
Howard explains why Ohio is a prime market for multi-family investing. Its affordability, landlord-friendly laws, and steady demand for rental housing make it a standout option. With properties priced as low as $30,000 per door and rents increasing significantly with modest renovations, Ohio presents a compelling case for investors. Additionally, Ohio’s growing economic opportunities, fuelled by manufacturing and tech investments, create a robust environment for sustainable returns.
Scaling Through Operational Control
Initially relying on third-party property management, Howard eventually built an in-house team to control costs and maintain better oversight of his properties. This shift allowed Hay2Brick to execute value-add renovations more effectively while enhancing tenant satisfaction. By keeping operations lean and efficient, Howard’s team maximized returns for investors while maintaining affordability for tenants.
Springbank Apartments: A New Opportunity
Howard discusses the Springbank Apartments in Dayton, Ohio, a 48-unit property that may be coming to the addy platform. He shares plans to increase property value while maintaining affordability for tenants, emphasizing the working-class housing niche that Hay2Brick focuses on. This property offers Canadian investors an opportunity to diversify their portfolios with U.S. real estate while earning cash-flowing returns.
Insights for Canadian Investors
For Canadians interested in diversifying into U.S. real estate, Howard offers actionable advice on navigating tax structures and leveraging the addy platform to make cross-border investing accessible and efficient. From choosing the right markets to understanding the benefits of U.S. dollar income, this episode is a must-watch for anyone considering U.S. property investments.
Catch the Full Episode on YouTube
or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for more.
To learn more about Howard Lau and his firm, visit Hay2Brick.
