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From Tech to Toronto Real Estate: Ming Lim's Investing Journey & Strategies
Episode 70
In this episode of the Wisdom Lifestyle Money Show, host Scott Dillingham interviews Ming Lim, President of Volition Properties, a Toronto-based real estate team specializing in investor-focused strategies. Ming shares his origin story, starting at age 21 after watching Robert Kiyosaki on Oprah and reading Rich Dad Poor Dad. Fresh out of university and working at Research in Motion (BlackBerry's former name), he dove into real estate investing in Waterloo, Ontario, scaling up to 21 doors. However, the hands-on hassle of managing student rentals—painting rooms, fixing doors, and dealing with tenants—proved far from the passive income dream, leading him to seek a more sustainable model.
Frustrated, Ming networked extensively through meetups and events like REIN (Real Estate Investment Network), where he met his business partner Matt. They consolidated their portfolio in Toronto, discovering better yields, lower risks, and a professional tenant base. Volition Properties embodies this philosophy: focusing on "blue-chip" investments in A++ neighborhoods with top-tier tenants, prioritizing risk mitigation over high returns. Ming emphasizes investing in what you know, using a TIME framework (Tenant, Investor, Market, Estate) to evaluate opportunities, and buying where ideal tenants already live—such as young professionals in areas like Little Italy or East York—rather than chasing cash flow alone.
The discussion debunks myths about Toronto's market being unaffordable or non-cash-flowing, highlighting duplexes and triplexes that offset costs better than condos, especially with recent CMHC rule changes allowing lower down payments. As of November 2025, Toronto's real estate market shows signs of stability amid cooling trends: October sales dropped 9.5% year-over-year to 6,138, new listings rose 2.7% to 16,069, and average prices fell 7.2% to $1,054,372. Ming advises against condos due to rising fees and rent control, favoring sophisticated models like four-plex developments for long-term wealth. This episode provides actionable insights for investors navigating high-price markets, blending personal anecdotes with updated strategies for sustainable growth.
Key Takeaways
- Rich Dad Poor Dad Inspiration: Ming's real estate journey began at 21 after Robert Kiyosaki's book shifted his mindset from a tech job at Research in Motion to investing, emphasizing assets over liabilities.
- From Waterloo to Toronto Shift: Scaled to 21 doors in student rentals but found it non-passive; pivoted to Toronto for better yields, sustainability, and professional tenants, reducing risks like evictions and repairs.
- TIME Framework for Risk Management: Evaluate investments via Tenant (profile quality), Investor (goals alignment), Market (fundamentals), and Estate (long-term planning) to prioritize stability over quick cash flow.
- Ideal Tenant Targeting: Focus on 25-35-year-old young professionals earning $65K+, car-free, in neighborhoods like Little Italy or East York; buy properties there to ensure reliable renters and avoid issues.
- Duplex and Triplex Strategies: Use CMHC changes for low-down-payment duplexes where rentals cover costs better than condos; turnkey triplexes can cash flow positively in Toronto despite high prices.
- Anti-Condo Stance: Avoid condos due to uncontrollable fees, rent control, and poor cash flow; prefer freehold multis for mental health perks like outdoor space post-COVID.
- Toronto Market Update 2025: October sales down 9.5% to 6,138, listings up 2.7% to 16,069, average price fell 7.2% to $1,054,372; stability amid inventory rise offers buyer opportunities.
- Investor Mindset and Services: Combine financial planning with real estate; Volition guides from duplexes to developments, helping even mo
Published on 1 month, 1 week ago