In this Questions of the Week segment on the REI Hot Seat, we break down one of the most important metrics in real estate investing: cash on cash return.

We explain what cash on cash actually means, how to calculate it properly, and why it is often the most important number investors should be paying attention to. We also walk through common mistakes, like leaving out key closing costs or expenses, and how that can make deals look better than they actually are.

This episode also covers how to use cash on cash as a tool to compare investments, filter deals, and even help determine whether a property is priced correctly in today’s market.

If you are analyzing multifamily or commercial deals, this is a foundational concept you need to understand.

Have a question you want us to answer next week? Send it our way and we will cover it.

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David Hulshof Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/davehulshof.realestate/

Jacob Campagnaro Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/jacob_campagnaro/

Questions of the Week |
What Is Cash on Cash Return and Why It Matters?

0:00 Questions of the Week intro
0:24 What is cash on cash return
1:17 What counts as closing costs
2:22 Common mistakes in calculations
3:07 Using cash on cash to compare investments
4:04 Why expenses matter more than you think
4:48 Cash flow vs mortgage paydown
5:20 Adding rent growth and appreciation
6:16 Using cash on cash to filter deals
6:39 Using it to validate pricing

DISCLAIMER: THIS EPISODE, AS WITH EVERY EPISODE OF THIS SHOW, SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS ADVICE. INVESTMENT ADVICE IS NEVER GIVEN ON THIS SHOW. ALWAYS CONSULT A COMPETENT INVESTMENT ADVISOR BEFORE MAKING AN INVESTMENT DECISION.

In Episode 153 of the REI Hot Seat, Dave and Jacob break down a freshly listed 8-unit mixed-use property in Belleville, Ontario. This one is a standout.

Fully renovated from the inside out, this deal is essentially a “restomod” building: the original structure remains, but the internals have been completely rebuilt with modern systems and full documentation to support it. From engineering reports to permits and inspections, the data room on this property is as strong as it gets.

We dive into what makes this asset unique, including full sub-metering, energy efficiency upgrades, and CMHC readiness. We also break down the commercial component, featuring a strong tenant with a long-term lease and CPI-based rent escalations.

On the numbers side, we unpack a ~6% cap rate, solid debt coverage, and a clear path to stable day-one cash flow with upside.

If you’ve been hesitant about mixed-use, this episode will challenge that mindset. We share real investor experiences, explain why commercial tenants can outperform residential in today’s market, and walk through deal structures like rental guarantees to reduce risk and keep timelines tight.

If you’re looking for a turnkey, high-quality asset with strong fundamentals, this is one you’ll want to understand.

Sign up to the REI Hot Seat Insider: https://www.jotform.com/form/241655418022249

REI Hot Seat Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/reihotseat/

David Hulshof Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davehulshof.realestate/

Jacob Campagnaro Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacob_campagnaro/

EP 153 – 8-Unit Mixed-Use Deal Breakdown | Fully Renovated, CMHC Ready

00:00 Intro + New Listing Overview
01:00 Belleville Market + Property Breakdown
03:00 Full Renovation + Data Room Deep Dive
06:00 Submetering + Efficiency Upgrades
10:30 Layout + CMHC Eligibility
11:30 Rent Roll + Lease-Up Strategy
13:20 Mixed-Use Investing Insights
15:00 Commercial Tenant + Lease Structure
18:20 Financials + CMHC Financing
22:30 Deal Structure + Rental Guarantees
26:30 How to Access the Deal

DISCLAIMER: THIS EPISODE, AS WITH EVERY EPISODE OF THIS SHOW, SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS ADVICE. INVESTMENT ADVICE IS NEVER GIVEN ON THIS SHOW. ALWAYS CONSULT A COMPETENT INVESTMENT ADVISOR BEFORE MAKING AN INVESTMENT DECISION.

In this Questions of the Week segment on the REI Hot Seat, we answer a common question from investors: where do you actually find reliable rental and market data when analyzing deals?

We walk through the tools we use to analyze over 1,500 deals a year, from platforms like Door Insight and CoStar to simple resources like ChatGPT, market reports, and property managers. We also explain why your numbers do not need to be perfect upfront and how to use multiple data sources to quickly filter deals before going deeper.

If you are analyzing multifamily or commercial properties, this episode will help you get to accurate data faster and make better decisions.

Have a question you want us to answer next week? Send it our way and we’ll cover it.

Sign up to the REI Hot Seat Insider
https://www.jotform.com/form/241655418022249

REI Hot Seat Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/reihotseat/

David Hulshof Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/davehulshof.realestate/

Jacob Campagnaro Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/jacob_campagnaro/

Questions of the Week
Where to Find Real Rental Data for Your Deals

0:00 Intro
0:14 Where to find rental data
1:13 Why property managers matter
1:36 Key tools we use
2:25 Using ChatGPT for research
3:47 Rates, taxes, and basic tools
4:40 Vacancy rates and market data
6:34 Bonus tool for short term rentals

DISCLAIMER: THIS EPISODE, AS WITH EVERY EPISODE OF THIS SHOW, SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS ADVICE. INVESTMENT ADVICE IS NEVER GIVEN ON THIS SHOW. ALWAYS CONSULT A COMPETENT INVESTMENT ADVISOR BEFORE MAKING AN INVESTMENT DECISION.