Table Of ContentPraise for the Authentic Canadian Real Estate System from Canadian investors:
“If you want a predictable real estate future, you must design it in
advance. I know of no other real estate expert and educator who is
as competent as Don Campbell. His research is unmatched and his
results predictable.”
—Gordon D. Wusyk, Founder and CEO of Predictable Futures Inc.
“Seventeen months after joining and starting the ACRE system, I
now own 141 units! I learned more from the author in this time about
character, business, investing, money fl ow and personal goal setting
than I have in my entire career. Don R. Campbell is a mentor and an
inspiration, who provides something unique and extremely helpful.”
—Ernst Marsig, Investor and Business Owner, Y2 Marketing
“I have thought about buying real estate for income for 30 years. Th e
ACRE Quickstart program has changed my mindset from thinking about
it to doing it—and believing that it is not just possible, but necessary.”
—Joan Watson
“Using the ACRE System, I bought 154 positive cash fl ow properties,
all while working a full-time job. I now own over 350 properties.”
—Arlen Dahlin
“My journey began when I signed up for the ACRE Quickstart pro-
gram. Since then I have bought four properties (two by myself and
two as joint ventures) and sold one, helping pay off all my debt—all
in less than 14 months. Last August I got married to the love of my
life and we paid for our wedding—a very fancy one! I owe my success
to what I have learned from Don Campbell and the network I have
established through him.”
—Ali Ardakani, Momentous Consulting
“My involvement in REIN and the Quickstart ACRE system since
1995 has signifi cantly changed my life. Following your strategies, I
have been able to create a lifestyle that has given me peace of mind in
terms of fi nancial security. In fact, I took a big jump in terms of lifestyle
by taking a job I’ve always wanted—National Ski Team Coach. Not
only does REIN positively aff ect my real estate, but it has had a huge
overall impact on my life, providing me the freedom and confi dence
to attain my life goals.”
—Murray Cluff
“We’ve been implementing the various techniques in the system, with
fl awless results. Quite simply, this system is a must for all existing and
prospective landlords. By implementing this system, you will increase
your bottom line while signifi cantly reducing your time commitment
and headaches.
—Brent Beagle
“As a novice, I appreciate the opportunity to get the real, no-hype,
nuts and bolts on real estate investing. After taking us step by step
through the process, I am already feeling confi dent about putting it
into action.”
—Nicola Battista
“I can’t imagine a better educational investment than being a member
of the REIN group. Th e value of what we are learning doesn’t become
evident until the rubber hits the road. It gives one the confi dence to get
into the deals and know we have someone to call when we need help.”
—Garet Bonn
“I joined REIN and, using their ACRE Quickstart techniques and
doing due diligence on my part, I was able to buy fi ve investment prop-
erties in one month. Th eir extensive support, helpful forms, Insider
Reports, and networking opportunities have given me the confi dence
and momentum to start my future full-steam ahead.”
—Brian Simpson
“Th is is extremely motivating. I am always amazed by how exciting
it is to be with and meet others with the same objectives. A fi ve out
of fi ve!”
—Angie Wu
“Th e best business decision I ever made was in joining the group (out
of all the training I’ve done). I owe you a lot … you’ve changed our
lives. Th anks so much for your continual commitment to the group
and the inspiration you give to me and my family.”
—Madeleine Ficaccio
“Great information, I have spent thousands of dollars on other courses
but this is the fi rst one that I feel I can get started on with real action.”
—Patrick Plummer
“It has allowed me to increase my net worth exponentially. Th e very
valuable information helps me to manage my properties with ease and
fosters a great business relationship with my tenants.”
—Audrey Sloan
“Th is real estate business has not been easy. And many times my wife
could not understand why I persisted. But from the ACRE Quickstart
program I discovered the very towns that I live and invest in are number
one! Now my capabilities are unlimited. Your system has taught me the
true power of a network and cooperating with like-minded people.”
—Jules McKenzie
“A real kick for overcoming analysis paralysis. ACRE Quickstart is an
excellent program to make someone take action. It provides one with
the tools and skills along with a ‘go to it’ attitude.”
—Brian Soucie
“Finally, I am not scared of real estate. I realized that I can do it because
this program gives me a focus and logical system to follow.”
—Duska Bazdar
“I have received insights into the art of creating deals that are simply
mind-boggling.”
—Eldon Siemens
“A workable system with a lot of the uncertainty and guesswork re-
moved. I like the balance between the money-making aspects and the
necessary balancing-of-life aspects.”
—David Platt
“After only three months, I learned more than all the years investing
previously. Finally and certainly not the least important is the support
and help I have received from the members I have connected with in
the group. Th e willingness to help, the openness with knowledge and
the integrity with their ventures has changed my view of the way it
works. It has been quite inspirational!”
—Ken Wilson
“We really appreciate the opportunity to be part of such a fantastic
organization. I will be eternally grateful for the skills I have learned
which will enable me to succeed in real estate and raise my children
at the same time.”
—Julie Hoff man
“Without the ACRE Quickstart system and REIN™, I would not be a
full-time real estate investor. Th is freedom could never be equaled in
my mind. It’s great!”
—Celeste Chaytors
“After joining the Real Estate Investment Network, our lives have
completely changed and we are on the path to success. With the guid-
ance of several members, we sold the house we were currently living
in and turned it into four properties. One of these properties is the
beautiful house we now live in and thoroughly love. Th e REIN system
is so simple and easy to follow. All you have to do is take action and
amazing things happen.”
—Jeff Dick & Debbie Jeannotte
REAL ESTATE
INVESTING
IN CANADA
Also by Don R. Campbell with Barry McGuire, Peter Kinch,
and Russell Westcott
97 Tips for Canadian Real Estate Investors
REAL ESTATE
INVESTING
IN CANADA
HOW TO CREATE WEALTH
WITH THE ACRE SYSTEM
Foreword by Les Hewitt, co-author of the
bestseller The Power of Focus
DON R. CAMPBELL
PRESIDENT OF THE REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT NETWORK
Copyright © 2005 South Pacifi c Education Corporation
All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the copyright herein may be reproduced or used
in any form or by any means—graphic, electronic or mechanical without the prior written permis-
sion of the publisher. Any request for photocopying, recording, taping or information storage and
retrieval systems of any part of this book shall be directed in writing to Th e Canadian Copyright
Licensing Agency (Access Copyright). For an Access Copyright license, visit www.accesscopyright.
ca or call toll free 1-800-893-5777.
Parts (rewritten) of chapter 5, 13, 14, and appendix 2 have appeared in Future of Canadian real
Estate (1997) and How to Get the Bank To Say Yes (1995), copyright Alan Jacques. All material used
with permission.
Care has been taken to trace ownership of copyright material contained in this book. Th e publisher
will gladly receive any information that will enable them to rectify any reference or credit line in
subsequent editions.
National Library of Canada Cataloguing in Publication Data
Campbell, Don R.
Real estate investing in Canada : creating wealth with the ACRE
System / Don R. Campbell.
Includes index.
ISBN-13 978-0-470-83588-3
ISBN-10 0-470-83588-5
1. Real estate investment—Canada. 2. Residential real estate—Canada. I. Title.
HD316.C318 2005 332.63’24’0971 C2005-900853-9
Th e material in this publication is provided for information purposes only. Laws, regulations, and
procedures are constantly changing, and the examples given are intended to be general guidelines
only. Th is book is sold with the understanding that neither the author nor the publisher is engaged
in rendering professional advice. It is strongly recommended that legal, accounting, tax, fi nancial,
insurance, and other advice or assistance be obtained before acting on any information contained in
this book. If such advice or other assistance is required, the personal services of a competent profes-
sional should be sought.
Production Credits:
Cover and interior design: Mike Chan
Printer: Friesens
John Wiley & Sons Canada Ltd
6045 Freemont Blvd.
Mississauga, Ontario
L5R 4J3
Printed in Canada
10 9 8 7 6 5
CONTENTS
Foreword xi
Acknowledgements xiii
Introduction xv
Chapter 1: Your Real Estate Success Road Map 1
Chapter 2: Th e Flight from Nowhere 7
Chapter 3: Your Own Personal Belize 17
Chapter 4: Th e Four Most Important Words in Real Estate
Investing: “What’s Behind the Curtain?” 31
Chapter 5: How to Tell If a Town Will Boom or Bust:
Th e 12 Keys that Unlock the Vault 37
Chapter 6: Property Goldmine Score Card 59
Chapter 7: Skipping Stones to Success 65
Chapter 8: Th e Real Estate Cycle 71
Chapter 9: Not Any Port in a Storm: How to Find
the Best Properties in the Best Areas 79
Chapter 10: Th e Property Analyzer Form: Where the
Rubber Hits the Road 93
Chapter 11: Below Average or Super Successful: You Choose! 111
Chapter 12: Placing Your Off er and Getting It Accepted 123
Chapter 13: Getting Your Banker to Yes! 139
Chapter 14: Seven Winning Strategies for Getting
the Financing You Need 149
Chapter 15: From Corporate Job to Successful Real
Estate Investor 183
Chapter 16: Negotiating Secrets of the
Overachieving Investor 197
