5 Strategies to Win at Real Estate Investing

When I first got into real estate, I made a lot of the mistakes most beginners make — chasing shiny deals, spreading myself too thin, and not having a clear strategy. Coming from a construction background, I thought my edge was just knowing how to build and renovate. But I quickly learned that real estate investing is a different game.

Over the years, I’ve refined my approach and built a portfolio focused on multifamily properties in Alberta — and I want to share the five strategies that have made the biggest difference in my journey.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, these are the principles I use every single day.

1. Always Be on the Hunt for Great Deals

Real estate is built on buying right. That’s where the profit is made.

When I was still flipping single-family homes, I’d spend hours digging for opportunities — and that hasn’t changed. Today, my team and I are constantly looking for undervalued multifamily properties where we can add real value through renovations, better management, or repositioning.

Great deals don’t always scream “buy me.” Sometimes they’re hidden in foreclosure lists, off-market conversations, or properties that just need a bit of love. The key is keeping your eyes open and your network active.

2. Specialize to Maximize

One of the biggest shifts in my career came when I stopped chasing every type of real estate deal and doubled down on multifamily investing in Alberta.

Why multifamily? Because I saw the long-term demand, the ability to scale faster, and the chance to create predictable cash flow. By specializing, I’ve been able to develop deep expertise — I know the submarkets, the tenant profiles, and the numbers inside out.

When you try to do everything, you end up being average. When you specialize, you build a competitive edge.

3. Build a Clear, Unshakable Plan

When I transitioned out of my construction business, I had one goal: create financial freedom for my family. That became my compass.

Before I bought my first multifamily property, I spent weeks mapping out my strategy — what types of properties I wanted, how I’d finance them, and the level of risk I was comfortable with.

Your plan doesn’t have to be complicated, but it must be clear. Know where you’re going, why you’re doing it, and how you’ll get there. Then, stick to it — even when the market throws curveballs.

4. Diversify Without Losing Focus

I know, I just said “specialize” — and I stand by that. But within your chosen lane, diversification is your safety net.

In my case, I stay focused on multifamily but spread risk by investing in different cities, property sizes, and tenant mixes. That way, if one property or market slows down, the others keep producing.

Think of it like construction — you wouldn’t put all the weight of a building on one beam. Your portfolio should have the same kind of structural support.

5. Stay Disciplined When It Counts

Markets go up. Markets go down. The investors who succeed are the ones who don’t get emotional.

I’ve seen investors panic-sell when things get tough — and they almost always regret it later. In my own portfolio, there have been moments where holding firm wasn’t easy. But discipline pays off.

Stick to your numbers. Stick to your plan. And remember: the market rewards patience.

Final Thoughts

Real estate isn’t a sprint — it’s a long game. If you focus on finding the right deals, specialize in what you do best, build a clear plan, diversify smartly, and stay disciplined, you’ll set yourself up to win.

That’s the approach that’s helped me grow DelftRise Investments and create financial freedom for my family — and it can work for you, too.

If you want to learn more about why Alberta is one of the strongest places to invest right now or how I evaluate multifamily opportunities, let’s connect.