EP346 Exploring Savannah: U.S. Real Estate Insights with Wendy Russell & Mike Moroz

A Canadian Investing in the U.S. with Glen Sutherland

This podcast episode discusses Wendy Russell and Mike Moroz's experience with Canadian investing in U.S. real estate. Here’s a breakdown of key points: Investment Background: Wendy and Mike started investing in Canada over 25 years ago and expanded into the U.S. in 2010. They’ve invested in various properties, including multifamily homes, single-family homes, and short-term vacation rentals (STRs). Why They Chose Specific U.S. Markets: Indianapolis: They began investing in Indianapolis due to a personal connection—Mike's best friend and their godchildren lived there. The affordable housing market was appealing, especially in 2010 when the U.S. housing market was struggling, and the Canadian dollar was favorable. Savannah, Georgia: They later expanded to Savannah because of Mike's job (he works as the Director of Canadian Operations for a U.S. company with an office in Savannah), which led them to frequently visit. Wendy loved the area, prompting them to invest there. Personal Connection to Markets: While many real estate experts suggest that investors don’t need a personal connection to the markets they invest in, Wendy and Mike prefer knowing the areas well. Wendy also likes to guide guests to local attractions in their short-term rental properties, and having a strong local presence provides comfort to their partners. Challenges with Property Managers: They emphasize the importance of having reliable property managers, sharing an experience of a terrible property manager in Indianapolis that almost made them quit investing. They created a thorough vetting process to avoid similar situations. Investment Strategy in Savannah: Multiple Rental Strategies: Savannah is attractive because it allows for multiple rental strategies, including long-term rentals, short-term rentals (STVs), and rentals to film crews or corporate clients. The city has a growing film industry and a large student population, which offers a variety of rental opportunities. Short-Term Rental Regulations: There are restrictions on where short-term rentals can operate in Savannah, limited to three historic districts. Investors must either find properties with existing short-term rental licenses or purchase commercial-zoned properties for new licenses. Market Selection Considerations: They focus on markets that offer cash flow, especially in the Midwest, where cash flow is stronger than in areas like Ontario, Canada. Savannah, while more expensive, offers diversified rental opportunities, such as film industry rentals, traveling nurses, and student housing, making it a good place to pivot if rental markets shift. Commercial Properties and Financing: They highlight how they were able to secure residential loans for properties in commercial zones in Savannah, which is a unique opportunity. While commercial properties are typically less favorable for residential investors, Wendy and Mike found a way to make it work, leveraging their knowledge and experience in the U.S. market. The discussion underscores the importance of local knowledge, a strong team (especially property managers), and diversifying strategies to mitigate risks in real estate investing.