What does it really take to go from maxxing out your credit cards for a downpayment on a 2-bedroom house to doing a $1M renovation on a 32-unit apartment building?
In the twelfth episode of the BLD Financial Podcast, we’re joined by multifamily real estate investor & developer Carlos Afanador. With a track record of scaling from student rentals to midsize multifamily properties without partners, Carlos has built a multimillion dollar real estate portfolio.
From executing a $1M renovation on a 32-unit building to navigating MLI Select financing and commercial lending strategies, Carlos brings hands-on experience, creative deal-making, and a deep understanding of value-add investing in today’s complex market.
Carlos shares how he bought his first student rental, added value through densification, left his corporate tech job, and became financially free at 26. From BRRRRs to commercial financing and midsize multifamily plays, he’s done it all and learned what it really means to be an operator.
In this episode, we explore:
✅ How Carlos scaled from student rentals to midsize multifamily with no partners
✅ Why densification is the next frontier for value-add investors
✅ Lessons from a $1M renovation on a 32 unit building
✅ The real risks of overleveraging and why reserves matter more than ever
✅ How commercial financing opens doors residential loans can’t
✅ Why Canadian real estate still holds massive potential for those willing to adapt, innovate, and get a little uncomfortable
Whether you’re just getting started or scaling into midsize assets, this episode is packed with no fluff advice, and a masterclass in creative investing.
Who is Carlos Afanador?
Carlos Afanador is a self-made real estate investor and developer who scaled from student rentals to midsize multifamily acquisitions without relying on partners or outside capital. After leaving a career in tech sales, Carlos went all in on real estate just before the pandemic and reached financial freedom at the age of 26.
Carlos is part of a new wave of Canadian investors reshaping the multifamily space through densification, creativity, and grit.
Follow & Connect with Carlos Afanador:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carlos.afanadoors/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-afanador/
Follow & Connect with Josh & Ehren:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bldfinancial
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BLDfinancial
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bldfinancial
DLC National License: 12360
#CanadianRealEstate #multifamilyrealestate #realestatedevelopment
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.