The complete cross-border playbook.

The Canadian Investor's Opportunity

As a Canadian, you have access to one of the most powerful wealth-building strategies available: investing in US real estate. The US market offers lower entry prices than many Canadian cities, stronger cash flow potential, USD-denominated assets that hedge against CAD depreciation, and a massive, liquid market with established financing infrastructure.

But most "US real estate investing" content is built for US citizens. It ignores the cross-border tax complexity, the entity structure pitfalls that specifically hurt Canadians, and the banking and credit challenges you'll face as a non-resident. That's why this course exists — to give you a roadmap that's built specifically for Canadians.

Why the US? Quick case for cross-border investing:

• → Cash flow: Many US markets produce 6-10%+ cash-on-cash returns that are nearly impossible to find in Toronto or Vancouver
• → USD assets: As CAD has historically depreciated vs USD over long periods, USD-denominated properties provide a built-in currency hedge
• → Lower entry costs: A strong cash-flowing property in Jacksonville, FL or Columbus, OH can be acquired for $150K-$250K — a fraction of equivalent Canadian prices
• → Diversification: Exposure to a different economy, different interest rate cycle, and different property market reduces portfolio concentration risk
• → No SSN required: Canadians can own US entities, open US bank accounts, and buy US property without a US Social Security Number

Common myths — debunked:

• ✓ "Canadians can't get US mortgages" — False. DSCR loans don't require Canadian income verification. Cross-border mortgages also exist at TD USA and RBC USA.
• ✓ "You need a US SSN to invest" — False. You need an EIN for your entity and optionally an ITIN for personal tax filings — both available to Canadians.
• ✓ "You need to visit the US to buy" — False. Remote closings via video notarization are common. Many Canadians close their first US deal without stepping foot across the border.
• ✓ "An LLC is the right structure for Canadians" — Caution. LLCs are common in the US but can trigger double taxation for Canadians. This course covers exactly what to use instead.

The Maple Syrup Money 6-Step Roadmap:

1. 1

   Choose Your US State

   Research investor-friendly states: landlord laws, taxes, formation costs, and banking access.

2. 2

   Form Your US Entity

   Choose the right structure for Canadians (LP or C-Corp typically beats LLC). File with the Secretary of State.

3. 3

   Get Your EIN

   Apply to the IRS for your Employer Identification Number. Required for banking, contracts, and taxes.

4. 4

   Apply for Your ITIN

   Your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number — needed for personal US tax filings. Takes 6-12 weeks.

5. 5

   Open Your US Bank Account

   Relay or Mercury for remote setup. The financial backbone of your US investing operation.

6. 6

   Start Building US Credit

   Optional but powerful. NovaCredit, Divvy, and Net-30 vendors to build a US credit profile from scratch.

Module 1 Checklist:

• Understand the CAD/USD currency risk and why it can work in your favour long-term
• Know your investing goals — cash flow vs appreciation vs BRRRR
• Understand all 6 steps and why sequencing matters
• Debunked the "you need a US SSN" myth
• Know the LLC caution for Canadians — don't default to LLC without CPA review
• Committed to building the structure correctly before chasing deals