Bouncer to Brokerage CEO: The Hard Truths Behind Real Estate Success

In this episode of the Hard Truth Podcast, I sit down with Justin Konikow realtor, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Prime Real Estate Brokerage.

We cover:
✅ Why most agents and investors stay stuck
✅ The “success trap” no one talks about
✅ How Justin earned mentorship from giants like Ryan Serhant & Scott McGillivray
✅ Why real wealth comes from relationships, not transactions
✅ The mindset shift that made Prime a dominant force in Southwestern Ontario
✅ And how to audit your life to break through your current ceiling

Whether you're just starting out or stuck at 5 properties, this conversation will hit you with the unfiltered truth about what it takes to build a real business in real estate.

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Follow & Connect with Justin:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/justin.konikow/?hl=en
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinkonikow/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jkoni/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/justinkonikow
Website - https://www.justinkonikow.com/

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#realestate #realestateinvesting #hardtruth #hardtruthpodcast

"Everyone forgets this: you’re in it to make money..."

In this episode of the Hard Truth Podcast, I sit down with Jeff Wybo, real estate investor, social media personality, and partner at Foundation Capital, to unpack what it really means to build wealth in real estate—not just broker it for someone else. Jeff shares his journey from realtor to investor, and why he's making the conscious decision to “skip right to the rich part” by taking control of the deals himself.

We dive into the power of social media, the mindset shift every realtor needs to hear, and how Foundation Capital is helping everyday investors grow their wealth without the headaches of being a landlord. From investing in REITs to finding the right markets and building systems that scale, Jeff drops hard truths and practical strategies for anyone serious about growing real estate wealth—without reinventing the wheel.

Did you enjoy & get value from this podcast episode? Have a guest you would like to see featured or a topic you want covered? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

Follow & Connect with Jeff:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jeffwybo/?hl=en
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwybo/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jeffwyborealestate/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JeffWybo

Follow Foundation Capital:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/foundation.capital/
Website - https://foundationcapital.ca/

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"Right now we are at $350,000 owed in rent..."

In this episode of the Hard Truth Podcast, I sit down with James Fernandez, real estate investor and entrepreneur, to uncover the Hard Truths behind building and scaling a successful real estate business.

We dive into his journey—how he scaled from 0 to 40 units in just one year, bought a 33-unit apartment building and navigated the pivot to investing in self-storage. James opens up about how he is currently owed over $350,000 in lost rent, the moral dilemma of tenant evictions, and the infamous machete story that changed how he operates. From building solid systems and processes to investing in self-storage, this episode gives you an unfiltered look at the strategies, challenges, and resilience required to successfully grow and sustain a real estate business.

Did you enjoy & get value from this podcast episode? Have a guest you would like to see featured or a topic you want covered? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

Follow & Connect with James:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/james.fernz/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fernandezinvestments/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2m93M5Haqkr8-T8ZTljWQ

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"I don’t care what your guru told you, not everybody can do this."

In this episode of the Hard Truth Podcast, I sit down with Zack Brittain, real estate investor and owner of Phipps Brittain Real Estate and King Street Construction, to explore the Hard Truths of building a sustainable real estate business.

We dive into his journey, from investing without using OPM to launching King Street Construction and developing a sustainable real estate model. Zack shares what it really takes to stay focused, scale, and integrate different parts of your business in a way that lasts. We also get into the gritty side of real estate—the sh*tty work most people don’t talk about—and why this business isn’t for everyone. From creating strong buying strategies to fighting for your bottom line, Zack breaks down what it means to be an operator, how good deals are made, and what’s next for him and his companies.

Did you enjoy & get value from this podcast episode? Have a guest you would like to see featured or a topic you want covered? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

Follow & Connect with Zack:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zacharyjohnbrittain/

Follow & Connect with PhippsBrittain Real Estate:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/phippsbrittainrealestate/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/phippsbrittainrealestate
Website - https://phippsbrittainrealestate.com/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWsS6pz6hoibP_txWm6wdfw

Follow & Connect with King Street Construction:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kingstreetconstruction/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/King-Street-Construction/61554365396641/
Website - https://kingstreetconstruction.com/

Follow & Connect with me on Social Media:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/therealkyleford
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YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPlhb05ieTA8yAugwmTT4Og

"The days of 10 duplexes are over. If you're risk adverse you're not making money in this market."

In this episode of the Hard Truth Podcast, I sit down with Josh Findlay, a professional mortgage broker, real estate investor, co-owner of @bldfinancial and CMHC specialist, to explore the hard truths of the MLI Select program and why it's essential for investors to have capital in order to succeed in the real estate game.

We dive into his journey—from meeting Matt McKeever and shooting videos for the Canadian Real Estate Channel to becoming a trusted advisor for mid-sized investors across the country. Josh shares the challenges facing the mortgage industry today, including the affordability crisis, the red tape surrounding CMHC programs, and the importance of understanding the nuances of the MLI Select vs. CMHC Standard programs. We also discuss the current state of the real estate market and why "the money is in the money."

Did you enjoy & get value from this podcast episode? Have a guest you would like to see featured or a topic you want covered? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

Follow & Connect with Josh Findlay:
Josh Findlay on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jfins/
Josh - 519-729-9212
BLD Financial Instagram - https://instagram.com/bldfinancial
BLD Financial Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BLDfinancial

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Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kylefordinvest/
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YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPlhb05ieTA8yAugwmTT4Og

If you want to become a Full-Time Real Estate Investor in 2025 you need to listen to this!

In this episode of the Hard Truth Podcast, I sit down with Mit Perin, real estate investor, CPA, and partner at Foundation Capital, to explore the Hard Truths of transitioning from accounting to full-time real estate investing.

We dive into his journey, from his first joint ventures to to becoming an active partner in Foundation Capital, a private real estate trust focused on acquiring 3-story walk-ups. Mit discusses the challenges of real estate accounting, and how many accountants who aren’t active investors lack the insights needed to support real estate professionals effectively. We also talk the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with your accountant to navigate the complexities of private real estate trusts, long-term investing success, and why investing in a REIT may be the best option for new investors.

Did you enjoy & get value from this podcast episode? Have a guest you would like to see featured or a topic you want covered? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

Follow & Connect with Mit Perin:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mithulan-perinpanayagam-cpa-ca-b987711b
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mitperin/
Website - https://foundationcapital.ca/

Follow Foundation Capital on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/foundation.capital/

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Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kylefordinvest/
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YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPlhb05ieTA8yAugwmTT4Og

Is it too late to become a real estate investor in Canada?

In the sixth episode of the podcast, I sit down with Andrew Hines, real estate investor, entrepreneur, and fellow podcaster, to talk about the 'Hard Truths' of scaling as an investor, US real estate investing, and strategies for success in hospitality.

We dive into his journey, from analyzing risk and stepping outside his comfort zone to making strategic investment decisions. Andrew shares insights into his wholetailing model, active income strategies, and the challenges of investing in hospitality while navigating complex bylaws.

Did you enjoy & get value from this podcast episode? Have a guest you would like to see featured or a topic you want covered? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

Grotto Getaway:
https://www.andrew-hines.com/grotto-getaway/
Invest in Grotto Getaway:
https://invest.atlasone.ca/offers/MZJAB/about?referralCode=LCRZY8

Follow & Connect with Andrew Hines:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/theandrewhines/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theandrewhines/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@UCYGIvt3fC0OK378EIEHccpA
Website - https://www.andrew-hines.com/

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Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/therealkyleford
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Kyle-Ford-Invest/61556960051291/
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YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPlhb05ieTA8yAugwmTT4Og

Welcome to the Hard Truth Podcast!

In the fifth episode of the podcast, I sit down with Nicholas Brown, Mortgage Broker and Real Estate Investor, to talk about the 'Hard Truths' of investing and financing commercial real estate.

We dive into his real estate investing journey from his first project, to becoming a one of the youngest top performing commercial mortgage brokers in the country & the lessons he learned partnering on his first commercial real estate project in Chatham, Ontario.

As expert on CMHC-financing, Nick also cover the risks of overleveraging, the upsides and downsides CMHC-backed loans and specifically whether the MLI Select Program is a buzzword or still a viable option for investors!

Did you enjoy & get value from this podcast episode? Have a guest you would like to see featured or a topic you want covered? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

Follow & Connect with Nicholas Brown:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-brown-30bb6965/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/themortgagearchitect/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nicholasbrown1123/
Website - https://nicholasbrown.ca/mortgages/

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Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kylefordinvest/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Kyle-Ford-Invest/61556960051291/
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YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPlhb05ieTA8yAugwmTT4Og