Free Investor Resources You're Probably Not Using (But Should Be)
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You’re Leaving Money on the Table
Here’s something that drives me crazy. I talk to investors every single day, and most of them have no idea what resources are sitting right in front of them. Free tools. Deep-dive guides. Calculators that can help you negotiate better deals.
And they’re not using any of it.
Look, I get it. There’s a lot of noise out there. Every website promises “investor resources” and delivers generic fluff written by someone who’s never bought a rental property in their life. But what if I told you there are tools specifically built by investors, for investors, that can actually move the needle on your next deal?
Let me walk you through what’s available and how to use it.
The Blog Library That Actually Teaches You Something
We’ve got over 130 articles on our site right now. But here’s what makes them different from the usual stuff you find online.
They’re not generic.
Every article dives deep into specific strategies. BRRRR. DSCR loans. Cross-border investing. Multifamily financing. Real numbers. Real examples. The kind of stuff you’d normally have to pay a coach to teach you.
But here’s the cool part. We built AI into the search function. So when you type in “BRRRR,” you don’t just get articles with that exact word. The system understands what you’re actually looking for and pulls up related content about refinancing after renovations, value-add strategies, and forced appreciation.
It’s like having a research assistant who actually knows real estate.
And at the bottom of every article? You’ll find a glossary of key terms. No more pretending you know what “debt service coverage ratio” means while secretly Googling it on your phone. The definition pops right up.
The CMHC Calculator That Can Save Your Deal
This one’s huge, especially if you’re looking at multifamily properties with five or more units.
We built a CMHC MLI Select and MLI Standard max loan calculator. And it’s not some basic spreadsheet that spits out a rough number.
Here’s how it works:
- You enter your basic details (name and email)
- Add the property information
- Upload whatever documents you have — appraisals, rent rolls, tax bills, utility statements
- The AI analyzes everything and tells you your estimated max loan amount
Now, is this the final approval number? No. The lender has final say. But it gives you a solid guideline before you commit to anything.
And here’s a trick I’ve used with clients. When the calculator shows that a property doesn’t qualify for maximum financing — meaning weak cash flow — I’ve used that data to negotiate lower purchase prices. Sellers get real quiet when you can show them the numbers don’t work at their asking price.
That’s leverage. Real, actionable leverage.
If you’re analyzing a multifamily deal and want to know exactly where you stand financing-wise, talk to the LendCity team about your specific situation before you make an offer.
Market Research Done For You
We just finished a massive project. Detailed market analysis for locations across Canada. We’re talking:
- Market stats
- Rental income averages
- Vacancy rates
- Investment strategies that are actually working in those specific areas
This is the kind of research that would take you weeks to compile on your own. And it’s all being published on the site.
Why does this matter? Because strategy depends on market. What works in Hamilton doesn’t work in Winnipeg. The cash flow numbers in Edmonton look different than Toronto. You need local data to make smart decisions.
Stop guessing. Use the research.
The Weekly Investor Newsletter
Every week, we send out an investor insight email. Here’s what’s in it:
- Best tips we’re seeing work right now
- Updated lending programs (things change fast)
- Different financing opportunities most investors don’t know about
- Off-market deals from developers on our team
That last one deserves attention. We’re developing properties ourselves. When deals come across our desk that our clients can’t take — maybe they lack the down payment or the experience for a bigger project — we share those opportunities.
Now, we can’t tell you “this is a good investment” or promise any returns. That’s not how this works. But what we can tell you is whether a property qualifies for maximum financing. And if the banks and lenders are happy with the numbers, that tells you something important.
What’s Coming Next
We’re not done building. Here’s what’s in the pipeline:
Conventional loan calculator — This one’s trickier because there are so many asset classes. Airbnb. Mixed-use. Industrial. Office. Gas stations. Laundromats. They all have different rules. But we’re working on it.
Cash flow calculators — Quick analysis tools to evaluate deals on the fly.
Property value estimator — Search your property, get an estimated value, and see if refinancing makes sense.
The US side is easier to build out because there’s more accessible data. Canada? The data holders want to charge an arm and a leg. We’re figuring it out.
How to Actually Use These Resources
Let me give you a simple action plan:
- Bookmark the site. Seriously. You’ll forget otherwise.
- Use the search function. Whatever challenge you’re facing, type it in. The AI will find relevant content.
- Run your next deal through the CMHC calculator. Even if you’re not ready to buy, it’s good practice.
- Subscribe to the weekly newsletter. That’s where the freshest opportunities show up.
- Book a call when you’re ready. Every expert on our team is an investor. We’ve been where you’re trying to go.
If you’ve got a deal you’re analyzing or you’re stuck on which financing path makes sense, schedule a free strategy call with LendCity and get clarity before you move forward.
The Bottom Line
Most investors struggle alone. They spend hours researching, get overwhelmed, and either make mistakes or freeze up entirely.
You don’t have to do that.
The resources exist. The tools are built. The team is ready to help.
All you have to do is use them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these investor resources actually free?
What's the CMHC MLI calculator, and who is it for?
How accurate is the max loan calculator?
Can I use these tools if I'm just getting started in real estate investing?
What kind of deals are shared in the weekly newsletter?
How is the AI-powered search different from a regular search bar?
What markets does the site cover for research?
How do I book a call with an expert?
Disclaimer: LendCity Mortgages is a licensed mortgage brokerage, and our team includes experienced real estate investors. While we are qualified to provide mortgage-related guidance, the broader financial, tax, and legal information in this article is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial planning, tax, or legal advice. For matters outside mortgage financing, we recommend consulting a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), licensed financial planner, or qualified legal advisor.
Written by
LendCity
Published
February 2, 2026
Reading Time
6 min read
CMHC MLI Select
A CMHC program offering reduced mortgage insurance premiums and extended amortization (up to 50 years) for multifamily properties with 5+ units that meet energy efficiency or accessibility standards. Popular among investors scaling into larger apartment buildings.
Debt Service Coverage Ratio
The Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) measures a property's annual net operating income divided by its total annual mortgage payments, indicating whether rental income can cover debt obligations. Canadian lenders typically require a DSCR of 1.1 to 1.3 or higher for investment properties, meaning the property must generate 10-30% more income than needed to service the debt.
Multifamily Financing
Multifamily financing refers to mortgage loans specifically designed for purchasing or refinancing residential properties with five or more units, such as apartment buildings or large rental complexes. For Canadian real estate investors, these commercial-style loans typically require larger down payments and are evaluated primarily on the property's rental income and net operating income rather than personal income alone.
Off-Market Deals
Off-market deals are properties sold privately without being listed on MLS or public platforms, typically found through direct outreach to owners, networking, or wholesalers. For Canadian investors, these transactions can offer reduced competition and potentially better pricing, though they require more active sourcing and careful due diligence without the transparency of listed sales.
BRRRR Strategy
The BRRRR Strategy (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) is a real estate investment approach where Canadian investors purchase undervalued properties, renovate them to increase value, rent them out, then refinance to pull out equity for purchasing additional properties. This method allows investors to recycle their initial capital across multiple properties, though success depends on finding properties with sufficient value-add potential and meeting Canadian lenders' refinancing requirements, typically requiring a seasoned ownership period.
Rent Roll
A document listing all rental units in a property, including tenant names, lease terms, and rent amounts. Essential for verifying income during due diligence.
Maximum Loan Amount
The maximum loan amount is the highest mortgage value a lender will approve for a specific property or borrower, determined by factors such as the property's appraised value, loan-to-value ratio limits, and the borrower's qualification criteria. For Canadian real estate investors, this ceiling is particularly important as investment properties typically face lower LTV limits than owner-occupied homes, often capping at 80% of the property value.
Hover over terms to see definitions, or visit our glossary for the full list.
- CMHC MLI Select Program: High-Leverage Multi-Family Investing in Canada
- How to Analyze a Rental Property: Cash Flow & Due Diligence
- Off-Market Deals: Why They Beat MLS for Canadian Investors
- The BRRRR Method: How to Build a Rental Portfolio Without Running Out of Money
- Real Estate Market Update: What Investors Need to Know