Strategy One: The HELOC Approach

If you own a home with equity, you can tap it through a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).

Important Note About Equity Requirements

Now, let me be clear about the equity position you need to make this work. At a minimum, you should have three hundred thousand dollars in equity in your existing property. But here's what I really recommend: ideally, you want the property you're planning to redevelop to be completely paid off.

Why? Because when you're taking on a project of this scale, having that property free and clear gives you maximum flexibility

Strategy Two: CMHC MLI Select (The Game-Changer)

Here's the financing hack that transforms deals: CMHC's MLI Select program offers up to 95% financing with 45-50 year amortization.

At Ottawa General Contractors, we design buildings specifically to maximize your MLI Select score.

The mortgage is insured by CMHC, making qualification easier with better terms.

The Reality Check

You need capital—$200K-$400K depending on your strategy. But you're not spending it, you're investing it. Every dollar creates equity and cash flow that builds long-term wealth.

Next: Module 5 shows the coach house strategy—the fastest, lowest-risk way to start with a smaller project before scaling up.