Buying Real Estate

Business Builders is a Toronto-based, in-person community for **professionals**, **founders**, and **entrepreneurs** who are building—or preparing to build—meaningful businesses. This is **not** a pitch room. This is **not** a motivational talk club. This is a **builder room**. We meet monthly to focus on **practical growth**, share real experiences, solve real business problems, and help each other move forward—together. Each session is built around one core theme that matters right now, such as: * Scaling systems and teams * Improving cash flow and financial clarity * Marketing and lead generation that actually converts * Hiring, delegation, and company culture * AI and automation in real-world businesses * Preventing burnout while maintaining momentum If you’re tired of surface-level networking events and want conversations that actually move your business forward, you’ll feel at home here. **Who This Group Is For** Business Builders is designed for people who are **actively building**. You’ll fit right in if you are: * A business owner or founder * An entrepreneur or independent professional * Running (or growing toward) a real business * Focused on revenue, systems, and long-term sustainability * Looking for meaningful conversations—not business card swaps **This group is especially valuable if you want:** * Honest conversations about what’s working and what isn’t * Practical frameworks you can apply immediately * Accountability and momentum between sessions * A trusted circle of peers who understand the challenges of ownership **What We Do at Each Meetup** Every month, we host a **2-hour in-person session** built around one high-impact theme. **Each meetup includes:** * **Practical Learning** Short, focused insights from an experienced guest or facilitator. * **Real Conversations** Members share wins, challenges, and what they’re currently working through. * **Hands-On Building** Group exercises, workshops, or problem-solving sessions—not passive listening. * **Momentum & Accountability** You leave with clarity, next steps, and support from the group. **Typical Meetup Agenda** **Arrival & Intro (10 min)** Casual mingling, introductions, and agenda overview. **Expert Talk or Theme Presentation (30 min)** A focused presentation on the month’s topic by an experienced practitioner. **Open Sharing & Discussion (30 min)** Members share a win, a challenge, or a current focus area. **Group Workshop (30 min)** Hands-on work on a specific business problem or exercise. **Guided Theme Discussion (15 min)** Facilitated conversation to go deeper on the topic. **Wrap-Up & Social (5 min)** Next steps, upcoming dates, and casual networking. **Topic of the Month** Top 10 AI Tools Every Business Builder Should Know AI is no longer a future trend, it’s a practical advantage for builders who know how to use it correctly. This month, we’ll break down 10 high-impact AI tools that business owners, professionals, and entrepreneurs can use right now to think better, grow faster, automate smarter, and build more efficiently. **Meetup Details** **Frequency:** Monthly **Time:** 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM **Duration:** 2 hours **Location:** Rotating venues in Toronto Exact location details are shared before each event. **Community Values** To keep this group high-quality and valuable for everyone, we operate with a few simple principles: * Be practical * Be honest * Be generous * Be willing to ask for help * Find ways to add value * Respect everyone’s time * Support others before asking for support This is a peer-driven community. Everyone contributes. **What This Group Is NOT** To set clear expectations: ❌ Not a sales pitch room ❌ Not a casual networking happy hour Due to limited capacity, **walk-ins will not be accepted**.

Join us for a winter walk through some great book stores in Toronto. We will meet in near the [Dufferin Subway Station](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8qfK6SXowHoRRfRc6) (north east end of the Bloor St. W and Dufferin St intersection). Then we will visit the following book stores by walking to them through the (thawing) winter streets 1. [The Monkey's Paw](https://maps.app.goo.gl/xuPmjbCQrsQi4wS28) 2. [Doug Miller Books](https://maps.app.goo.gl/gcwYFUixHrEceehS7) 3. [BMV Books](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ETHNifRbmGcgRyrZ7) 4. [Balfour Books](https://maps.app.goo.gl/etWMdx8LwEGtv8Lr8) 5. [Re: Reading Used Books](https://maps.app.goo.gl/qCaXFuFU7L4NHWcJ7) The entire route can be found [here](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vjVUAfjCJjhep2ad7) You can get coffee in one of these shops or somewhere along the route (Click the links above for google maps location) Approx distance is 10 km **Assumption of Preparedness:** You agree to come prepared for the event with clothing, gloves, cap, and shoes as appropriate for the weather and conditions as prevalent on the day of the event. It is also assumed that if you need to leave the event midway through the event, then you will inform the organizer before doing so.

**Please read ALL details before joining:** **Info:** 2 hours of 5v5 indoor futsal at the East Bayfront Recreation Centre in Downtown Toronto. **Cost:** $4.75 **Note:** This venue/event is run by the **City of Toronto.** Upon arriving, please check in with the front desk! I do not take any payments. **Make sure you arrive early, their check-in process is really slow sometimes.** **Setup:** * 2 Teams (or 3 if we have 15 players) * 7 min games * Subs rotate between games / two games on, one game off (if there are 3 teams)

Most people depend on only one income. If that income stops, everything becomes stressful. This session is for anyone who wants to learn how to build more than one income source in a simple and practical way. In this event, you will learn: * What a multi-handed income business means (in simple words) * Why having multiple handed income is important today * Learn Types of income: active, leveraged, and passive * How people start building extra income step by step * Common mistakes to avoid when starting This is an education-focused session. No pressure, no selling, and no get-rich-quick ideas. ##

Join us for a fun afternoon checking out the ROM, including the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibit which is always cool to see. More info can be found here https://www.rom.on.ca/whats-on/exhibitions/wildlife-photographer-year-2025 You can purchase tickets here https://tickets.rom.on.ca/en/shop Use GETOUTSHOOTROM promo code for 15% OFF - total price after is $30. Hope to see you at the ROM! Paul

Join us for a Toronto meetup of creative coders! Every Sunday in January, we're having a meetup to work on generative sketches for Genuary! **What is Genuary?** Genuary is a series of prompts for you to do for every day in January! More info: [https://genuary.art/](https://genuary.art/) **What is creative code?** *Creative coding* refers to anything with an artistic component that uses code as a medium. We welcome artists who use code (for visuals, audio, poetry, or whatever else), designers, animators, toolmakers, researchers, or just enjoyers and people looking to learn more! **Location:** Impact Kitchen on Queens Quay (88 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 0B6) **Join our discord** if you want to talk to everyone before/after the event, or have any suggestions for things you'd like to see or do! [https://discord.gg/ux9txXPsdJ](https://discord.gg/ux9txXPsdJ)

You're invited to our pub crawl - TBA

**A Night of Dancing & Romancing for the + 40 crowd** Saturday January 10th The Palais Royale 1601 Lakeshore Blvd West. Doors open at 7.30pm Come to see the sunset and a view of the city. Are you new in town and looking to meet other singles in a fun and casual setting? Join us for a night of socializing, networking, and maybe even find some new friends! Whether you're new to the city or just looking to expand your social circle, this event is the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded individuals. Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, great music, and get ready to make some new connections. Don't miss out on this chance to kickstart your social life and maybe even find that special someone. The ballroom will be decorated to mark this special event. This your perfect opportunity to get dressed up look good and have a great time. Cost is $25.00 and there is free parking.

❄️🚶‍♀️ **EXPLORATION WALK: YORKVILLE & U OF T** – **6 KM** 🎓🏙️ **Because winter is temporary… but missing this walk is forever.** “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” So layer up, zip up, and let’s romanticize January like true Torontonians 😌❄️ This walk explores **two parts of the city that started out the same — and then went in completely different directions.** One got glitzier. One stayed timeless. Both are *very* walkable, dramatic, and worth showing up for. \*\*\* \#\#\# THE WALK 🗺️✨ We’ll start and end at **Rosedale Subway Station**, making a glorious winter loop. • **Rosedale Park** 🌳 – quiet, elegant, and shockingly peaceful. • **Yorkville** 💎 – once wealthy, then a hippie coffee-shop haven, and now one of the *richest* neighbourhoods in the city. Full-circle glow-up. • **University of Toronto** 🏛️ – once reserved for Toronto’s elite, now open to everyone. Unlike Yorkville, it’s beautifully **frozen in time**, with historic buildings that haven’t changed much — except for the degrees inside them. • **Bamboo Forest at U of T** 🎋 – we’ll try to sneak a peek if it’s open (because mystery is part of the fun). ☕ **WARM-UP BREAK:** We’ll make a **30-minute stop at Tim Hortons** to thaw our fingers, grab food and drinks, and question why winter feels personal. \*\*\* ⚠️ **IMPORTANT NOTES** • Do **NOT** sign up if you’re not ready to walk in winter ❄️ • This walk happens in **snow, cold, wind, or vibes** • Event will only be cancelled if it hits **-20°C** (because we are sensible, not soft) \*\*\* \#\#\# MEETUP DETAILS 🧤🧣 📍 **Meetup Location:** Outside **Rosedale Subway Station** 👀 **How you’ll spot me:** I’ll be wearing my **MOOSE HAT** (a winter icon) ⏰ **Meetup Time:** 11:00 AM ⏱️ I wait **5 minutes only** — *Early is on time, on time is late* 💰 **Meetup Fee:** $5 (cash 💵 or e-transfer 📲 to \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/)) You can send it before or on the day of the walk.**m** 🏁 **End Point:** **Rosedale Subway Station** \*\*\* 👀 **NOT SURE YOU CAN MAKE IT?** Just show up. Literally. Winter plans are fluid. \*\*\* \#\#\# WHAT TO BRING 🎒 • Water • **Good boots** (non-negotiable) • Gloves & hat • Something warm to drink ☕ • A snack \*\*\* ⏳ **HOW LONG?** About **3 hours**, including our warm-up break. 🚪 **Can you leave early?** Anytime you like — no judgment, only vibes. 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) Get updates, chat with other walkers, and stay in the loop for future events! \*\*\* Mathew is the organizer for this meetup. If you need to contact him, post on the wall or email: 📧 \*\*[torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com**](http://torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) ✨ Cold weather builds character. ✨ Good walks build community. ✨ Missing this? That’s on you. ❄️🔥

Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks, laughs, and easy conversations at one of our favourite bustling spots! 📍 Meeting Point: 7:15 PM outside Madison Pub (yes, a little early but trust us on this one!) 👉 Meetup Fee: $3 (Helps keep the meetup running smoothly 😊). Please e-transfer to mech.mandeep@gmail.com 👥 Reservation Our table is reserved for 20 people only. To keep a comfortable gender balance, 7 spots will be reserved for the ladies. As a courtesy to everyone who would like to attend, please remember to update your RSVP if your plans change. 🍽️ Gratuity: 18% (standard pub policy) 🪪 Don’t forget: Please bring your photo ID, the pub checks IDs and we want everyone to get in smoothly. ⚠️ Important heads-up: Madison Pub is always buzzing, and they won’t hold our table for more than 15 minutes. Please try your best to arrive on time, we don’t want anyone left standing with a drink in hand and nowhere to sit! Come as you are, bring your good energy, and let’s enjoy a fun, no-pressure night out. See you there! 🍻

Learn to meditate with a certified Heartfulness trainer. Experience yogic transmission, a subtle energy that helps practitioners to attain deeper states of meditation. Heartfulness Canada hosts group meditation sessions and learn to meditate every Sunday at this downtown location. All backgrounds welcome. There is never any charge for Heartfulness. The venue is a dance studio located on the second floor. **Enter the door at 527 Bloor St West (directly under the Dance Annex sign) and proceed up the stairs**. Come and meditate with a group of friendly meditation practitioners. There is free street parking on Sundays and the location is also close to both Bathurst and Spadina subway stations.

Most people work hard for money, but very few are taught how to save, grow, and protect it properly. This group is created to educate everyday people on how to manage money in a smart, simple, and legal way so your money works for you, not against you. \#\#\# What You’ll Learn in This Group We focus on 3 powerful rules of money that decide your financial future: 1. Compounding Effect – how small, consistent savings can grow into big wealth over time 2. Risk Effect – how to protect your money while growing it wisely 3. Tax Effect – how taxes impact your returns and how to reduce them legally **Key Topics We Cover** ✔ How to save at least 10% of your income without stress ✔ How to grow money using TFSA, RRSP, FHSA, and RESP ✔ How to create tax-deferred and tax-free money ✔ Basics of estate planning protecting your family and assets ✔ Corporate planning strategies for business owners ✔ Disability planning protecting income when life is unpredictable ✔ Simple strategies to build long-term financial security and freedom **Who This Group Is For** • Beginners who want to understand money clearly • Families planning for their future • Young professionals and parents • Business owners looking to save tax • Anyone tired of living paycheque to paycheque **Our Mission** To simplify money, remove confusion, and help people make better financial decisions for life not quick wins, but lasting wealth. If you want clarity, confidence, and control over your finances, this group is for you.

## Join Our Online Event: **How To Fund Real Estate Investing** Thinking about diving into real estate but not sure how to finance your dreams? This online session breaks down all the cool ways to **get funding** for your projects. Whether you're a newbie or just looking to boost your funding game, we've got tips and tricks to get you started. Grab your laptop, settle in, and let's talk cash flow and creative financing! * **Understand the real funding options** — conventional loans, private money, hard money, and joint ventures, and when each actually makes sense. * **Learn how money flows through a deal** — capital stacks, risk positions, and why deals die when funding isn’t planned first. * **Avoid the most common funding mistakes** — overleveraging, bad assumptions, and chasing deals you can’t realistically finance. * **Get financially positioned before you make offers** — so you’re credible, confident, and ready when the right deal shows up. Register Here: [SIGN UP HERE](https://links.eliteeventbuilder.com/widget/form/bu1G1KgNvYWHQqAhCtbg?am_id=debbie335)

Ready to dive into the world of **Real Estate Investing**? Join our online session, **REI 101: How To Find Deals**, where we'll break down the best tips and tricks to sniff out awesome investment opportunities. Whether you're a newbie or just looking to sharpen your skills, this event is packed with practical advice to get you started. Don’t miss out on learning how to spot those hidden gems in the market—all from the comfort of your home! * Learn where real estate deals *actually* come from and why most investors never see the good ones * Understand the difference between on-market, off-market, and relationship-driven deal flow * Discover how experienced investors quickly filter bad deals and focus on real opportunities * Build a simple, repeatable framework for finding deals in any market * Get practical guidance you can apply immediately—no hype, no guesswork, no pressure Register Here: [SIGN UP TODAY](https://links.eliteeventbuilder.com/widget/form/QdRSXWfgn6Uh0zkSDYXa?am_id=debbie5641)

The Columbus housing market is evolving, raising questions about next steps. This session will outline current trends in clear, practical terms. Seniors, caregivers, investors, and those preparing to buy or sell in 2026 will all benefit from the information provided. What You’ll Learn: • Key market trends and what’s driving them • How today’s conditions affect buying, selling, and investing • Guidance for seniors and caregivers navigating housing decisions • Strategies to make informed, confident choices All are welcome to attend. Please bring any questions you may have.

Join us online for REI 101: Managing the Renovations! Whether you're a newbie or looking to sharpen your skills, this event dives into the essentials of handling renovation projects like a pro. Get tips, tricks, and real-world advice to keep your fixes smooth and stress-free. Perfect for anyone wanting to boost their renovation game without the hassle! * Learn how to properly scope renovation projects before work begins to avoid surprises * Understand realistic budgets and timelines so renovations don’t spiral out of control * Get proven tips for managing contractors and holding them accountable * Identify the most common renovation mistakes that kill profits—and how to avoid them * Walk away with a simple framework to manage renovations efficiently, even as a beginner Register Here: [SIGN UP TODAY](https://links.eliteeventbuilder.com/widget/form/wSbrsstjtpMx77vSSif7?am_id=debbie5574)

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

Hear how 3 investors went from broke to 8 figures and learn what’s working now in real estate, private money, and scaling your business. 🎟️Register **[HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/broke-to-8-figures-live-panel-open-qa-tickets-1969996398258?aff=cicmeetupapp)** ## **Broke to 8 Figures: Live Panel + Open Q&A with 3 Young Investors Who Built Real Wealth Through Real Estate** A decade ago, none of them were “set.” 10 years ago, these three weren’t millionaires. They weren’t influencers. They were broke, doubting themselves and fighting to make their first deal work…just like a lot of people trying to get into real estate today. Now, two of the Columbus Investors Club’s founders, **Tiffany and** **Josh High**, sit down with **Austin Rutherford**… a fellow Columbus native who went from parking cars as a valet to owning a **$30M+ real estate portfolio.** Together, they’ve flipped and wholesaled **thousands of homes**, raised **millions in private money**, and built businesses that run without them in the day to day… creating both wealth and freedom before 35. This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s a real conversation about what it actually takes to build something that lasts… the fears they had to face, the habits that changed everything, and the systems that got them there. You’ll laugh, you’ll take notes, and you’ll walk away seeing what’s truly possible no matter where you’re starting from. **What You’ll Learn** * How three broke twenty-somethings built 7–8 figure real estate businesses * The mindset shifts that separate wishful thinking from real wealth * How to raise private money even if you’ve never done a deal * What’s working right now in flipping, wholesaling, and building a portfolio * How to create financial and time freedom through systems and people **Open Q&A - Ask Them Anything About** * Raising private money with confidence * Finding and structuring profitable deals * Getting past fear, self-doubt, or “I’m not ready yet” * Scaling your business without burning out * Building a team that actually performs **Who You’ll Hear From** **Austin Rutherford** – From valet to a $30M+ rental portfolio. He has flipped and wholesaled hundreds of houses alongside his rental portfolio and recently got into commercial deals. **Tiffany & Josh High** – Founders of **Heels Homes** and **Results Driven REI**. They’ve built multiple 7- and 8-figure companies, including a fully virtual real estate operation closing 250+ deals a year. Through Results Driven REI, they help experienced investors install the people, processes, and infrastructure needed to build a truly self-managing company. **Event Details** **Location:** *To Follow* **Date & Time:** January 29th, 6–8 PM (Doors open at 5:30) **Cost:** Free (Seats are limited - RSVP required) 🎟️Register **[HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/broke-to-8-figures-live-panel-open-qa-tickets-1969996398258?aff=cicmeetupapp)**

CHANGED to WEDNESDAYS COLUMBUS RECREATION CENTERS require membership fee to play. Register & Pay at the desk when you arrive. $5 day pass is available. I have some extra pickle ball paddles and balls if you don’t have one. Definitely bring your own paddle if you have one and bring some balls if you have them. Legal Stuff: The event hosts/Organizers are just fellow member volunteers. By participating in any event, you assume all risks of liability and injury inherent in these activities. You are responsible for your own safety and for determining if you are in condition fit to participate. You are also responsible for knowing and abiding by all laws and rules during your participation in any event.
 Photos & or Video: by attending these events you acknowledge photos and or video may be taken and used on this and other platforms.