How to buy a rental property for less than 5% down

Joel Olson • January 12, 2022

20% down isn't the only way...

Certainly a really great question I get is how to get into rental properties.


Now, rental properties being required that you have 20% down when you're buying it as an investment property.


But, did you know there's a way to get into 5% down without having to move into the property?


One way is through our second home or family home program.


So, if I'm buying a property, let's say for example, and the most prevalent example would be, I'm buying a home because my kid is going to college.


And I'm going to buy a condo by the college or university.  He or she is going to live in it during college, and after he/she is done that could turn into a rental property.


I'm going to use it as a rental property.


That's a totally allowable 5% down deal.


It's a little bit harder to qualify for, but it's allowed.


The second thing might be that I have parents or a family member that's moving into a condo.


I buy a condo for them to live in.


That's a 5% down deal, a "second home" type of thing so I don't have to move into that.


So those are at least 2 ways you can get into rental properties for less than 20% down.


If we can help with that, please do reach out to us.


Please like our channel, subscribe to our channel here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMm4ANhnIibo6LirxLkCAGw, and share with as many people you know.


Thanks so much.


Have a great day.

A man with a beard and a suit is smiling for the camera.
Joel Olson
GET STARTED
Person sitting at a desk with a laptop in a bright home office, notebook and phone nearby, clock on wall

Self-Employed Mortgage BC: How to Qualify When Your Bank Says No

By Joel Olson • June 10, 2026
Your bank declined your mortgage because you are self-employed. Here is why that happens, what your actual options are, and how to qualify in BC.

Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — June 10, 2026

By Joel Olson • June 10, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is maintaining its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. For Canadian homeowners, buyers, and anyone with a mortgage on the horizon — here's what you need to know.