How I Bought My First Investment Property in 2024 Using $0 of My Own Money
When I tell people I bought a 4-unit commercial property in Haute-Aboujagane with zero dollars down, they usually think I'm either lying or talking about some sketchy real estate scheme. The truth? It took six months of negotiations, three banks, creative financing, and a HELOC strategy that most first-time investors never consider.
Here's exactly how I did it—and how you might be able to do something similar in Greater Moncton's real estate market.
Why I Sold My First Home to Buy an Investment Property
In December 2023, I made a decision that confused a lot of people: I sold my 3-bedroom semi-detached home in Moncton and moved back in with my parents temporarily.
I was 23 years old, living alone with my dog, and realized I was house-rich but opportunity-poor. That house no longer aligned with my long-term real estate investment goals. I needed to free up capital and create a strategic plan for my next purchase.
My goal was clear: buy an income property that would provide cashflow, allow me to live on-site, and set up future refinancing opportunities through the BRRR strategy (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat).
Finding the Diamond in the Rough: Haute-Aboujagane 4-Unit
In June 2024, I found it—a 4-unit commercial property in Haute-Aboujagane with serious potential:
The Property:
- 4 residential units
- A warehouse
- 1,000 sq ft empty commercial space (former NB Liquor store from the early 2000s)
- Well below market rents
- Needed considerable improvements
The Challenge: The price was appealing, but the numbers didn't work for traditional financing. The rents were significantly below market value, and banks couldn't justify the loan based on current income.
The $0 Down Strategy: Using a HELOC as Your Down Payment
Here's where most people get stuck: banks typically require 20% down for investment properties. For a property in the $300,000+ range, that's $60,000+ in cash.
I didn't have $60,000 sitting in a savings account. But I did have equity.
My Solution: I used a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) from my partner's home as the down payment. Essentially, I borrowed the down payment from the equity he built.
Why This Works:
- HELOCs typically have lower interest rates than personal loans or credit cards
- You're leveraging equity you've already earned
- The interest is tax-deductible when used for investment purposes
- You maintain liquidity and can pay it back strategically
The 6-Month Negotiation Marathon
This deal didn't happen overnight. Here's what those six months looked like:
Month 1-2: The Rent Increase Problem New Brunswick announced a 3% rent cap coming into effect. I needed to increase rents significantly to make the property cashflow, but I didn't own it yet. We had to negotiate rent increases with existing tenants before taking ownership—a time-sensitive nightmare.
Month 3-4: The Three-Bank Rejection Tour
- Bank #1: "Your debt-to-income ratio doesn't work with current rents."
- Bank #2: "We can't justify the appraisal with below-market income."
- Bank #3: "The commercial component makes this too risky."
Month 5: The Appraisal Company Back-and-Forth The appraisal came in lower than expected because appraisers look at current income, not potential income. We had to provide comparable sales, renovation plans, and updated rent projections to justify the purchase price.
Month 6: Legal Coordination Coordinating lawyers, tenants, the seller, and the final bank approval while ensuring rent increases took effect before the 3% cap became law.
How We Finally Made the Numbers Work
The breakthrough came when we found a lender willing to consider:
- Projected rental income (not just current rents)
- My property management experience (5+ years managing multiple doors)
- My construction background (I could do renovations myself, reducing costs)
- The HELOC structure (showing I had skin in the game without traditional cash)
We demonstrated that with market-rate rents and basic improvements, the property would cashflow $800-$1,200/month—making it a solid investment.
Living the Investment: On-Site Property Management
Today, my partner, our 6-month-old daughter, and I live happily in one of the four units. Living on-site as a landlord has taught me lessons no property management course ever could.
Unexpected Challenges:
- Dealing with community members parking in my field during baseball season (even after putting up ropes!)
- Balancing landlord responsibilities with family time
- Managing tenant requests when you're literally next door
Major Benefits:
- Zero commute to handle maintenance issues
- Lower living expenses while building equity
- Real-time understanding of property operations
- Reduced vacancy risk (tenants know the landlord is present and responsive)
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Moncton Investors
If you're thinking about buying your first investment property in Greater Moncton, here's what I learned:
1. You Don't Need $50,000 in the Bank
Creative financing strategies like HELOCs, vendor take-backs, joint venture partnerships, or even using RRSPs (Home Buyers' Plan for first-time buyers) can get you started.
2. Expect the Process to Take Longer Than You Think
My deal took 6 months. Yours might take 3 months or 9 months. Don't give up when the first bank says no.
3. Below-Market Rents = Opportunity
Properties with below-market rents are actually better investment opportunities because you can force appreciation through rent increases (while respecting tenant rights and legal rent caps).
4. Property Management Experience Matters
Banks are more willing to finance investor deals when you can demonstrate you understand property management, maintenance costs, and tenant relations.
5. Location Still Matters
Haute-Aboujagane is close enough to Moncton, Dieppe, and Shediac to attract quality tenants while offering lower purchase prices than urban centers.
Common Mistakes Amateur Investors Make (That I Help Clients Avoid)
As a Realtor who's now both an investor and property manager, I see amateur landlords make these mistakes constantly:
Mistake #1: Buying a Property with No Room to Increase Income If rents are already at market rates, you have no upside. Look for properties where you can add value.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Cashflow Appreciation is great, but cashflow pays your mortgage. Always run conservative cashflow projections.
Mistake #3: Buying Too Close to Assessed Value If you buy at or above assessed value, you have no equity to refinance later. The BRRR strategy requires buying below market value or adding significant value through renovations.
Is $0 Down Real Estate Investing Right for You?
Here's the honest truth: this strategy isn't for everyone.
You Need:
- Some existing equity (from a home, rental property, or family member willing to co-sign)
- Strong credit history
- Stable income to service debt
- Property management knowledge (or willingness to learn fast)
- Patience for a longer, more complex approval process
You Don't Need:
- $50,000 in cash savings
- Perfect credit
- Previous landlord experience (though it helps)
How I Help Moncton Investors Get Started
As a Realtor at Exit Realty Associates, I specialize in helping first-time investors navigate Greater Moncton's real estate market. Whether you're looking at single-family homes, duplexes, or small multi-family properties, I provide:
- Cashflow analysis on every potential investment property
- Mortgage broker connections who understand creative financing (like Patrick Allain at Mortgage Alliance)
- Contractor networks for accurate renovation quotes
- Property management insights from my 5+ years managing rentals across NB
- Honest advice—I'll tell you if a property doesn't make financial sense, even if it costs me a commission
Ready to Explore Investment Properties in Moncton?
The Greater Moncton real estate market offers incredible opportunities for investors willing to think creatively and do their homework. Properties in areas like Haute-Aboujagane, Dieppe, Riverview, and surrounding communities can provide strong cashflow with the right strategy.
Let's Talk About Your Investment Goals:
📞 Phone: 506-381-4876
📧 Email: samuel@exitmoncton.ca
🌐 Website: homesforsalemoncton.ca
Whether you have $0 down or $100,000 ready to invest, let's create a plan that works for your situation. I've been where you are—and I know exactly what it takes to make your first (or next) investment property a reality.
Samuel Theriault is a bilingual Realtor with Exit Realty Associates, specializing in residential and investment properties throughout Greater Moncton, New Brunswick. With 5+ years of property management experience and a personal portfolio of 6 rental doors, Samuel helps first-time buyers and investors build wealth through strategic real estate investing.