You Only Need 3 Properties – A Simpler Path to Retirement Planning

By Wayne Hillier | April 30, 2025

How many rental properties do you actually need to reach your goals?

If you're like most people we coach, the answer is: not that many.

On today’s episode of The Real Estate Investing Morning Show, investor-focused mortgage broker Keaton Kirkwood and I broke down a conversation more investors need to hear — one rooted in simplicity, strategy, and long-term thinking.

It’s Not About 100 Doors

Some investors think success means hitting a huge portfolio number. But the truth is, you don’t need dozens of properties to change your financial trajectory. You might only need three.

Seriously — 3 properties, structured properly, in the right market, with the right financing, can help:

✅ Pay for your kids’ post-secondary education

✅ Set you up to retire earlier than planned

✅ Supplement your pension or bridge retirement gaps

✅ Create security in your later years without relying solely on RRSPs

The Power of Starting Early

One of the most overlooked benefits of real estate investing is the compounding effect of time.

In the episode, we talked about how starting in your 20's and buying just a few properties can have a dramatic effect on the trajectory of your wealth over 40 years. It might not seem like much but over time that mortgage continuously gets chipped away, rents increase, and over time your equity and cashflow grows significantly.

Starting young — even with just one or two properties — gives you a massive head start. The longer your timeline, the more options you create for yourself down the road.

It’s About Smart Planning

Keaton also shared how tax strategy plays a crucial role in making those three properties go further. When your investments are set up efficiently from day one, you’re not just growing wealth — you’re keeping more of it.

You don’t need to own 100 properties.

You just need the right 2 or 3 — backed by a clear plan, strong numbers, and good advice.

Want to Learn How?

We dive into this kind of strategy every day inside the REI Masters Mentorship Program.

If you’re ready to stop chasing hype and start building a plan that actually fits your life, book a call with us.

🎧 Listen to today’s full episode to hear the full conversation:

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Youtube

🌐 Or Book a 1 on 1 Coaching Call to discuss how to get started.