Building Wealth Through Long-Distance Real Estate Investing with Glen Sutherland
Long-distance real estate investing matters now more than ever. Markets shift fast, lending tightens, and some areas slow down while others open up big opportunities. If you limit yourself to your backyard, you limit your future. Real estate has always rewarded those who think bigger and act smarter.
I recently had the pleasure of hosting Glen Sutherland on my podcast. Glen is a Canadian investor who built a serious real estate business in the US while living outside the country. He did not wait for perfect conditions. He built systems. He learned by doing. And, he proved that distance does not have to stop you.
Why Long-Distance Real Estate Investing Works
Glen started as a landlord in Ontario. Like many investors, he wanted steady income and long-term freedom. What he ran into were tenant laws that heavily favored renters. Growth was slow, and stress was high.
Then lending hit a wall. After a handful of properties, the banks told him no more. Secondary lending did not cash flow. Prices and rents did not work together. He needed a better option.
That led him to the US, where he found markets with stronger cash flow, more flexible financing, and laws that supported investors. More importantly, he found room to grow.
The lesson here is simple: geography is not the real problem—systems are. When your system works, location becomes a detail.
Taking Action Before Everything Is Perfect
One thing I respect about Glen is how he started. He did not wait until he had all the answers. He bought his first US property without knowing everything about lending, management, or construction.
He learned as he went. He solved one problem at a time. That is how real progress happens.
Waiting until you “know everything” usually means you never start. Real estate rewards action. It is forgiving when you buy right and focus on the basics. You can fix mistakes, but you cannot fix inaction.
Building Systems That Scale Across Markets
Once Glen got traction, he focused on repeatable systems. That is where things took off. He built a process in one market and then copied it into others.
He now invests across multiple states. The core approach stays the same. Only the local details change.
Here is how Glen built systems that scale:
- He standardized how deals are analyzed.
- He used the same renovation and draw processes everywhere.
- He hired local teams instead of trying to do everything himself.
- He documented what worked and reused it.
- He focused on predictability over speed.
Remember, being physically present matters far less than having clear processes. And, systems replace distance!
Financing Strategies for Long-Distance and Foreign Investors
Financing plays a big role in long-distance success. Glen uses a mix of approaches depending on the deal and the goal.
He likes cash and joint ventures because they remove uncertainty. He also uses private money and seller financing when it makes sense. Flexibility keeps deals alive.
DSCR, Fix-and-Flip, and Hard Money Loans
For many long-distance and foreign investors, these loans are the entry point. Debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) loans focus on the property’s income, not personal income. Fix-and-flip and hard money loans move fast and support renovations.
The key is knowing how each option works and when to use it. Investors who understand multiple funding paths rarely have to walk away from good deals.
Managing Risk: Construction, Contractors, and Property Management
Long-distance investing only works when risk is controlled. Glen made it clear that predictability is the goal.
Here are his core risk management lessons:
- Never pay large sums up front to contractors.
- Use draw schedules tied to completed work.
- Require inspections before releasing funds.
- Use detailed contracts to surface problems early.
- Treat contracts as conversation starters, not paperwork.
Property management also matters. Good managers cost money, but they save time and sanity. They allow investors to focus on growth instead of daily issues. If you want to scale, you cannot do everything yourself.
Podcasting as a Tool for Learning, Credibility, and Growth
Glen also has his own podcast, A Canadian Investing in the USA, where he shares real experiences, not theory. He delivers honest conversations.
Podcasting builds trust. It creates transparency. It helps investors learn from each other’s wins and mistakes.
Listening to real estate podcasts helps you spot trends and avoid costly errors. Sharing openly builds relationships that lead to deals, partnerships, and growth. When knowledge flows freely, opportunity follows.
Want to hear my entire conversation with Glen? Listen to our podcast episode!
Subscribe to the Whole Enchilada of Real Estate Investing for More Valuable Insights from Investment Experts!
Glen’s experience proves something important. His strategies work whether you invest across state lines or across borders. Distance does not decide success. Discipline does.
If you want more real-world lessons from investors who are actually doing the work, like Glen, subscribe to The Whole Enchilada of Real Estate Investing. Each episode brings practical insights you can use right away.
And, if you want guidance on your own investing path, connect with me. I love helping people build smarter systems and stronger businesses through real estate.
Apply as a Guest on the Whole Enchilada of Real Estate Investing!
Have a real estate story worth sharing, too? Apply to be a guest on the Whole Enchilada of Real Estate Investing. You can connect with serious investors and add value through real experience.
Marigona Gllarevaa – Jan 01, 1970