Meet Karun Vij, a 33-year-old Indian-origin entrepreneur who has achieved remarkable success in the Canadian real estate market. Currently residing in Chicago with his wife and daughter, Vij owns four lucrative properties in Canada, amounting to a total worth of almost $2.3 million.
Vij’s journey began during his time at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, where he pursued an engineering degree. Observing the rental market, he identified an opportunity – renting out properties to students on a per-room basis rather than to families. After careful planning and saving, he made his first move at the age of 26, investing $64,781 to acquire a Hamilton property valued at $323,904. This strategic decision to cater to college students proved profitable, marking the beginning of his real estate ventures.
While pursuing his career as an application engineer and later an account manager at a global workplace automation firm, Vij continued to invest in real estate. His higher salary and rental income enabled him to acquire several homes in southern Ontario.
Vij shared his perspective with CNBC Make It, stating, “When I bought my first property, it was the most exciting and nerve-wracking time of my life. I had no idea what it would take to be a landlord, but I knew in my mind this was my business.”
Today, Karun Vij stands as a successful real estate entrepreneur, turning his initial dream of property ownership into a thriving business. His story serves as inspiration for those aspiring to navigate the real estate market strategically and turn their dreams into tangible success.