In this episode of Canadian Investing in the US, Glen Sutherland interviews Chris Lento, a full-time real estate investor and operator of EM Capital Group, who focuses on acquiring and managing multifamily properties in the U.S. Southeast. Chris shares his journey from starting with small “three-decker” properties in Boston to scaling into large 100+ unit apartment complexes. He emphasizes how early hands-on experience with tenant management and maintenance provided a strong foundation for understanding costs, operations, and decision-making at scale, even though larger properties require teams, systems, and professional management structures.

The conversation highlights the importance of systems, processes, and strong property management when scaling a real estate portfolio. Chris explains how his business uses structured acquisition criteria, standardized operating procedures, and tools like project management software to streamline operations and decision-making. A major focus is placed on selecting and managing property managers, including identifying red flags, asking detailed operational questions, and acting quickly when issues arise. He also discusses his current role in sourcing deals, raising capital, and overseeing asset management, while noting that despite recent market slowdowns, improving deal conditions and more realistic pricing are creating new opportunities for investors.