As a licensed mortgage agent committed to helping Canadians build long-term wealth through real estate, I make it a priority to introduce my clients to lenders who think beyond rigid formulas — lenders who understand the unique needs of rental property investors. One such lender making a name for itself across Canada is Strive.
If you’re looking to grow your rental portfolio or maximize your borrowing power using rental income, this lender may be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
Why Investors and Rental Property Owners Choose Strive
Who Is the Ideal Client for Strive’s Rental Programs?
Who Is Strive?
Strive is a Canadian mortgage lender founded in 2021 with a mission to provide a superior experience to both brokers and borrowers. With its roots in Ontario, Strive began as a small team of 16 professionals and has grown to over 110 mortgage experts serving every province and territory — including the Yukon and Northwest Territories.
Strive is both a prime and alternative lender, meaning they offer solutions for borrowers who fit traditional lending guidelines as well as those who require more tailored, flexible options. Their business is conducted exclusively through the broker channel, which means they do not deal directly with consumers — they rely on professional mortgage agents like myself to guide clients through the process.
What sets Strive apart is their “make-sense” approach to underwriting. Instead of taking a rigid, automated stance on income or property nuances, they evaluate each file holistically. This approach allows them to craft solutions where other lenders may see roadblocks.
Why Investors and Rental Property Owners Choose Strive
Here are three powerful reasons to consider Strive if you’re financing a rental property:
- Rental Income That Works for You
- Innovative Use of Rental Income in Purchase Plus Improvements
- A True Make-Sense Lending Approach
Rental Income That Works for You
Strive’s rental income guidelines are among the most competitive in the Canadian broker channel. Whether you’re purchasing a rental or converting your current home into an income property, they provide:
- Up to 97% rental offset through their custom rental worksheet.
- Acceptance of market rents when lease agreements are unavailable.
- Recognition of shared ownership (e.g., you and a sibling co-owning a property).
- Clear treatment of surplus income (added to income) or deficits (added to liabilities).
They also provide clear direction for non-subject rentals, subject property suites (legal and non-legal), and co-ownership scenarios — all essential tools for sophisticated borrowers.
Innovative Use of Rental Income in Purchase Plus Improvements
Strive is one of the only lenders in Canada that allows borrowers to add a legal rental suite using the Purchase Plus Improvements program — and to use projected rental income from the suite to qualify. This allows buyers to immediately boost affordability by creating income potential from Day One.
This strategy is ideal for:
- Buyers targeting homes with unfinished basements.
- Clients wanting to add a legal second unit during renovations.
- Real estate agents and investors looking to create value and cash flow through sweat equity.
A True Make-Sense Lending Approach
Strive evaluates every application on a case-by-case basis. If you’re an investor with strong credit, meaningful fallback, and a sound overall application, they’ll work with you — even if your file falls slightly outside standard guidelines.
This is especially important for:
- Investors with multiple properties.
- Applicants with blended income sources.
- Buyers entering into co-ownership or family financing arrangements.
Who Is the Ideal Client for Strive’s Rental Programs?
Strive’s rental mortgage policies are best suited for:
- Real estate investors buying their first or sixth rental property.
- Move-up buyers converting a former home into a rental.
- Multi-unit buyers purchasing legal duplexes or triplexes under insured or insurable guidelines.
- Borrowers adding rental units through renovation financing.
To qualify, applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong credit (ideally 680+ Beacon for full rental income use).
- Solid fallback (low debt ratios, assets, or other income).
- Proof of market rents or lease agreements (depending on the scenario).
What Makes Strive Different?
Most lenders impose strict, inflexible rules around rental income. Strive stands apart with its agility, broker-focused service, and a commitment to smart, story-based underwriting. Here’s what sets them apart:
- A rental worksheet that simplifies and amplifies rental income recognition.
- The ability to use rental income on suites being added through renovations.
- Clear communication with brokers and underwriters — not a call centre.
- A track record of supporting investors through multiple property acquisitions.
Final Word: A Lender Worth Knowing
For investors and rental property owners looking to qualify more easily, unlock equity, or scale their portfolios, Strive offers flexibility and creativity that few lenders can match.
As your mortgage agent, I help you navigate the fine details — from qualifying income and managing rental worksheets to structuring your application with the right lender. If you’re building a rental portfolio and want a lender that works as hard as you do, let’s explore whether Strive is the right fit for your next deal.
