I like to tell my story with numbers.
I bought my first investment property with a friend of mine. in 2005.
 
The property is a 12 units aparments, all 2 bedrooms. on the Quebec side.
 
paid $400,000, so the downpayment is $100,000.
 
The property after 5 years ( since we just did the refinancing) is worth $700,000.
 
over the 5 years we have took out 30,000, because the rent is more than what's needed to cover the mortgage and repairs.
 
Over the 5 year period we paid off $70,000 in principle.
 
so here's our return on investment.
 
initial investment $100,000
 
time 5 years
 
gain 700,000-400,000+30,000 +70,000=400,000
 
 
so that's my story, how in 5 years $100,000 become $500,000.
 
 
I hope you like it.