From Immigration Enforcement to Real Estate Law: Shawn Quigg's Journey

Update: 2025-11-17

Description

In this episode of the Wisdom Lifestyle Money Show, host Scott Dillingham chats with Shawn Quigg, a real estate investing-focused lawyer and partner at Cardinal Law in Ontario. Shawn shares his unexpected entry into real estate investing while transitioning from a career in immigration enforcement to law school in 2014-2015. Starting with a $133,000 five-bedroom house in Windsor, he rented rooms to fellow students, achieving positive cash flow and even "beer money" to ease through school. Inspired by finance classes revealing cash's vulnerability to inflation, he expanded to a second property for $236,000, converting it into a six-bedroom rental. This hands-on experience blossomed into a passion for investing, leading him to specialize in legal services for investors after stints on Bay Street and smaller firms.

Shawn discusses merging his firm with Cardinal Law alongside partner Milena Cardinal, creating a powerhouse for real estate investors. As of late 2025, he highlights major challenges like expiring low-rate loans amid declining property values, fueling a rise in power of sale proceedings—especially on large multifamily and development projects. Drawing from a recent tough case, Shawn recounts negotiating a power of sale on a building where delays ballooned debts, ultimately limiting his client's exposure from $1.8 million to just $12,000 through strategic settlements. He emphasizes proactive planning, signed joint venture agreements, and assembling the right team—including lenders and lawyers—to avoid pitfalls like unsigned contracts or incomplete value-add strategies.

The conversation stresses the importance of early consultations for renewals, raising rents where possible (considering Ontario's controls), and starting projects with end-goal financing in mind. With Windsor's average home price around $570,000 in October 2025—down slightly from previous months amid broader Ontario market declines—this episode provides timely insights for investors navigating stagnation and potential recoveries. Shawn's virtual firm serves all of Ontario, focusing on innovative solutions for age-old problems, making it a go-to for corporate structuring, private lending, and estate planning.

Key Takeaways

Accidental Start in Investing: Transitioned from federal immigration work to buying Windsor student rentals in 2014-2015 for $133,000 and $236,000, achieving cash flow by renting to peers and learning BRRRR strategies organically.
Law Firm for Investors: Founded and merged into Cardinal Law with Milena Cardinal, offering specialized services like private mortgages and wholesaling, filling gaps left by standard residential lawyers.
2025 Market Challenges: High-interest loan renewals and declining values (e.g., Windsor's average ~$570,000 in Oct 2025, down ~3%) are driving power of sale on multifamily projects; proactive lender talks and signed JV agreements are crucial.
Power of Sale Success Story: Negotiated a complex case reducing client liability from $1.8M to $12K by delaying proceedings, securing sales, and full lender releases—highlighting the need for experienced legal leverage.
Team and Planning Advice: Assemble experts early for takeout financing and value-adds like rent increases; avoid unsigned agreements and anticipatory breach by discussing renewals "without prejudice."
Ontario-Focused Services: Virtual firm handles real estate across Ontario, with estate planning recommendations for local provincial experts; core value is delivering creative solutions over easy rejections.

Links to Show References

Shawn Quigg's Contact: Phone - (226) 350-2877; Email - shawn@cardinallaw.ca; Website - cardinallaw.ca; Instagram/Facebook - Search for Shawn Quigg or Cardinal Law
LendCity Mortgages (for Pre-Approvals): lendcity.ca
Cardinal Law Office: Virtual firm based in Ontario; contact for consultations on real estate investing