Here's a bit of worthwhile advice: The key to successful investing is learning how to mitigate and minimize your risk by joining forces with reliable associates who operate on a model of trust and absolute transparency.

That's the spirit of true partnership. And it's a byword at Edgeworth Mortgage Investment Corporation (EMIC), an experienced team that offers RRSP-eligible investment opportunities to accredited private investors who seek a fixed rate of return.

It's also one of the best ways to take advantage of Alberta's hot residential real estate market.

"It's like owning a piece of a bank. Except when you invest in Edgeworth Mortgage Investment Corp., it's the members of our management team who are placing the mortgages, not the bankers," explains president and CEO Albert Luk.

"We're offering a trouble-free passive investment that's ideal for investors with excess room in their RRSPs," Luk adds. "We appeal to people who wish to participate in the investment of real estate while avoiding the hassles."

Edgeworth Mortgage Investment Corporation protects your hard-earned money in important ways. EMIC does not supply mortgages to high-risk borrowers. Nor does the company provide loans to the so-called subprime market. Money is lent out primarily to first mortgages.

In fact, EMIC has only one preferred customer. EMIC loans money almost exclusively to Edgeworth Properties Inc., which is wholly owned by the publicly traded Edgeworth Ventures Inc. that happens to be one of the most dynamic and transparent land-development groups in North America.

This close relationship between lender and borrower sets Edgeworth Mortgage Investment Corporation apart from other MICs. It also enhances the sense of security felt by EMIC investors.

"We know our borrowers well. And we know their activities will add value to the lands they purchase. They have an impressive track record of doing so," adds Luk.

When you purchase "preference shares" (minimum $10,000) with EMIC, your money is placed within an investment pool.

In turn, these monies are loaned to Edgeworth Properties for the development of high-quality residential properties, at commercially attractive market rates.

EMIC is governed under the federal Income Tax Act and is required by law to distribute all its net profits to shareholders.

"It sometimes helps people to understand our structure when we tell them that EMIC operates in a similar fashion as an income trust. For example, a mortgage investment corporation is similar to an income trust in that it pays out dependable and steady distributions to investors - but without a special tax being levied on us," Luk explains.

Other persuasive selling points:

* a world-class management team and advisory board;

* all EMIC loans are secured by mortgages registered on title; and

* audited financial statements are available to investors on an annual basis.

For more info and eligibility to purchase, check out www.edgeworthmic.com.

In Calgary call: 403.237.0205.

In Edmonton call: 780.990.1777.