No matter what’s on offer, a wise investor asks intelligent questions before buying in. Most queries boil down to five terse words: What’s in it for me?

Senior managers at Venstar Inc. are prompt to answer: High, guaranteed returns from a low-risk investment, plus the assurance that you’re partnering with one of the most prudent and experienced teams in the development, financing, sales and syndication of real estate.

A Calgary-based public company (symbol: VSR.A) listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, Venstar’s fortunes are guided by a management group that combines a rare blend of youth, vision and hard-nosed horse sense.

“I’m thrilled by the calibre of this team,” enthused Garry Marshall, CA, the Company President and CEO.

Venstar’s team of professionals includes, from left, VP Charles Cochrane, Fund Manager Michael Begley, Syndication

“I’ll stack up this group against any team of real-estate investment specialists.”

Mr. Marshall’s team is currently collaborating with private investors on a series of projects he’s particularly excited about: a syndication and development program to build 25 new Super 8 Motels at carefully chosen, high-traffic Canadian locales.

For this program, Venstar has entered into an alliance with Superior Lodging Corp. of Calgary, the Canadian master developer for this fabulously successful chain of limited- service hospitality properties.

How super is Super 8?

With about 2,200 franchise outlets, in 2003 this U.S.-based company opens a new motel somewhere in North America every 4.5 days.

For Canadian investors, it doesn’t get much better. Not one of the motels has EVER failed.

As a professional accountant and former venture capitalist with more than 18 years in real estate, Mr. Marshall was impressed by a close analysis of the Super 8 business plan.

“It is fundamentally a very sound business concept with an excellent investment risk/reward profile,” Mr. Marshall said.

After recently syndicating and completing a successful 64-room Super 8 in Ajax, Ont., Venstar has turned its attention to an 81-room motel complex (complete with waterslide, pool and fitness facility) in Langley, a thriving community in B.C.’s Lower Mainland.

Located in a large industrial park on a major interchange, the motel will draw clientele from the business sector, the tourist sector and the leisure market alike.

Super 8 has approved the choice of site, a fact that becomes a significant comfort factor for investors – because the company is known as the most scrupulous and painstaking site selector and overseer in the limited-service sector.

But let Mr. Marshall explain how those who invest in a Venstar syndicate can put a jingle in their jeans:

“We buy a Super 8 franchise on behalf of a specific venture. Our partnership becomes the franchisee,” he began.

“The partnership operates the franchise. And we give the investor the opportunity to invest on a carefree/passive basis. The backer gets his monthly report and the cash flow starts the month following his investment.

“So investors get a fixed yield from Day 1. An investor can rest secure in the knowledge that his asset is properly managed. We retain a third party to professionally manage the property.”

Typically, optimum asset value is generated during a motel’s first three years of operation.

“Occupancy rates scale up rapidly in the first three years,” Mr. Marshall said.

“Then profits normally stabilize and at that point, Venstar asks its limited partners: ‘Do we sell it or keep it? Or do we re-finance?’ It’s the partners’ decision.

“The limited partners receive ALL profits and gains up to 12.5% annually, beyond which Venstar profits by producing even higher returns for the investors.”

To limit investor risk, Venstar has installed a broad safety net: guaranteed monthly cash flow, a guarantee to bring the development in on budget, and a clear exit strategy for investors as the three-year cycle winds down.

In addition to Super 8, Venstar offers an array of investment opportunities to suit investors’ risk/reward objectives. So there’s plenty more to learn. For starters, check the Venstar website at: www.venstar.com.

Then place a call to Sales Director Ken Bateman at 403.278.5100 (ext. 297) or to Syndication Manager Jonathan Allen at the same number (ext. 237).