Derek Dombeck is a seasoned real estate investor, national speaker, and international bestselling author who has navigated the ups and downs of real estate since 2003. Known for his expertise in creative deal structuring, private lending, and relationship-based investing, Derek has completed thousands of transactions while helping investors gain control over their financial futures. Today, he leads Generational Wealth, where he teaches others how to build lasting legacies through intentional business and personal vision.

Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.

Key Takeaways

• Learn to operate without banks by mastering creative deal structures and private lending.

• Building relationships—not relying on institutions—provides flexibility and resilience in any market.

• Investors must prioritize communication and integrity to maintain trust with lenders and partners.

• Success is rooted in having a clear vision for life first, and building business strategies around that.

• Control and freedom come from understanding "why" you want wealth, not just "how" to achieve it.

Topics

From Losing Everything to Creative Control

• Derek started in the early 2000s with bank financing but lost nearly everything in the 2008 crash.

• Learned to rebuild through creative financing and raising private capital instead of relying on institutions.

• Founded a private lending business averaging 20–25 loans per month, lending over $3 million monthly.

Why Relationships Beat Banks

• Institutional lending is transactional—private lending is relational.

• Investors who communicate transparently with private lenders can work through tough times and maintain trust.

• Reputation and reliability are worth more than a few basis points in interest savings.

Raising Private Capital

• Raised over $25 million by building genuine connections and paying investors before himself.

• Early mistake: not developing a network soon enough.

• Now teaches investors to focus on building long-term trust and a solid track record.

Creating a Vision-Led Life

• Entrepreneurs often trade a 9-to-5 job for a "5-to-9" grind—without defining what they actually want.

• Derek emphasizes creating a written life vision first, then building a business to support it.

• The question isn't how much money you want, but why you want it—and how it supports the life you envision.

Rethinking Goals and Ownership

• Many chase status symbols (like beach houses or luxury cars) without questioning their purpose.

• Derek explains how experiences can be enjoyed today without waiting decades—like renting a dream home instead of owning it.

• True wealth is freedom to live intentionally, not accumulation of "stuff."

📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

Round of Insights

Failure that set Derek up for success: Not building a network early in his career—learning that relationships are the foundation of longevity.

Digital or mobile resource: ChatGPT and GoHighLevel CRM, used together to automate lead management and client communication.

Book recommendation: Pitch Anything and Flip the Script by Oren Klaff.

Daily habit: Quiet time at 5:30 a.m. to reset, reflect, and start each day with focus and calm.

#1 insight for building a strong network: Meet new people daily—whether at events or local REIAs—and prioritize face-to-face relationships.

Next Steps

• Visit DerekDombeck.com to explore resources, podcasts, and his books Next Level Your Life and The Transformational Journey.

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