In this episode of the Deal Finders podcast, I’m diving deep into one of the most powerful tools in real estate investing: private capital. I’m joined by Rich Lennon, a seasoned investor who has done it all—from scrappy Craigslist deals to managing a machine-like operation closing multiple deals a month. We talk candidly about his journey from accidental landlord to full-fledged investor and eventually, private money lender.

 

We break down what private capital really is, how to raise it responsibly, and why your mindset is your greatest asset when it comes to attracting funding. Rich shares gold nuggets on how he built trust and found his first private lenders (spoiler: it’s all about being passionate and vocal about what you do). Whether you’re new to real estate or looking to scale with private funding, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss.

 

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:02] – Rich Lennon introduces himself and shares how he stumbled into real estate investing.

[2:22] – Scoring that first deal via Craigslist and launching his investing career.

[5:40] – Why starting in your local market is the smartest move for new investors.

[6:12] – Scaling up: from one deal a year to 5+ deals a month—and the team it took to make it happen.

[10:45] – The shift from borrower to lender: how Rich flipped the script during the pandemic.

[14:20] – Understanding mindset: why having a deal makes YOU the valuable asset, not the money.

[19:35] – Two real-life stories of how Rich attracted private money without pitching or selling.

[24:10] – What happens after someone says they’re interested in lending: next steps and key players.

[25:50] – Navigating terms: interest rates, points, and negotiating favorable deals.

[28:15] – Why hard money lenders are still valuable, especially for beginners.

[30:00] – Rich’s blueprint for blending private capital with smart investing to maximize returns.

 

5 Key Takeaways:

 

1. Mindset Matters: If you’ve got the deal, you are the prize—remember that private capital is abundant, but skilled deal-makers are rare.

2. Start Local: Build a solid foundation in your own backyard before branching out to other markets.

3. Talk About What You Do: Private lenders are often closer than you think—speak confidently and authentically, and they’ll find you.

4. Build Strong Systems: Success at scale requires a clear structure with defined roles—think acquisitions, project management, and finance.

5. Know Your Numbers: Whether it’s private lending or hard money, understanding rates, terms, and legal protections is key to sustainable success.

 

Links & Resources:

 

• https://richlennon.com/ – Download the Smarter Wealth Blueprint and learn more about private lending.

• DealFinders.Club/Events – Check out upcoming local events and connect with fellow investors.

 

Enjoyed the show? Please rate, follow, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. And don’t forget to share this episode with a friend who’s ready to unlock the power of private capital!