What would you do if, overnight, your job disappeared, your income ran dry, and the bills started stacking up? For many, this scenario would trigger panic and uncertainty. But for Chad Harris, it was the catalyst for a life-changing journey into real estate investing, fueled not by bank loans or personal savings, but by the power of private money.

On a recent episode of Raising Private Money with Jay Conner, Chad Harris shared his journey from being broke and jobless—with a family health crisis on his hands—to building an impressive real estate portfolio of fifty rental properties, all done without a single cent from traditional banks. 

Here are some of the core principles he shared that can help anyone looking to build real wealth through real estate using private money.

1.  Embrace the Commitment First

Chad Harris’s story begins at rock bottom: freshly back from an overseas job, with no house, no car, mounting medical bills, and a family to support. But instead of backing down, Chad committed to becoming a full-time real estate investor. Here’s the first powerful lesson: success starts with a decision. Before you can raise money, structure deals, or scale your business, you must fully commit to your vision. As Harris puts it, “If you are committed to it, you can figure out a way to overcome any obstacle.”

1.  Real Wealth is Built by Serving Others

A common misconception about raising capital is that you need to ask, beg, or sell yourself. Chad and Jay both reject this approach. Harris draws from his background in ministry, where he learned the art of inviting people to participate in something impactful—not just for himself, but for the other party as well. The principle here is simple but profound: focus on serving the needs of potential lenders. Many people want to get involved in real estate but lack time, expertise, or confidence. By offering them a chance to invest as private lenders—earning solid returns, secured by real estate—you’re fulfilling their needs as much as your own.

1.  Start Conversations, Don’t Sell

Both Chad and Jay stress the importance of natural, genuine conversations over hard sales tactics. Rather than “pitching” investments, Chad shares what he’s doing and allows curiosity to drive the next steps. For example, he likes to say, “We buy ugly houses, fix them up, rent them to great families, and share the profits with people we know instead of the bank.” This sparks genuine interest and invites people to ask for more details, creating a comfortable, non-pushy way to introduce private money lending.

1.  Structure for Win-Win Outcomes

Early on, Chad thought he had to offer the highest possible interest rates and fast payback terms to incentivize lenders. But over time, he realized that conservative, consistent returns—like 8% annual interest—were more attractive to most private lenders, who equate high returns with higher risk. By structuring deals that offer solid returns along with the safety and predictability private lenders seek, he created lasting relationships and repeat business.

1.  Ordinary People, Extraordinary Potential

One takeaway that Chad and Jay emphasize is that private lenders are ordinary people—teachers, retirees, professionals—looking for better, safer returns than the stock market or CDs. As real estate investors, we’re uniquely positioned to help them achieve their goals while building our portfolios.

1.  Mindset Is Everything

The key mindset shift? Stop thinking of yourself as a “borrower”—start seeing yourself as a “private money teacher.” You’re not asking for favors; you’re providing valuable opportunities. This shift not only boosts your confidence but also attracts people who want to learn and partner with you.

Conclusion

Chad Harris’s journey is