***Guest Appearance

Credits to:

https://www.youtube.com/@investorfuel   

“5 Steps to Raising Private Money”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksdxraEyryo  

Real estate can be a daunting world to break into, but thanks to trailblazers like Jay Conner and Mike Hambright, aspiring investors can sidestep common pitfalls and accelerate their learning curve. In the enlightening episode, Jay joins Mike to dive deep into the keys behind his success and the lessons every real estate investor, seasoned or novice, needs to hear.

From Banker to Real Estate Maverick

Jay Conner didn’t start his career in real estate. As he shares with Mike, Jay’s journey began in the world of banking—a background that gave him an insider’s view of how lending institutions make decisions. When Jay ventured into real estate investing full-time back in 2003, he brought this financial acumen with him. Early on, his competitive edge was actually in understanding how to secure funding—a lesson that remains critical for investors today.

Jay recalls how, like many, he initially relied on traditional, institutional lenders. But that all changed in 2008, when banks started shutting their doors in the wake of the financial crisis. “All our lines of credit were frozen overnight,” he recounts. Instead of calling it quits, Jay pivoted—discovering the world of “private money.”

The Power of Private Money

Jay’s perspective on funding is refreshingly straightforward: if you’re not controlling your funding, you’re limiting your business. Traditional lenders are plagued by delays, red tape, and shifting lending standards. That’s where private money shines.

Private money—loans from individuals rather than banks—allowed Jay to swiftly acquire, renovate, and turn properties without cumbersome loan approvals or rejections. He points out that private lenders are seeking good returns and safe investments, making real estate the ideal match. For Jay, mastering the art of private money raised the ceiling on how much he could grow.

Scaling with Relationships and Reputation

Mike Hambright, a seasoned investor himself, steers the conversation toward how relationships have been key to Jay’s ongoing success. In real estate, says Jay, your reputation is your most valuable asset. By delivering consistently and treating lenders and partners ethically, Jay built a network eager to work with him.

He also underscores the importance of transparency. Jay openly communicates about project risks and rewards, which only enhances trust. “Private lenders want to know their money’s safe, and that you’re someone who can be trusted with that responsibility,” he explains.

Mindset: The Ultimate Game-Changer

One of the most inspiring moments in the podcast comes when Jay and Mike discuss the mindset required for sustained success. Jay admits he wasn’t always comfortable pitching opportunities to others—a common block for many entrepreneurs. “It’s not about asking for money,” Jay says. “It’s about offering an opportunity—letting someone else participate in your success.”

Mike echoes this sentiment, highlighting that shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mindset changes everything. Real estate is ultimately about solving problems for sellers, buyers, and lenders alike; making offers and networking isn’t self-serving, but rather a win-win for everyone involved.

Timeless Takeaways for Any Investor

The episode wraps up with Jay’s advice for anyone looking to break new ground or scale their investing business:

1. Embrace Rejection: Not every deal or lender will say yes, and that’s okay.
2. Invest in Relationships: Treat every partner like your most important client—they might just become it.
3. Never Stop Learning: The mark