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In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Michael Rebelo, founder of Ever Forward Capital Partners, for a conversation about breaking into multifamily real estate at a young age — with purpose, grit, and the right mindset. Michael and his mother started their multifamily business after a candid kitchen table conversation about their finances and the limitations of the traditional investment path. Since then, they've helped raise capital on over 200 units across Texas and Oklahoma, launched a new townhome project in Phoenix, and celebrated Michael's mother stepping away from her W-2 to become a full-time entrepreneur.
But this episode goes beyond the deal count. Jamie and Michael dig into the critical importance of mindset as a capital raiser and entrepreneur — why knowing your investor avatar, leading with your personal story, and saying no to the wrong opportunities are just as important as finding the right deals. For anyone looking to raise capital, launch a fund, or understand the current multifamily landscape, this episode delivers practical value and genuine inspiration.
Guest Introduction: Michael Rebelo
Michael Rebelo is the founder of Ever Forward Capital Partners, a Phoenix, Arizona-based firm focused on multifamily syndications and private real estate projects. Starting his journey at 17 alongside his mother after watching their family get hit by the 2008 financial crisis, Michael has helped raise capital on 152-unit and 64-unit apartment projects and is currently raising for a 14-unit Class A townhome deal in Phoenix. He is also the host of the Ever Forward Mindset Podcast.
Episode Highlights:
Key Takeaways:
Connect with Michael Rebelo:
Instagram: @therealMichaelRebelo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/michael.rebelo.2025
Website: www.everforwardcapitalpartners.com
Podcast: Ever Forward Mindset Podcast
Are you an accredited passive investor?
Learn more about the Integrity Income Fund:
https://labradorlending.com/investors/passive-investors/
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q
Connect with Jamie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/batemanjames
In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Craig Eppler, founder and CEO of Eppler Capital Funds, for a conversation that is equal parts practical and inspiring. Craig comes from a rare background — having worked his way up from analyst to Chief Investment Officer at a financial advisory firm, with a stint at Vanguard along the way. That front-row seat to the world of alternative investing eventually led him to launch his own private debt fund, which has crossed the $10 million mark in just three and a half years. On top of that, Craig has quietly built a rental portfolio of 59 doors across Pennsylvania — all while running a fund that provides investors with consistent monthly income.
But this episode isn't just a highlight reel. Craig opens up about a $50,000 loss on a second lien deal that went to zero a painful but important lesson about property valuation, position risk, and the danger of trusting social proof over due diligence. Whether you're a passive investor, an aspiring fund manager, or a rental property owner, this episode delivers hard-earned wisdom and a refreshingly honest look at what building a private debt fund really takes.
Guest Introduction: Craig Eppler
Craig Eppler is the founder and CEO of Eppler Capital Funds, a Philadelphia-area private debt fund that crossed $10 million in capital under management after launching in March 2023. With a background as a derivatives trader at Vanguard and later as Chief Investment Officer at an investment advisory firm, Craig brings institutional-level thinking to private credit investing.
Episode Highlights:
Key Takeaways:
Connect with Craig Eppler:
Website: eplercapital.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ceppler
Are you an accredited passive investor?
Learn more about the Integrity Income Fund:
labradorlending.com/investors/passive-investors
Purchase The From Adversity to Abundance Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
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Website: adversity2abundance.com
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YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q
Connect with Jamie:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811
Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames
In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Brooke Kaine, owner of Kaine Investments and a seasoned real estate veteran with decades of experience across land development, ground-up construction, rehabs, and private lending in Maryland. Brooke is the kind of guest who is as generous with his wisdom as he has been with his time — a self-described evangelist for private lending who discovered hard money about 13 years ago and hasn't looked back since. His story spans multiple real estate strategies, a pivotal geographic move that changed his trajectory, and a business model that ultimately gave him something more valuable than profit: consistent cashflow and deeply meaningful relationships.
But this episode isn't just about the mechanics of private lending. It's about the mindset shifts, the inflection points, and the hard-won lessons that come from living through market crashes, government overreach, and the quiet courage it takes to uproot your life and start over in a new city. Brooke brings warmth, candor, and a lifetime of stories to this conversation — and saves one of the most powerful observations about relationships and impact for the very end.
Guest Introduction: Brooke Kaine
Brooke Kaine is the owner of Kaine Investments, a Baltimore-area private lending operation he built from the ground up over the last 13 years. After decades in land development and home building in Southern Maryland, Brooke pivoted to hard money lending and grew his business from 20 loans in his first year to nearly 250 at his peak. Today he operates as a capital investor, lending to other hard money lenders while staying connected to the business he loves through relationships built one lunch at a time.
Episode Highlights:
Key Takeaways:
Connect with Brooke Kaine:
Phone/Text: 301-943-1407
Email: [email protected]
Are you an accredited passive investor?
Learn more about the Integrity Income Fund:
https://labradorlending.com/investors/passive-investors/
Purchase The From Adversity to Abundance Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Leave us a REVIEW: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1
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Connect with us:
Website: https://www.adversity2abundance.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/labradorlending/
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q
Connect with Jamie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/batemanjames
In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Nate Hare, Vice President at Directed IRA, who knows firsthand what it means to lose it all and rebuild. In 2007–2008, Nate lost all 17 of his rental properties and was forced to file for bankruptcy — and if that wasn't enough, he simultaneously lost his job in the mortgage industry. Two crushing blows at once. But rather than staying down, Nate used that painful chapter as a launchpad to discover one of the most underutilized wealth-building tools available to everyday investors: the self-directed IRA.
Today, Nate travels the country educating real estate investors on how to use self-directed accounts to invest in rental properties, mortgage notes, note funds, private lending, and beyond. Most people don't even know this product exists — and that's exactly the gap Nate has made it his mission to close. This episode is packed with real client stories, hard-learned lessons, and a breakdown of the six account types Directed IRA manages — all designed to help you better understand your options and take true ownership of your financial future.
Guest Introduction: Nate Hare
Nate Hare is Vice President at Directed IRA and a passionate advocate for self-directed retirement account investing. After losing 17 rental properties and filing for bankruptcy during the 2008 financial crisis, Nate discovered the power of self-directed IRAs in 2012 and never looked back. With over 15 years in the industry, he now speaks at real estate investor associations and events across the country, helping investors understand how to grow wealth tax-free through alternative investments.
Episode Highlights:
Key Takeaways:
Connect with Nate Hare & Directed IRA:
Website: directedira.com
Instagram: @natehareofficicial
Are you an accredited passive investor?
Learn more about the Integrity Income Fund:
https://labradorlending.com/investors/passive-investors/
Purchase The From Adversity to Abundance Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Leave us a REVIEW: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1 https://www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.adversity2abundance.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/labradorlending/
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q
Connect with Jamie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/batemanjames
In this special crossover episode, Jamie Bateman — host of the From Adversity to Abundance Podcast and fund manager at Labrador Lending — steps to the other side of the mic as a featured guest on the Real Estate Pros Show with host Michelle Tack. Jamie pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to build and operate a mortgage note investing business, from sourcing deals and raising capital to the day-to-day realities of asset management.
Jamie shares candid stories from the field, including borrower situations that took unexpected turns and deals that tested his problem-solving skills. Whether you're new to the concept of note investing or looking to deepen your understanding of this niche, this episode gives you an honest and grounded look at what it means to operate at the intersection of real estate and finance.
Episode Highlights:
Key Takeaways:
Are you an accredited passive investor?
Learn more about the Integrity Income Fund:
https://labradorlending.com/investors/passive-investors/
Purchase The From Adversity to Abundance Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Leave us a REVIEW: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1 https://www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/
Connect with us:
Website: https://www.adversity2abundance.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/labradorlending/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labradorlendingllc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q
Connect with Jamie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/batemanjames
In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Will Harvey of Harvey Capital for a practical, in-depth conversation on private lending, hard money, and what it really takes to run a real estate fund. Will shares his journey from working in the mortgage business to flipping houses—and ultimately finding his niche in private lending and fund management. As he prepares to launch his first 506C fund, Will breaks down how these structures work, why he chose to focus on lending, and how his strategy compares to Jamie’s approach in the note investing space.
But this episode goes beyond strategy. Will opens up about a painful $70,000 loss on a deal that didn’t go as planned, unpacking the critical mistakes and lessons that reshaped how he evaluates risk and opportunity. From discipline in deal selection to building scalable systems and raising capital, this conversation is packed with real-world insights for both active and passive investors looking to navigate the lending and fund space more effectively.
Guest Introduction: Will Harvey
Will Harvey is a real estate investor and founder of Harvey Capital, a hard money lending business based in Virginia. After starting his career in the mortgage industry in 2015, Will transitioned into house flipping and eventually private lending, where he now focuses on running funds and deploying capital through short-term real estate loans. He is currently preparing to launch his first 506C fund, designed to provide passive investment opportunities while scaling his lending operations.
Episode Highlights:
Key Takeaways:
Learn More about Will Harvey:
Website: harvey-capital.com
Twitter: x.com/wharvey1993
Learn More about Labrador Lending:
Integrity Income Fund:
labradorlending.com/passive-investors/
Labrador Mentorship:
labradorlending.com/active-investors/
Asset Management Service:
labradorlending.com/hybrid-investors/
—
Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
—
Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1
www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/
Connect with us
Website: www.adversity2abundance.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/labradorlending/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/labradorlendingllc/
LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true
Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q
Connect with Jamie
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/
Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames
In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Kaaren Hall, Founder and CEO of UDirect IRA Services, to unpack an incredible journey that began in the depths of the 2008–2009 financial crisis. From being a single mother navigating divorce and job loss to building a company that now oversees more than $1.3 billion in assets, Kaaren’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and long-term vision.
What started with just $2,000 and a small office setup grew into one of the most recognized self-directed IRA custodial services in the country. Along the way, Kaaren faced major personal and professional challenges—including regulatory scrutiny and an FBI investigation—before ultimately being fully cleared and continuing to scale UDirect into a trusted platform for alternative retirement investing.
Guest Introduction: Kaaren HallKaaren Hall is the Founder and CEO of UDirect IRA Services, a self-directed IRA custodian she launched in 2009 during the Great Recession. Starting from extremely humble beginnings as a recently divorced mother with limited resources, she built the company into a leading platform in the self-directed retirement space, now servicing over $1.3 billion in assets.
She is also an author of The BiggerPockets Guide to Self-Directed IRA Investing and an active educator in the alternative investing space, helping investors understand how retirement funds can be used for real estate, mortgage notes, and other non-traditional assets.
Episode HighlightsLearn More about Kaaren Hall:
Website: https://udirectira.com/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/kaaren.hall
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaarenhall/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ladybossgritgrowthgenerosity/
Learn More about Labrador Lending:
Integrity Income Fund:
labradorlending.com/passive-investors/
Labrador Mentorship:
labradorlending.com/active-investors/
Asset Management Service:
labradorlending.com/hybrid-investors/
—
Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
—
Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1
www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/
Connect with us
Website: www.adversity2abundance.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/labradorlending/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/labradorlendingllc/
LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true
Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q
Connect with Jamie
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/
Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames
In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Matt Stevens, known as “the franchise guy,” for a candid conversation about business, real estate, and the realities behind both. Matt shares his early entrepreneurial success—building a painting franchise to 5,000 hours in just three months—before opening up about his much tougher experience in real estate, where fires, insurance issues, and other setbacks led to roughly $50,000 in losses. This episode offers a grounded perspective that challenges the idea of any “perfect” investment strategy.
After stepping away from real estate, Matt refocused on his franchise consulting business, where clarity and focus led to massive growth—ultimately increasing his revenue sixfold. He breaks down his relationship-first approach to helping clients find the right franchise opportunities, along with practical insights on financial requirements, time commitments, and what makes a strong candidate. The conversation also explores industries poised for growth, particularly service-based and healthcare sectors, making this episode both a reality check and a forward-looking guide for investors and entrepreneurs.
Guest Introduction: Matt Stevens
Matt Stevens, known as “the franchise guy,” is a franchise consultant and business strategist who helps individuals identify and invest in franchise opportunities aligned with their goals. With decades of experience across industries, he focuses on relationship-driven guidance, helping clients make informed, strategic decisions about business ownership.
Episode Highlights:
Key Takeaways:
Learn More about Matt Stevens:
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamthefranchiseguy/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/heisthefranchiseguy/
Website:https://heisthefranchiseguy.com/
Learn More about Labrador Lending:
Integrity Income Fund:
labradorlending.com/passive-investors/
Labrador Mentorship:
labradorlending.com/active-investors/
Asset Management Service:
labradorlending.com/hybrid-investors/
—
Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
—
Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1
www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/
Connect with us
Website: www.adversity2abundance.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/labradorlending/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/labradorlendingllc/
LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true
Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q
Connect with Jamie
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/
Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames
In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Dr. Adam Link, certified financial planner and founder of Fireweed Capital, for a candid conversation about the realities of investing and building wealth. Adam shares his journey from post-2008 financial adversity to becoming a multimillionaire, including high-profile career roles at Coinbase and multiple entrepreneurial ventures. He dives into his personal investment challenges, having lost over $800,000 across various real estate deals—including syndications and fraud—offering hard-earned lessons for navigating risk and operational pitfalls in real estate.
Beyond real estate, Adam discusses the importance of identifying your investor avatar, understanding risk capacity versus risk tolerance, and aligning investments with personal financial goals. The episode also explores career pivots, salary negotiation strategies, and how leveraging both hands-on experience and professional expertise can support long-term wealth. With insights on AI in finance and practical guidance for tech professionals seeking wealth growth, this conversation blends inspiration with actionable advice for any investor looking to avoid costly mistakes and think critically about their financial journey.
Guest Introduction:
Dr. Adam Link
Dr. Adam Link is a certified financial planner and founder of Fireweed Capital. With experience in tech, finance, and entrepreneurship—including a key role at Coinbase—Adam has navigated both significant financial wins and losses. He is the author of Why Real Estate Sucks, sharing lessons learned from his $800,000 in investment setbacks, and works closely with clients, particularly tech professionals, to grow and manage wealth strategically.
Episode Highlights:
Key Takeaways:
Learn More about Adam Link:
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamlink/
Website:
https://fireweedcapital.com/
Company LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/fireweedcapital/
Learn More about Labrador Lending:
Integrity Income Fund:
labradorlending.com/passive-investors/
Labrador Mentorship:
labradorlending.com/active-investors/
Asset Management Service:
labradorlending.com/hybrid-investors/
—
Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
—
Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1
www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/
Connect with us
Website: www.adversity2abundance.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/labradorlending/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/labradorlendingllc/
LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true
Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q
Connect with Jamie
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/
Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames
In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman shares a presentation from the 8th Annual Cash Flow Expo, where he breaks down one of the most overlooked steps in real estate investing: identifying your investor avatar. Too often, investors jump straight into mortgage note investing, rental properties, or passive deals without first asking a critical question—what type of investor am I? Skipping this step can lead to frustration, misaligned strategies, and unnecessary risk.
Drawing from his experience at Labrador Lending, Jamie outlines the three primary investor avatars they serve and explains how to determine which approach best fits your goals, risk tolerance, time availability, and desire for control. Whether you focus on notes, rentals, commercial real estate, or passive income opportunities, the principles in this episode will help you align your strategy with who you are—so you can make clearer, wiser investment decisions.
Guest Introduction:
Jamie Bateman
Jamie Bateman is a mortgage note investor, fund manager, and founder of Labrador Lending. He is also the host of From Adversity to Abundance, where he helps real estate investors build mental fitness and make informed investment decisions. Through his work with both active and passive investors, Jamie focuses on helping individuals align their investment strategy with their goals, resources, and risk tolerance.
Episode Highlights:
• The Cash Flow Expo Presentation – Jamie shares insights from his talk at the 8th Annual Cash Flow Expo.
• Why Most Investors Skip This Step – The dangers of jumping into deals without first identifying your investor avatar.
• The Three Investor Avatars – A breakdown of the core investor types Labrador Lending serves.
• Aligning Strategy with Personality – How time, risk tolerance, capital, and control preferences impact your investment approach.
• Active vs. Passive Investing – When each path makes sense—and when it doesn’t.
• Avoiding Misalignment – How self-awareness can prevent costly investing mistakes.
Key Takeaways:
• Not every investment strategy is right for every investor.
• Identifying your investor avatar creates clarity and confidence.
• Self-awareness is a competitive advantage in real estate investing.
• Active and passive strategies both work—but only if aligned with your goals and resources.
• The best investment strategy is the one that fits you, not what’s trending.
Learn More about Labrador Lending:
Integrity Income Fund:
labradorlending.com/passive-investors/
Labrador Mentorship:
labradorlending.com/active-investors/
Asset Management Service:
labradorlending.com/hybrid-investors/
—
Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
—
Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1
www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/
Connect with us
Website: www.adversity2abundance.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/labradorlending/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/labradorlendingllc/
LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true
Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q
Connect with Jamie
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/
Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames
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