Private lending is a powerful tool in the real estate investor’s arsenal. It allows both novice and seasoned investors to scale their portfolios by attracting funding without the traditional hassle of convincing lenders. In the popular podcast episode of "Raising Private Money," Jay Conner and Ruben Izgelov dive deep into this topic, sharing invaluable insights and strategies for leveraging private money to build a thriving real estate business.

The Power of Networking: Starting Small to Raise Big

Ruben Izgelov, who has raised over $50,000,000 in private money, reveals a simple yet effective start—leveraging your immediate network. Friends and family are often your first potential investors, as their trust and familiarity with you create a solid foundation for initial funding. As Ruben mentions, trust must be coupled with a demonstration of your expertise and experience. The widespread use of social media today makes it relatively simple to showcase what you do and how well you do it. So, his first piece of advice to aspiring real estate investors is to ensure everyone in their social circle knows they're in the real estate business and understands their capabilities.

Leveraging Social Media: Building a Consistent Digital Presence

In today’s digital age, social media provides an invaluable platform for sharing your real estate journey and drawing potential investors. Ruben emphasizes the importance of consistency in posting about your ongoing projects. From Instagram and Facebook stories to LinkedIn and even TikTok updates, the continuous flow of relevant content engages and informs your audience.

A fascinating tip Ruben offers is creating videos and images that demonstrate your work's progress—both completed deals and those you’ve chosen to walk away from. This helps potential investors understand your thoroughness and decision-making process, enhancing their confidence in you. He suggests starting simple and scaling up; even the most basic social media posts can grow into comprehensive marketing strategies over time.

Creating Impactful Investor Decks: Confidence in Presentation

A lacking or overcomplicated investor deck can be detrimental. Ruben advises striking a balance; preparing just enough to showcase important details without overwhelming your audience. Investor decks should be straightforward, highlighting key property info, planned strategies, and anticipated returns. He suggests a landscape where real estate investors should be constantly learning and evolving. By keeping your pitches clear and straightforward, you build trust and show potential investors that you know your business inside out.

States Capital: A Refuge for Passive Investors

States Capital, Ruben’s private debt fund, provides an enticing entry point for accredited investors looking for real estate opportunities without the intricacies of ownership. As Ruben explains, States Capital focuses on attracting passive investors by offering them safer returns, given that they sit in the most secure part of the capital stack as debt investors rather than equity investors.

The fund is structured to support both short-term and long-term goals, providing fluidity and less lock-up compared to traditional syndications. This setup attracts those who want to earn passive income without being directly involved in every decision or deal negotiation associated with property ownership.

We Lend: Speed and Efficiency in Every Transaction

The service difference is what sets Ruben’s firms apart. We Lend, the originating arm of States Capital, specializes in providing fast, efficient loans for real estate investors. Speed is of the essence in property deals, and Ruben boasts turnaround times ranging from 3-7 business days, with existing clients sometimes experiencing funding within 24-36 hours.

Their approach stands out by focusing on the asset rather than exha