Game of Loans

In this highlight from Episode 25 of Game of Loans, @afrasteve and @mandelmon break down a surprising reason why some real estate investments quietly bleed money, while others print it.

They unpack real stories of deals that looked great on paper but tanked, because one crucial element was missing. Whether you're flipping land, building rentals, or pitching high-end concepts, understanding this “invisible multiplier” is becoming non-negotiable. In a world driven by attention, this might be the only hack that consistently turns average properties into irresistible ones.

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In Episode 26 of Game of Loans, host Steve Afra sits down with commercial cleaning entrepreneur Eduardo Gonzalez Delmonte to uncover what it really takes to build a business that lasts.

From surviving cutthroat competition to mastering client retention, they share unfiltered stories, battle-tested principles, and the kind of persistence most people just don’t have. Whether you’re starting from scratch or scaling something big, this episode breaks down the mindset and moves behind long-term success.

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In Episode 25 of Game of Loans, host Steve Afra sits down with entrepreneur, flipper, and investor Manuel Gonzamonte to share no-bullshit truths from decades in business and real estate.

They unpack the brutal reasons most people never make it, what really separates those who win big from those who stay stuck, and hard-earned lessons from both massive losses and undeniable triumphs. This episode isn’t for the faint of heart—but if you’re serious about success, it’s exactly what you need to hear.

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In this highlight from Episode 24 of Game of Loans, hosts Steve Afra and Melissa Barone break down what truly separates the top 1% of real estate professionals from everyone else.

Drawing from decades of experience, they unpack the mindset shifts, habits, and decision-making traits that consistently show up in the most successful builders, investors, and developers they’ve worked with. Whether you're just entering the game or looking to level up, these are the non-negotiable qualities you need to play at the highest level.

Have any topics you want us to cover on the show? Send us a DM on social media and we'll do our best to address them.

If you enjoyed this episode, go ahead and give us a follow on social media, and share this with someone you think should hear it. Thanks for listening.

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In this highlight from Game of Loans, host Steve Afra and creative finance expert Mike Termine open up about the side of real estate few are willing to share.

They revisit the gut-wrenching losses that nearly took them out of the game – from losing millions to surviving audits, bankruptcies, and more – and the hard-earned wisdom that came from it. If you think real estate is all wins and easy money, this conversation will give you a raw glimpse into the real cost of playing to win.

Have any topics you want us to cover on the show? Send us a DM on social media and we'll do our best to address them.

If you enjoyed this episode, go ahead and give us a follow on social media, and share this with someone you think should hear it. Thanks for listening.

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Watch the full episode on YouTube: @GameofLoansPodcast

In this highlight from Episode 22 of Game of Loans, host Steve Afra and fix & flipper Manuel Gonzamonte pull back the curtain on what most new investors miss when deciding where to flip houses in today’s market.

From how current interest rates are reshaping which deals actually make sense, to the hidden pitfalls of certain markets, they break down what you really need to know about where to – and where not to – start your flipping journey.

Have any topics you want us to cover on the show? Send us a DM on social media and we'll do our best to address them.

If you enjoyed this episode, go ahead and give us a follow on social media, and share this with someone you think should hear it. Thanks for listening.

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Watch the full episode on YouTube: @GameofLoansPodcast

In this highlight from Episode 21 of Game of Loans, host Steve Afra answers candid questions from new loan officer Russell Ali, sharing the hard-earned lessons and perspectives he’s gained over decades in private money lending.

From how to size up borrowers and avoid costly mistakes to why private lending can be one of the most rewarding paths in real estate, they dive into the mindset, skills, and strategies that separate seasoned professionals from everyone else.

If you enjoyed this episode, go ahead and give us a follow on social media, and share this with someone you think should hear it. Thanks for listening.

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Watch the full episode on YouTube: @GameofLoansPodcast

In this highlight from Episode 20 of Game of Loans, hosts Steve Afra and Melissa Barone answer key questions that help new investors confidently break into real estate – no matter where they’re starting from. 

From how to invest with limited cash to choosing the right first deal, they break down what it actually takes to get started, and how to avoid rookie mistakes that could derail your journey before it even begins.

Have any topics you want us to cover on the show? Send us a DM on social media and we'll do our best to address them.

If you enjoyed this episode, go ahead and give us a follow on social media, and share this with someone you think should hear it. Thanks for listening.

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Watch the full episode on YouTube: @GameofLoansPodcast

In this highlight from Episode 19 of Game of Loans, hosts Steve Afra and Melissa Barone reveal the behind-the-scenes red flags and patterns they spot as lenders – long before most investors catch on.

From subtle deal-killers to common mistakes that tank promising projects, they break down what years of funding real estate projects has taught them about who wins, who loses, and why.

Have any topics you want us to cover on the show? Send us a DM on social media and we'll do our best to address them.

If you enjoyed this episode, go ahead and give us a follow on social media, and share this with someone you think should hear it. Thanks for listening.

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Watch the full episode on YouTube: @GameofLoansPodcast

In Episode 24 of Game of Loans, hosts Steve Afra and Melissa Barone draw from decades of experience funding new construction to share hard-earned strategies and insights on how to win in today’s market.

They break down what separates high-performing projects from costly mistakes, why some builders thrive while others struggle, and the real strategies their top clients are using to dominate the new construction game right now.

If you enjoyed this episode, go ahead and give us a follow on social media, and share this with someone you think should hear it. Thanks for listening.

Follow us on Instagram: @gameofloanspodcast
Follow us on TikTok: @gameofloanspodcast
Watch the full episode on YouTube: @GameofLoansPodcast