***Guest Appearance

Credits to:

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

"1-on-1 with Jay Conner: How This Investor Raised $2M in 90 Days Without Banks or Credit"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5WKN17_dlg 

If you’re a real estate investor—or an aspiring one—chances are you’ve run up against the biggest hurdle in the game: funding your deals. Traditional bank loans can be restrictive, slow, and, as Jay Conner discovered in 2009, suddenly unavailable. But what if there was a way to fund your real estate deals without banks, hard money lenders, or credit checks, and keep all the profit for yourself?

That’s the secret Jay Conner, now known nationwide as the Private Money Authority, shared on a recent episode of “Investor One on One” with Or Sapir. Jay’s story isn’t just inspiring—it’s a masterclass in creative real estate financing and a roadmap for investors looking to access private capital.

From Bank Rejection to a Private Money Breakthrough

Jay’s journey began in small-town North Carolina, flipping houses the traditional way by relying on the local bank for funding. “I closed my first six years’ worth of deals with unsecured bank credit,” he admits. But like so many investors during the 2008-2009 financial meltdown, he found himself abruptly cut off from his bank—no warning, no recourse.

Shocked and frustrated, Jay did what any true entrepreneur does: he turned his problem into an opportunity. He reached out to a friend who introduced him to the concept of private money—capital provided by individuals, not institutions, who want to earn higher returns by funding real estate deals.

Jay dove in, learned everything he could, and attended his first seminar. The result? He raised over $2 million in private capital in just 90 days. That move not only saved his career, it launched him as a leader in teaching others how to use private funds to fuel their real estate ambitions.

Private Money vs. Hard Money: What’s the Difference?

As Jay explains, private money comes directly from individuals (think: people in your own network who have retirement accounts or extra savings) rather than institutions or hard money lenders. It’s not a JV partnership; the private lender acts as the bank, secured by a mortgage or deed of trust, while you, the investor, retain full ownership.

Jay highlights several advantages to using private money over hard money loans:

• Lower interest rates (Jay pays 8%, compared to 12-14% for hard money)
• No points or origination fees
• No extension fees
• 100% financing of the purchase and rehab costs
• Faster and more flexible closings

How to Raise Private Money Without Begging or Chasing

One of the biggest myths Jay busts is that private lenders are hard to find or only fund experienced investors. His approach? Don’t chase. Don’t beg. Don’t sell. Don’t persuade. Instead, become a teacher. Jay wears his “private money teacher” hat and simply educates people in his circle about the opportunity to earn stable, above-market returns by becoming a lender for his deals.

His key strategies include:

• Teaching (not pitching) the basics of private lending
• Explaining how their investment is protected (collateral, insurance, title, etc.)
• Laying out the program terms with total transparency
• Building trust by keeping deal discussions separate from the initial introduction

Proof in the Pudding: Real Results and Action Steps

Jay’s system has helped him—and countless students—secure all the funding they need, often with people they already know. In his world, there’s actually more private money available than there are deals to fund. With average profits of $86,000 per deal in his ma

***Guest Appearance

Credits to:

https://www.youtube.com/@Marketing-Boost-Solutions 

"Money Chases You: Real Estate Funding Secrets with Jay Conner"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yure7pj9hZc

If you’re a real estate investor or dream of diving into property investing, one of the first hurdles you’ll face is finding the money to fund your deals. Traditionally, this means begging banks for loans or paying dearly for hard money lenders. But what if there was a smarter, safer, and more profitable way? That’s exactly the approach Jay Conner—dubbed "The Private Money Authority"—has perfected, and he recently shared his wisdom on the Marketing Boost Solutions Podcast with Captain Marco Torres.

For anyone involved in—or intrigued by—real estate, Jay’s journey, and innovative strategies are nothing short of eye-opening. In a small North Carolina town of just 40,000, he’s flipped over 500 homes and managed deals worth over $118 million. Even more impressively, he averages $82,000 in profit per transaction—all by leveraging private money instead of relying on traditional lenders.

Jay’s Turning Point: From Bank Rejection to Private Lending Pioneer

Jay’s story took a dramatic turn in 2009 when, like many investors in the wake of the financial crisis, his bank cut him off from credit—out of the blue and without warning. Staring at two deals about to collapse, Jay recalled the power of his network, asking himself: "Who do I know who can help me?" This led him to discover the concept of private money through a fellow investor and the renowned trainer Ron LeGrand.

Private money, Jay learned, is entirely different from the "hard money" most investors know. Hard money lenders are institutions that operate like banks, charging high interest rates, origination fees, strict underwriting, and requiring hefty down payments. Private money, on the other hand, comes from individuals—regular folks who want to earn a solid, secure return on their capital without the headaches of direct real estate investing.

How Private Money Works (and Why It’s a Game Changer)

With private money, Jay flipped the traditional model. Instead of the lender making the rules, Jay became his underwriter. He created a straightforward program: offer 8% interest, secured by a deed of trust or mortgage, without points or junk fees, and only borrow up to 75% of a property’s after-repair value. This minimizes risk for both parties and builds trust.

The most powerful part? Jay never asks for money directly. Instead, he educates potential private lenders—often people in his network or through business organizations like BNI (Business Networking International)—about the benefits and process of private lending. Once someone is interested and sets up a self-directed IRA or allocates other funds, Jay simply calls with the "good news": a deal is available that matches their investment profile. They send funds directly to the closing attorney, and the wheel turns.

The Benefits and the Bigger Picture

The advantages of private money ripple throughout the process. Deals close faster because there’s no lengthy bank approval. Borrowers (that’s you, the investor) make the rules and keep more of the profits, while investors enjoy a passive, predictable return on secured real estate. Once Jay implemented this model, his business didn’t just recover—it tripled. He has never missed a deal for lack of funding since.

Anyone—from local friends and business associates to existing private lenders found through specialized data feeds—can become a private lender. And while Jay’s system works wonders for single-family homes, the principles can apply to larger projects as well.

Ready to Learn More?

Jay Conner’s methods are a breath of fresh air for anyon

Imagine getting access to $100,000—maybe even half a million dollars—of zero-interest capital for your business. No more draining savings, giving up equity, or risking your credit. Sounds too good to be true? 

Not if you ask Patrick Pychynski, the proud US Marine veteran behind Stacking Capital, and a funding expert who’s helped over 300 business owners secure more than $17 million in zero-interest business credit.

On the “Raising Private Money” podcast hosted by Jay Conner, Patrick digs into the details of his unique approach, blending Marine Corps discipline with strategic finance. Here’s a closer look at the key insights from their conversation, and how you can apply these lessons to scale your own business—without the usual roadblocks.

Bankable Businesses: The Overlooked Asset

Patrick’s philosophy is simple: Your business is an asset, but most entrepreneurs don’t treat it that way. While real estate investors are accustomed to leveraging property for loans, Patrick points out that a well-structured business can open doors to significant, unsecured credit—if you know how to play the game.

He identifies four critical “legs” to making your company truly bankable:

1. Lender Compliance: This involves ensuring that all information about your business—such as addresses, phone numbers, websites, and emails—is consistent across all relevant documents. Even small inconsistencies can flag your business for denial. For instance, using a PO box instead of a physical address or relying on a generic Gmail business email are pitfalls to avoid.
2. Building Business Credit: Just as you have a personal credit score, your business needs robust credit profiles across bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet. Patrick suggests aiming for a FICO SBSS score of 160+ and a 70+ score across other bureaus.
3. Financial Trade Lines: Don’t just open accounts for office supplies—seek true financial trade lines that reflect your company’s ability to handle and manage credit responsibly. Patrick recommends securing 10-15 such lines to mirror the scale of financing you hope to obtain.
4. Bank Ratings: At least $10,000 as an average daily balance in your business account over the last 90 days shows you have the financial chops for serious funding.

Most businesses slip up on at least one of these points, which keeps them locked out of prime financing.

Zero-Percent Capital: The Credit Stacking Method

Patrick’s “credit stacking” approach isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme—it’s about working the system legally and smartly. By applying for multiple business credit cards with zero-percent introductory rates across different banks in a short timeframe (ideally with the help of relationship bankers instead of faceless online systems), you can maximize your available credit while minimizing risk.

Key steps Patrick recommends include:

• Optimize Personal Credit: Start with a strong foundation—700+ FICO score, low utilization, no delinquencies or stale collections.
• Leverage Relationships: Whenever possible, go into the branch and work with a relationship manager. Not only can they advocate for higher limits, but they’ll also often walk your application through manual underwriting—a step up from online algorithms.
• Plan for the Long Game: Don’t stack credit just for a short-term win. Have a clear plan for managing (and replenishing) your capital, optimizing your business’s bankability, and preparing for your next round of funding.

Marine Corps Discipline Meets Financial Chess

What sets Patrick apart isn’t just his technical grasp of credit; it’s the dedication and integrity he brings from his military service. His guiding principle, “Leave the place better than you found it,” carries through to every client engagement. Patrick and his team at Stacking Capital advocate for clients, guiding them through c

If you’re a real estate investor who’s tired of losing out on deals because of slow funding, chasing banks, or getting bogged down in spreadsheets, there’s good news: technology is catching up to your needs. 

On a recent episode of the “Raising Private Money” podcast, Jay Conner sat down with Brandon Richards, an active real estate investor and the CEO behind Deal Manager Pro, to dive into private money, scaling a real estate business, and using tools like CRM software to streamline and scale.

Raising Private Money: More Freedom, Less Friction

The episode opens with a bold question: What would your business look like if money were never the problem?

Brandon Richards is living proof that this is possible. In his career, Brandon has raised over $15 million in private money—meaning funds raised from individual investors, not banks or institutions. Private money, as Jay and Brandon both pointed out, allows regular people—often your friends, colleagues, or even social media followers—to invest directly in your deals, typically with better terms and less red tape than a traditional lender.

The process is straightforward, especially when you use systems that handle the heavy lifting. Brandon shared that documenting deals correctly, securing investments with real estate (using promissory notes and deeds of trust), and building trust are key to attracting and retaining private lenders. After a few successful deals, investors often don’t want their money back—they want you to keep it working, compounding your ability to scale.

Attracting Private Lenders: The Power of Being Visible

One of the big takeaways from Brandon’s journey: He doesn’t chase money, he attracts it. By sharing real stories—selfie videos at project sites, walk-throughs, before-and-after shots, and deal breakdowns—Brandon has built a following of individuals interested in investing passively in his projects. These posts aren’t high-gloss marketing campaigns. They’re organic, candid, and relatable—more like a “day-in-the-life” than a commercial.

A simple call to action in his stories—“If you want to talk money, DM me”—is all it takes to get the conversation started. His focus isn’t on begging or selling, but on educating and showing the journey. And it works.

Scaling Up: You Can’t Do It Alone

As Brandon’s business grew, he quickly saw the need to remove himself from the daily grind (like being on job sites or managing multiple spreadsheets) and focus on systems—and people—that could handle growth. He credits having reliable contractors and processes, but also emphasizes how getting the right technology in place makes a world of difference.

Which leads us to one of the episode's highlights: the introduction of Deal Manager Pro.

Deal Manager Pro: The CRM Built for Real Estate Investors

In the cluttered world of generic CRMs, Brandon saw the need for software specifically designed by and for real estate investors. Deal Manager Pro offers everything you need in one platform: lead tracking, nationwide comps, direct mail tools, proof of funds, automated follow-up, skip tracing, a rehab calculator, and an advanced deal analyzer. Unlike clunky Excel sheets or piecemealed tech stacks, it keeps everything streamlined and collaborative—so whether you’re a solopreneur or scaling a team, you never lose track of a deal or a contact.

Brandon’s pain points—lost leads, spreadsheet chaos, and communication breakdowns—became the foundation for a system hundreds of investors now rely on.

Final Thoughts

What stands out most from Jay and Brandon’s conversation is this: Real estate investing isn’t just about finding deals or raising capital. It’s about creating repeatable, reliable systems—both in relationships and processes. If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels with DIY tools and want to scale up, adopting a purpose-built CRM like 

10

***Guest Appearance

Credits to:

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

"Jay Conner, the Private Money Authority: How To Get PAID At CLOSING"

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

Are you a real estate investor struggling to fund your deals, tired of jumping through hoops at the bank, or nervous about your credit standing? According to Jay Conner—“The Private Money Authority”—there’s a better way: tapping into private money.

On the recent episode of the Raising Private Money podcast, Jay broke down his proven approach to raising limitless funds for real estate, bypassing the banks, improving profits, and making investing easier for everyone—from complete novices to seasoned pros.

What is Private Money?

First, Jay spells out what makes private money different from traditional or hard money loans. Traditional funding—like banks and mortgage companies—involves strict rules, credit checks, and lots of red tape. You borrow on their terms, not yours.

On the other hand, private money comes from individuals investing their own capital or retirement funds directly with you. There’s no middleman, no institutional underwriting, and best of all: “You set the rules.” Jay’s system allows him to pay 8% interest—significantly better than bank certificates or other safe investments—on straightforward terms, with no fees or points. For more than a decade, he’s successfully leveraged private lenders without once needing to show his credit score.

Why Private Money Beats Hard Money

Hard money loans are a step up in speed from traditional financing, but they’re still expensive (think 12–14% rates), short-term, and packed with fees. Plus, there are still limits to how many deals you can finance. Private money, by contrast, offers unlimited scale, flexibility, and often better rates. Jay explains that you’re not just borrowing money—you’re building relationships and teaching others to safely get excellent returns on their capital.

No License or Experience Required

A common misconception is that you need a real estate license or an established track record to raise private money. Jay busts this myth: as long as you’re investing for yourself (not representing others), you don’t need a license. And because private money is secured by real estate, not your credit score, experience isn’t a prerequisite, either.

Jay emphasizes the power of teaching. “Not one of my 47 private lenders had ever heard of private money before I taught them,” he says. By putting on the “teacher hat,” you empower others to invest in your deals, opening doors for both you and them.

Where Do You Find Private Lenders?

Jay outlines three key sources:

1. Your Warm Market: Friends, family, business associates, church groups—anyone you already know. Educate them on private lending, and most will be intrigued by the returns and security.
2. Your Expanded (Warm Market) Network: Grow connections by joining business organizations like your local BNI (Business Networking International). There’s only one real estate investor per group, making you the go-to expert.
3. Existing Private Lenders: Found at self-directed IRA networking events, these individuals are already lending to real estate investors and may be looking for new opportunities.

Most people with retirement accounts have never been shown how to self-direct their IRAs into real estate, where they can earn higher returns—often tax deferred or tax free.

Making the Numbers Work

To ensure every deal is profitable, Jay shares his “Maximum Allowable Offer” formula: Take the after-repaired value (ARV), multiply by 70% (or 80% if the ARV exceeds $300,000), subtract estimated repairs, and add a “Murphy factor

If you’ve ever wondered how to raise serious private money for real estate—even if you’re starting from scratch—you’ll find real inspiration and specific tactics in the success story of Tim Benskin. 

On a recent episode of the Raising Private Money podcast, host Jay Conner sat down with Tim to unpack his journey. Tim, a member of Jay’s mastermind group, has already raised $940,000 in private money in less than a year, funding twelve deals since October 2023—all without using a single dollar of his cash.

Here are the game-changing takeaways from Tim’s experience and why they’re so actionable for anyone wanting to break into raising private money.

1.  Private Money Isn’t About Selling—It’s About Teaching

One of the standout points in Tim’s story is his approach to attracting private lenders. He doesn’t pitch or “sell” anyone. Instead, he takes pride in wearing a cap that says “Private Money Teacher,” because that’s exactly what he does—educates people about the opportunity for them to earn better returns on their money.

Most of Tim’s lenders had never even heard of private lending before. Some had their money sitting in savings accounts, earning modest interest, or in IRAs, but had no idea they could use those funds to lend on real estate. By patiently explaining the process and benefits, Tim creates trust and interest. The conversation is about helping, not selling, and that servant’s heart approach makes all the difference.

1.  Confidence Comes from Preparation

Tim and his wife Robin started by joining Jay Connor’s mastermind and immersing themselves in learning. They spent the first three months simply absorbing everything about raising private money. This education gave Tim the confidence to talk to potential lenders—with zero desperation or uncertainty.

A key lesson Tim shares: line up the money before you line up the deals. Having committed funds in advance lets you make more offers and move decisively, which is impossible if you’re scrambling for financing after finding a property. For Tim, this was the difference between sitting on the sidelines and closing twelve deals in under a year.

1.  Your Network Is Full of Potential Lenders (Even if They Don’t Know It Yet)

Tim’s first lender was a longtime friend and fellow church member. The introduction came through casual conversation, followed by inviting him to a webinar about private lending. The friend happened to already have a self-directed IRA—something Tim learned only by asking questions and listening.

The lesson? Don’t pre-judge or “pre-qualify” people based on assumptions. Many in your social and professional circles could become private lenders if you simply share what you’re doing and offer to teach them more. Tim’s story started with a breakfast meeting and a willingness to discuss his business openly—no hard sell necessary.

1.  Deal Structure: Win-Win for Both Sides

For his first deal, Tim purchased a distressed property in Rockford, Illinois, for $125,000, putting in $80,000 for renovations. The home’s value after improvements was around $250,000–260,000. Rather than flipping the home immediately, Tim found renters—again, through connections from his community—who take excellent care of the property.

His private lender is more than happy with solid returns that far exceed CD rates, all secured with real estate. The lender has earned nearly $20,000 in interest so far, with no roller-coaster stock market risks and no hidden fees.

1.  Growth Through Education and Consistency

Tim readily admits he started as an introvert, not a natural networker. But by consistently sharing what he knows, holding “lunch and learn” events, and always leading with education, both his confidence and his pool of lenders have grown. He emphasizes the tortoise-wins-the-race mentality—con

***Guest Appearance

Credits to:

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

"From Crisis to Opportunity with Jay Conner"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNMrBDzu4Tk 

For many real estate investors, securing funds is the biggest hurdle between a great deal and realizing their financial dreams. Most head to the bank, grovel over loan terms, expose every aspect of their financial lives, and play by the bank’s ever-changing rules. But what if there were another way—one where you set the terms and build a truly resilient business? 

On a recent episode of Raising Private Money, Andrew Chesnutt sat down with Jay Conner, a private money maven who transformed a funding crisis into a multi-million-dollar real estate machine.

The Crash That Changed Everything

Jay’s story is a timely reminder that business growth rarely happens when everything is easy. In 2009, after six years of steady real estate deals funded the traditional way, Jay’s banking lifeline was suddenly severed. The 2008 financial crash had prompted his banker to pull the plug on his line of credit overnight—leaving Jay with two properties under contract that represented over $100,000 in potential profit, but with no funds to support them.

That moment of crisis posed a question every entrepreneur can relate to: Who do you know that can help fix your problem? For Jay, a call to a friend turned him on to the world of private money—individuals willing to invest directly in real estate deals for secure, healthy returns.

Building a System Without Begging for Cash

Jay’s biggest breakthrough came when he realized he didn’t have to beg for money or pitch risky one-off deals. Instead, he created a private lending program with clear rules: an 8% interest rate, no origination fees, and loans never exceeding 75% of a property’s after-repair value. 

He started teaching those in his network—church members, Rotary Club friends, local professionals—about how they could earn high, safe returns by becoming private lenders. Importantly, he focused on education, not desperation. “Desperation has a smell,” Jay points out. Building trust before you need the money puts you in the driver’s seat.

Once a relationship and understanding exist, funding deals become a matter of making what Jay calls the “great news phone call.” Instead of a hard sell, Jay simply calls to let his lender know there’s an opportunity to put their money to work in a secured deal. This calm, methodical approach has allowed Jay to raise millions in private funding—with 47 private lenders at last count—all without pitching or pleading.

Why Private Lenders Love It

Why are private lenders so eager to work with Jay? He cites three main reasons:

1. Higher Returns: Compared to certificates of deposit (CDs) or most traditional options, that 8% fixed rate is unbeatable and often more stable than the stock market roller coaster.
2. Security: Notes are collateralized against real estate, private lenders are named on insurance policies, and safeguards are in place in case of emergencies.
3. Predictability: Unlike the volatility of 401(k)s or mutual funds—where most investors can’t even quote their exact returns—private lenders know precisely what they’ll earn, with no hidden fees or commissions eroding their gains.

Creative Financing Adds More Flexibility

Private money is just one tool. Jay and Andrew discuss layering creative financing: combining private loans with strategies like “subject-to” purchases, seller financing, and even structuring first-position loans across multiple investors. These methods increase deal-making flexibility, help investors pivot if challenges arise, and offer lenders more options and comfort.

Final Takeaways

***Guest Appearance

Credits to:

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

"Jay Conner’s Secret to Funding Deals Without Banks – David Olds"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XCccXH7s3E

If you’re a real estate investor—or have considered diving into this lucrative world—you’ve probably encountered the question: “How do I get the money to fund my deals?” For many, the answer has always involved banks, stern loan officers, and stacks of paperwork. But Jay Conner, a legendary investor and coach, has made it his mission to show that there’s a better, easier, and more empowering way: private money.

From Bank Roadblocks to Private Lending Breakthroughs

Jay’s story is relatable for anyone who’s ever found themselves at the mercy of institutional lending. For six years, he did what most investors do: went to the bank, provided loads of documentation, and hoped for approval. That all changed in January 2009, when his longtime banker informed him—unexpectedly and without warning—that his line of credit was closed, a casualty of the global financial crisis.

This pivotal moment forced Jay to ask himself an incredibly powerful question: “Who do I know that can help fix my problem?” This shift in mindset (a lesson in itself!) led him to discover the world of private money lending.

Teaching, Not Pitching: The Secret Sauce

Unlike traditional approaches, Jay never asks for money or pitches deals outright. His strategy? Education first. By donning his “teacher hat,” Jay introduces friends, acquaintances, and community members to the concept of private lending—including strategies using self-directed IRAs to lend money to investors for real estate deals. Most of his lenders had never heard of private lending or self-directed IRAs until Jay explained it—showing that sometimes the best deals come from simply educating those around you.

The teaching approach does more than inform; it removes desperation from the equation. As Jay humorously puts it, “Desperation’s got a smell to it.” Instead, he shares the opportunity in a relaxed, informative setting, such as a private luncheon, where people can learn and ask questions. At one such luncheon, he garnered nearly a million dollars in pledges.

No Applications. No Begging. Just Win-Win Solutions.

Jay flips the traditional money-chasing script. Rather than applying for a limited resource, he positions private lending as an opportunity—a way for others to earn high, predictable returns (often between 8-10%) with their idle cash or retirement accounts. There are no complicated forms or credit pulls; he’s offering others a service, not asking for favors.

New private lenders aren’t bombarded with jargon or pressured to commit. Instead, Jay explains the process in simple terms, answers questions, and only talks deals once a lender is fully on board. Many of his lenders started with modest sums and, after seeing the results, increased their investments, sometimes doubling their original pledges.

Expanding Beyond Your Network

What if you run out of friends and family to approach? Jay recommends getting involved with local networking groups, such as Business Networking International (BNI), Rotary Clubs, and your local Chamber of Commerce. These settings not only build your professional circle but also expand your reach to potential lenders looking for stable, above-average returns.

Managing Private Money Responsibly

As your pool of private funds grows, another good problem arises: keeping everyone’s money working. Jay’s solution is to give new lenders priority on new deals, sometimes refinancing existing properties to put fresh money to work. He leverages strategies like substitutions of collateral—swapping out properties securing a lender’s note—to ensure all

If you’ve ever wondered what really propels industry leaders like Tony Robbins, Robert Kiyosaki, or T. Harv Eker into global recognition, you’ll be fascinated by the insights of George Wright III. Featured recently on the “Raising Private Money” podcast with Jay Conner, George pulls back the curtain on prosperity principles and the actionable blueprint behind lifetime success—not just for world-renowned names, but for everyday entrepreneurs looking to unlock their own authority.

Authority Is More Than Attention

One of the first and most eye-opening points George shares is that too many entrepreneurs chase attention, mistaking visibility for authority. In today’s digital world, where anyone can promote themselves online, true authority—being a recognized, trusted expert within your niche—demands strategy.

“People don’t remember what you did on social media last week,” George notes. Authority, he stresses, is a blueprint—a proven, strategic approach that positions you not only as a thought leader but often a celebrity in your field. Unlike fleeting attention, genuine authority grants you trust, credibility, and a continuous stream of new opportunities.

Why Authority Matters—Especially in Crowded Markets

The online marketplace is saturated. With AI and self-made influencers on every platform, it’s harder than ever to stand out. George argues that the answer isn’t more content, but smarter content—anchored in a clear strategy. When you’re seen as the "go-to" person, you naturally attract business, funding, partnerships, and speaking invitations. Authority gives you what George calls “the speed of trust,” making every business interaction—and transaction—more seamless.

Authority isn’t just for raising your profile; it has tangible value. For real estate investors and those seeking private lenders, perceived authority breeds trust. As Jay Conner highlights during their conversation, the single biggest reason people invest (or don’t) is trust. Authority is the mechanism that builds it swiftly.

The Proven Blueprint For Building Authority

George distills years of personal experience and high-level brand-building into a four-step authority formula:

1. Strategy First: Don’t launch blindly. Know your market, craft a compelling message, and identify your ideal audience.
2. Create Authority Media: Get featured on podcasts, in magazines, through interviews. Prioritize “legacy content” like podcasts and blog posts, which remain searchable and relevant for years.
3. Apply Technology and Innovation: Leverage tools for capturing leads, automating outreach, and scaling your brand’s visibility.
4. Promote Relentlessly: Strategic distribution—syndicate your content across platforms, carve out snippets for social media, and continuously expand your reach.

George emphasizes that you don’t need a massive budget or years of content creation. Strategic use of podcasts, online media, and networking can amplify your authority efficiently. One guest podcast spot or article can be repurposed into blogs, videos, reels, and more—turning a single hour’s work into hundreds of pieces of content.

Practical Steps Anyone Can Take Right Now

George’s advice for those just starting: don’t wait for perfection. “Step into the spotlight,” he encourages. Launch a podcast, guest on others, share your expertise via social or traditional media. The consistency of action counts far more than production polish. Today’s reality TV culture rewards authenticity.

He also reveals the “mirror effect”: people trust names they keep encountering, even if only in passing. Visibility breeds familiarity, and familiarity builds trust. That’s why saturation—within your target niche, not the whole world—is critical.

Measuring Your Authority

Ultimately, authority must translate to results: more leads, deals, and conversions. George’s team conducts “au

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