In a recent episode of the Raising Private Money podcast, Jay Conner, known as the Private Money Authority, hosted an inspiring session with Willie and Haruna Oyola. This husband and wife duo have successfully raised over $1,100,000 in private money for their real estate ventures, bypassing traditional banking routes. The conversation delved deep into their journey, their strategies, particularly buying properties subject to existing notes, and how they effectively leveraged private money to expand their portfolio.

The Traditional Route vs. Private Money

Willie and Haruna began their real estate journey in 2015 using conventional banking loans. These loans required substantial down payments and came with the stringent limitations set by banks. Eventually, they reached a point where the traditional method capped their growth potential. Discovering the world of private money through Jay Conner's podcast was a game-changer. Private lending offered flexibility and scalability, drastically different from the restrictive terms of traditional banks.

The Journey to Raising Private Money

The Oyalas first educated themselves through Jay Conner’s resources and soon attended a live Private Money Conference. This pivotal shift allowed them to break through significant barriers in raising private funds. Haruna played a crucial role by encouraging Willie to fully commit to the process. For newcomers interested in private money, the advice is straightforward: seek education and mentorship, as these can accelerate learning and execution in the field.

How to Start: Networking and the Elevator Pitch

A crucial piece of advice shared by Willie and Haruna is the importance of networking and having a refined elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a concise, compelling introduction to what you do, designed to spark interest in brief interactions. They emphasized the need to create a succinct pitch and leverage networking opportunities to share your goals and attract investors. This initial step is vital for anyone looking to raise private money.

Understanding Subject-To Deals

One of the strategies that Willie and Haruna have effectively combined with private money is purchasing properties ‘subject to’ the existing mortgage. This method allows investors to acquire properties without needing to secure new financing. It is particularly attractive when dealing with distressed sellers, as it provides a viable solution for them while offering favorable terms for the buyer.

A Case Study: Maximizing Profit with Subject-To and Private Money

The Oyalas shared a compelling case study to illustrate the effectiveness of combining private money with subject-to-deals. They acquired a property with a high market value and a much lower existing mortgage at an advantageous interest rate. They supplemented this with private money to cover the seller’s arrears, make necessary repairs, and provide the seller with some additional funds.

This strategic use of private funds not only alleviated the seller’s distress but also positioned Willie and Haruna to rent out the property by the room, targeting military personnel and contractors in their area. This approach ensures substantial positive cash flow, demonstrating the potential for high returns in similar deals.

Conclusion: The Win-Win-Win Scenario

In the world of real estate investing, combining private money and subject-to-deals presents a powerful avenue for growth and profitability. By educating people about private money and providing secure investment opportunities, Willie and Haruna created a win-win situation for all parties involved — the sellers, the private lenders, and themselves.

For those eager to dive into real estate investing or to scale their existing operations, educating oneself, networking effectively, and leveraging innovative financing strategies could be the key to unprecede