#107: 

Today’s episode is a powerful one with Ashkan Bashiri, we’re diving deep into real estate, lending, and what’s actually happening in today’s market… not just at the local level, but globally. Ashkan also spoke about this with Michael Franzini on the same topic.With rising geopolitical tension, including the ongoing situation involving Iran, and uncertainty across the economy, investors are asking the same question right now: Where are the real opportunities—and how do you navigate risk?So today, we’re breaking that down.We’re joined by someone who operates at a high level across multiple sides of the business—real estate, lending, hard money, and valuation—all under one roof at CARLILE, a true all-inclusive boutique brokerage.In this conversation, we get into:
His journey into real estate and what led him into the world of hard money lending
The turning points and early mistakes that shaped how he operates today
What most investors are getting wrong right now—and where the real opportunities are
And how global events, like the Iran situation, could impact rates, liquidity, and investor behavior

If you’re an investor, broker, or someone looking to better understand where the market is heading—this is an episode you don’t want to miss
This episode is brought to you by Directed IRA. With over 1,000 clients served and more than $3 billion in assets under custody, Directed IRA is a trusted leader in self-directed retirement accounts. Their network includes 20,000+ investors and 60+ dedicated associates supporting over 100 daily transactions. Whether you're investing in real estate, private lending, or alternative assets, they give you the tools and control to build wealth your way. Plus, check out their #1 ranked Self-Directed IRA Podcast, bestselling book, and the industry-leading Self-Directed IRA Summit. If you're serious about taking control of your retirement, Directed IRA is where it starts.

#106: Welcome back to The Lender’s Playbook Podcast. I’m your host, Matt Rosen, and this is Episode 106.Today’s episode is all about one thing, how to invest in multifamily real estate like the pros… even if you’re not one.I sit down with Victor Bell, a longtime friend and seasoned expert in the multifamily investing space. We break down what actually makes a deal profitable, the key metrics every investor and lender should understand, and how to avoid costly mistakes, whether you’re investing passively or deploying capital as a private lender.If you’re looking to make smarter, more confident investment decisions in multifamily real estate, this episode is for you.

Thank you Episode Sponsor!
Dynamic Finance Group
If you’re a real estate investor looking for speed, flexibility, and a lending partner that actually understands your deals, Dynamic Finance Group has you covered.From short-term bridge loans to fix-and-flip, new construction, and long-term 30-year rental financing, they offer solutions built to move at your pace.What sets them apart?
Clear communication, hands-on support, and a team that puts your goals first.If you’re ready to close faster and scale smarter, connect with Dynamic Finance Group today.
https://www.dynamicfinancegroup.com/
Check out the podcast I did with them! 
https://app.fusebox.fm/embed/player/track/Kbx2Q3jWNM/42

Join us for the 5th National American Lending Conference! Oct 9-10, 2026 in Las Vegas at the Green Valley Ranch!
https://www.americanlendingconference.com/

Welcome back to The Lender’s Playbook! I’m your host, Matt Rosen, and today we’re tackling one thing every private lender wants: consistent, qualified deal flow.I sit down with Stephen Lawrence from BlueCraft Leads to break down their system designed specifically for private lenders. We cover how they attract serious borrowers, filter out unqualified leads, and deliver results for private lenders, brokers, and funds alike.If you’re ready to stop chasing deals and start building a predictable pipeline, this episode is for you.Thank you Sponsor~
This episode is brought to you by Title Ease, a turnkey franchise solution to start your own title and closing company. Launch a new revenue stream, increase your enterprise value, and take control of your customers’ transactions. Check them out at https://www.titleeasefranchise.com/ and meet them at the American Lending Conference, Oct 9–10 in Las Vegas.

American Lending Conference -Oct 9-10, 2026 Las Vegas
https://www.americanlendingconference.com/

#104:
Welcome back to the Lenders Playbook Podcast. This is episode 104, and I’m your host, Matt Rosen.Today we sit down with Roy Landers. An attorney and former judge... and I’ve got to say — this was one of the most eye-opening and fun conversations I’ve had in a while.Roy buys profitable small businesses from retiring owners and scales them with investors. It’s an incredible model for entrepreneurs who want to own a business without starting from scratch.Many of these acquisitions also include real estate, creating opportunities for loans backed by strong collateral, cash flow for investors, and sometimes even equity participation when the deal makes sense.We talk about mergers and acquisitions... buying boring, service-based businesses, scaling them, buying more, and eventually exiting.This is truly a fascinating niche, and I know you’re going to love this one.
First a Quick shoutout to one of the lenders we work with — Deephaven Mortgage.If you're a real estate investor who’s ever been told ‘you don’t qualify’ by a traditional bank, this is exactly why Deephaven exists. They specialize in Non-QM loans, which basically means they look at deals differently — using common sense and flexible underwriting instead of rigid government guidelines.They work with over 1,000 mortgage brokers nationwide and fund loans for investors, landlords, and entrepreneurs who don’t always fit the traditional box.Deephaven is headquartered in Charlotte and backed by Pretium, a major investment manager in real estate and mortgage finance.If you're looking for financing on your next deal, reach out to me and I’ll see if Deephaven could be a fit. 

Oct. 9-10, 2026
American Lending Conference
National Private Lending Conference
https://www.americanlendingconference.com/

Welcome back to the Lenders Playbook Podcast-episode 103. Today I’m joined by Bill Bymel the founder of First Lien Capital, a company focused on buying and investing in real estate notes.In this episode, we’ll talk about how he got started in the note business, the types of deals he looks for, and how he decides which notes to buy. We’ll also get into what makes his company different, where he thinks interest rates are headed in 2026, and some of the leadership principles that have helped him build the business.

Welcome to the Lenders Playbook Podcast with Matt Rosen. In episode 102, we’re joined by Darius Ross, a long-time American Lending Conference member who turns overlooked neighborhoods into profitable opportunities. Darius shares his journey in inner-city investing, the deals that shaped him, and the lessons most investors learn too late. We talk real deals, real risks, and how to find opportunities while making a real impact.

Building a True All-Inclusive Real Estate & Lending Platform with Taylor GreerIn this episode, I sit down with Taylor Greer, a seasoned real estate and hard money professional who’s been navigating the Sacramento market since 2005. Taylor breaks down how CARLILE was built as a true all-inclusive boutique brokerage—combining real estate, lending, hard money, and appraisals under one roof—and why that model gives buyers and investors a serious advantage.We dive into how the Sacramento market has evolved over the years, where smart money is finding opportunity right now, and the biggest mistakes buyers and sellers continue to make. Taylor also shares real client success stories, his education-first approach to investing, and what buyers and investors need to understand heading into 2026.If you’re looking to make smarter real estate decisions, spot opportunities others miss, and learn how integrated services create better outcomes, this episode is packed with insight.

Today’s episode is a big one.Welcome to the Lenders Playbook! Today is a big day for us. This is our 100th episode, and I honestly couldn’t think of a more fitting way to mark the milestone here at the start of 2026.When I look back at why this podcast started, it was always about bringing real conversations, real operators, and real value to this industry—not hype, not noise, but people who are actually in the arena doing the work.That’s why having Nema and Kevin Kim on for episode 100 feels perfect.They represent exactly what this show is about: long-term thinking, discipline, execution, and building something that lasts. Their journey, the way they operate as a law firm and the impact they’ve had in this space align completely with the standards we try to hold here every single episode.So if you’ve been with us since episode one—or if this is your first time tuning in—this conversation is a powerful one. I’m excited, grateful, and proud to bring you episode 100 with Nema Degbandan and Kevin Kim from Fortra Law.Let’s get into it.

In Episode 98 of The Lenders Playbook, host Matt Rosen dives into what happens when real estate deals don’t go as planned—and how private lenders can protect themselves before problems arise.Our guest today is by Brock Berglund, a specialist in commercial foreclosures and loan workouts, we break down real-world scenarios, common lender misunderstandings, and practical strategies to avoid costly mistakes when deals go sideways.This episode is brought to you by Temple View Capital Funding, LP, a national private money lender offering flexible, common-sense financing for non-owner-occupied residential investment properties—helping investors close faster and scale smarter nationwide.

American Lending Conference
National Private Lending Event
March 10-11, 2026
Las Vegas, Green Valley Ranch
https://www.americanlendingconference.com/

Episode 97 of The Lenders Playbook features an in-depth conversation with entrepreneur Chance Wheeler, founder of Asset Allies—a company using advanced AI to transform the way lenders, brokers, and investors underwrite real estate deals.In this episode, we unpack the real problems in today’s underwriting process: slow turnaround times, inconsistent valuations, and decisions often based on gut instead of data. Chance shares the moment he realized AI could outperform traditional methods, how his platform delivers faster and more accurate deal analysis, and why this technology is already reshaping the lending landscape.We also discuss the biggest challenges in scaling a tech company in the real estate space, how users are reacting to AI-driven underwriting, and what deal valuation is likely to look like by 2026.If you’re a private lender, broker, or real estate investor looking for the future of deal analysis, this episode is packed with insights you can use today.