Uncontested Investing

Scott Fahl is the founder and CEO of Privy, a real estate software that helps investors find the best deals and evaluate them, all in one place. Scott's knack for innovation paved the way for Privy and the impact it has made on the industry, and he is with us today to talk about how it all started and where he is today.

Listen to this episode to learn more about the story behind Privy, how Scott's innovative nature impacted his career and many others', and how technology can make real estate easier for investors!

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:40 What was real estate investing like for Scott before 2008?

03:01 What influenced the beginning of Privy?

08:00 Where does Scott's entrepreneurial spirit and drive come from?

09:39 What is the biggest contributor to Privy's success and longevity?

11:01 How does Scott lead his team at Privy to success?

15:49 How can you be successful with the technology you're going to use?

17:54 How important is access to proactive date to Privy's success?

22:09 Why is proactive data important in the success of real estate investors?

24:17 How is AI impacting the real estate investing space?

27:35 How does customer feedback help Scott and his team improve Privy?

31:29 How does Scott manage nerves and uncertainty about his business?

36:43 What are the biggest deal breakers and deal makers in real estate?

40:11 What new updates are coming to Privy soon?

42:17 What has it been like to innovate a product like Privy?

44:10 What is Scott passionate about outside of real estate?

47:34 How can you learn more about Privy?

Quotables

"When you can start with what everybody is having success with, you could just repeat off of that."

"That's the biggest thing – you have to listen to what people are saying and if you give them what they want, they're gonna be happy. That's all there is to it."

"You're never gonna get it 100% right but if you're in the 80-90 percentile, push it out because you go back to that, you're not afraid anymore because you're trusting people to tell you."

Links

Website: Privy

https://www.privy.pro

Website: RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

Instagram: RCN Capital

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

Website: REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/

Norberto Rodriguez, the Founding President of NAHREP (National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals), is a dedicated entrepreneur, real estate agent, and investor with decades of real estate experience under his belt. He is a true expert in real estate and he is with us on the show today to share his experience in continuing a legacy his father started and scaling it to pass onto his children.

Listen to this episode to learn what makes a successful real estate professional and how you can become an effective leader in your organization today!

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:18 What is Norberto's background?

02:23 How does Norberto deal with the pressure of family legacy?

03:33 How did Norberto's sales background help him achieve success in real estate?

05:38 What is Norberto's advice for people who want to get into real estate?

07:40 What is one thing that can help you become successful in real estate?

08:43 What is NAHREP?

11:09 How important is networking in real estate?

13:02 What are the biggest deal makers and deal breakers in real estate?

16:44 Where does Norberto's passion to help and give back come from?

18:42 What are Norberto's priorities as a leader?

20:12 What is the biggest challenge in being a leader?

21:39 What is Norberto passionate about outside real estate?

23:15 How is Norberto introducing his children to real estate?

25:35 How can you get in touch with Norberto and his team?

Quotables

"The pressure is always there. It's just as you get older and you get more experience, it's learning how to manage that pressure."

"Don't be afraid to take that leap of faith. If you do enough due diligence on any property, you'll gain that confidence."

"Being the leader is not only having the vision, but actually also applying effective listening."

Links

Instagram: Norberto Rodriguez Jr.

https://www.instagram.com/ct_real_investor/

Website: RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

Instagram: RCN Capital

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

Website: REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/

Chris Branchetti is the Vice President of BCHH Title, who boasts a strong track record in private lending, MLS transactions, and handling a variety of property portfolios. Chris is with us on the show today to give us expert insights on today's market and how real estate professionals can minimize risk of fraud, among many other things.

Listen to this episode to learn more about finding the right title company, protecting your business from fraud, and how you can achieve success in real estate today!

Key talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:03 What made Chris decide to get into this industry?

02:05 How has Chris' athletic background influenced his work ethic?

04:04 What is the story behind BCHH Title?

07:02 What is the importance of a SOC Certification?

10:58 How can real estate professionals minimize their risk of fraud?

13:10 What should people be looking for in their title companies?

15:50 How can new entrepreneurs achieve success in today's economy?

16:51 How does the tokenization of real estate work?

19:08 What is the importance of networking in real estate?

21:47 What makes Chris' leadership style in BCHH Title successful?

23:12 How can you find the right mentor that will help you grow?

25:57 What is Chris' advice for young leaders today?

27:41 What are the biggest deal breakers and deal makers in real estate?

28:33 What does the future look like for title and servicing businesses?

31:11 What are Chris' goals for BCHH Title?

32:44 What is Chris passionate about outside real estate?

33:26 How can you connect with Chris?

Quotables

"When you're in the business of moving money and managing other people's money, you have to have a level of protection to ensure that where you're sending the money is accurate."

"Reliability, scalability, and consistency – those are three things that I think are paramount when I'm sitting across the table from a customer and what we do well."

"If you don't have the liquidity or capital for investing, look into the tokenization of real estate. You can get into real estate investing by buying real estate at fractions of a cost, which is tokenization in real estate, known as block chain."

Links

Website: BCHH Title

https://www.bchhtitle.com

LinkedIn: Chris Branchetti

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-branchetti

Website: RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

Instagram: RCN Capital

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

Website: REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/

Amy Kame is the Managing Director of the National Private Lenders Association and the Chief Strategy and Growth Officer of National Private Lenders Conference, Private Lender Law, and Private Lender Title. She is with us on the show to talk about her journey in private lending and leading multiple successful organizations.

Listen now to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes at the NPLA and how you can grow into an effective leader for your organization!

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:26 How important are relationships in real estate?

02:53 How has Amy's athletic background influenced her leadership today?

06:02 What got Amy into the lending industry?

09:09 What are the biggest challenges in the lending industry today?

12:21 Why is it important to make time for yourself if you want to succeed?

16:14 What does Amy's vetting process look like?

19:53 How does Amy's education influence the way she works today?

23:08 What is the biggest deal breaker or deal maker in real estate?

26:10 How can you grow towards leadership in your career?

28:10 How did Amy's coaching experience contribute to her leadership skills?

30:21 What are the goals of the National Private Lenders Association?

31:41 How does the NPLA keep up with regulations and policies that affect the industry?

35:14 What is Amy's best moment as an athlete?

Quotables

"Any of our organizations, we have to make sure that our values long-term are going to be aligned, and so we don't get into these relationships lightly. We make sure that we're doing right by our members."

"I knew I could be successful because I could sit back and I could take in information, really read and understand what our members needs are, and then be able to take that information and execute for them."

"A good leader to me enjoys everyone else's success more than their own."

Links

Website: RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

Instagram: RCN Capital

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

Website: REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/

Danae Hill is the EVP of Auction Operations at Williams & Williams with decades of experience as a real estate agent before shifting her focus towards real estate investing. She is on the show with us today to talk about real estate opportunities in auctions and more.

Listen now to learn more about how communication can help you achieve success in real estate, how to find great deals in auctions, and why you should start getting involved in them!

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:10 What is Danae's background?

02:05 What has Danae learned through years of being a real estate agent?

03:50 How important has communication been in Danae's journey?

05:32 How did Danae's mentors help her get to where she is today?

07:54 What should entrepreneurs focus on to achieve success in business?

09:07 How can you improve your level of communication?

11:01 What has it been like for Danae to be the EVP of Auction Operations at Williams & Williams?

12:32 What is a successful auction like?

14:50 What kind of investors can find great deals in auctions?

16:37 What are the benefits of building relationships with auction houses?

19:02 What is the biggest deal breaker or deal maker in auctions?

20:24 What is Danae's favorite part of her journey at Williams & Williams?

21:10 How has Danae's agent background helped her at Williams & Williams?

22:35 What is Danae passionate about outside of real estate?

Quotables

"The real estate business is driven by relationships, so as you develop those relationships, that's where a lot of business comes from."

"Communication is the core of my character, so my rule is I'm always answering emails, if my phone rings, I answer it. I'm constantly making myself available to have those conversations."

"If I'm negotiating a deal with a buyer, I'm gonna be clear and concise in my message, and I'm gonna be comfortable with silence so I don't have to fill every pause in communication with words."

Links

Website: Williams & Williams

https://www.williamsauction.com

Website: RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

Instagram: RCN Capital

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

Website: REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/

David Richter is a real estate investor, author, and the founder and owner of Simple CFO Solutions. He took the Profit First system developed by Mike Michalowicz and turned it into Profit First for Real Estate Investing, designed specifically to empower real estate professionals to make more profit and achieve financial freedom by gaining financial clarity and having control over their business finances.

Listen now to learn more about the importance of managing your business' finances and how the Profit First system can help you generate more profit as a business owner!

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

00:40 What is David's background?

02:42 How important is networking in real estate investing?

04:44 What was the turning point that gave David the idea for Simple CFO Solutions?

08:28 How does helping business owners with their numbers help change people's lives?

10:44 How does the Profit First system help provide financial clarity?

13:13 What was it like for David to take the leap of faith for Simple CFO Solutions?

20:40 How does David's passion give him confidence to do what he does best?

23:29 Why did David decide to start a podcast?

25:22 What has been the most challenging part of starting a podcast?

27:06 What is the biggest deal maker and deal breaker in business?

29:50 How important is your team to the success of your business?

33:48 How did David get to writing Profit First for Real Estate Investing?

36:39 Where can you get a copy of Profit First for Real Estate Investing?

Quotables

"I would say networking is paramount. I don't know if that's a cliche statement now, but it is very true – your network is your net worth."

"If you're a real estate investor, you have to have that element of faith of diving into it and getting it up and running."

"I want you to know that the key to any good thing here is the ability to ask great questions and to make your point as simple as possible."

Links

Free Book: Profit First for Real Estate Investing

https://www.simplecfo.com/rcn

Book: Crucial Conversations

https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Talking-Stakes-Second/dp/1469266822

Website: RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

Instagram: RCN Capital

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

Website: REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/

Suzanne Andresen is the President and CRO of REI Ink, a leading real estate publication in the US and one of Uncontested Investing's biggest partners in the real estate space. She is on the show today to give a little bit of her insights on the challenges of the housing market and what solutions we can provide as real estate investors.

Listen now to learn more about REI Ink, how they are helping real estate investors move forward in different market conditions, and why Suzanne is passionate about educating people about the real estate investing space!

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:23 What is causing the housing shortage in the US today?

02:31 How can the government help more people acquire homes?

06:37 How has REI Ink grown through the years?

08:54 What kind of impact has REI Ink had on real estate investors across the country?

09:43 What challenges does REI Ink face with a fully virtual structure?

11:19 How has Suzanne adjusted to being the president of REI Ink?

13:09 What is the biggest thing that can help investors succeed in real estate?

15:40 Why is it important to establish boundaries as you build your real estate portfolio?

17:59 How can your due diligence impact the success of your investment?

20:06 What is the best way to deal with deadlines?

22:58 What is the biggest deal maker or deal breaker in real estate?

25:02 Why is communication such an important factor in real estate investing?

27:05 How important is networking in real estate investing?

29:47 What is Suzanne passionate about outside of real estate?

Quotables

"To me, it's easier to answer a need in the moment than showing up on Monday and having 15, now significant needs, that require time."

"Don't extend yourself, don't go out on a whim and think you can make it work. Make sure it works based upon the information and the due diligence you do behind that is paramount."

"There's a lot of information and new stuff for you to understand how to make your investment shine and make it a long term engagement for whatever the next step is."

Links

Website: RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

Instagram: RCN Capital

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

Website: REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/

Welcome to another engaging episode of Uncontested Investing! Today, I have the pleasure of chatting with Hameto Benkreira from PadSplit. Hameto shares his unique journey from being a Fulbright grantee in Indonesia to his current role in the tech and real estate space. We dive deep into his experiences with startups, the importance of taking calculated risks, and how these lessons translate into real estate investing. This episode is packed with insights on learning by doing, leveraging your existing skills in new industries, and the critical role of mentors in any investment journey.

• [00:00] - Introduction and welcome with Hameto Benkreira.
• [01:10] - Hameto shares his experience as a Fulbright grantee in Indonesia.
• [02:45] - Discussing the importance of getting out of your comfort zone and its impact on professional growth.
• [03:55] - The transition from working in startups to the real estate sector.
• [05:30] - The significance of confidence and competence in new ventures.
• [07:10] - How mentors have shaped Hameto's journey and his advice for finding mentors.
• [10:40] - Introducing the Money Making Minute segment: minimum viable product in tech and real estate.
• [12:00] - Practical steps for market research and room rentals.
• [14:15] - Importance of networking in real estate investing.
• [17:00] - Hameto's personal journey into real estate investing.
• [18:50] - Discussion on adapting to market changes and PadSplit's niche in room rentals.
• [24:10] - The importance of working with experienced property managers in room rentals.
• [28:00] - Hameto's passion for tennis and how it recharges him.

• PadSplit: https://www.padsplit.com/
• RCN Capital: https://rcncapital.com/

Thanks for tuning into this insightful episode with Hameto Benkreira. If you enjoyed the conversation, please rate, follow, share, and review the podcast. Your support helps us bring more valuable content to you. Stay connected with us for more expert insights and inspiring stories in the world of real estate investing!

Jon Hornik is one of the most established leaders in the private lending industry. He is the Chair of LHRG's prestigious Private Lender Law Group—representing over 100+ nationwide lenders, originators, investors, including top Wall Street banks and many others. He is on the show with us today to help us better understand what it truly takes to succeed and how you can get on the right track today.

Listen now to learn more about what Jon is focused on today and how new generation entrepreneurs can achieve success given the market and economic conditions we have!

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:18 Why did Jon decide to start the Bold Moves podcast?

05:56 What is it like for Jon to take on the challenge of hosting a podcast?

07:01 Why is it important to always seek to learn more to grow?

09:44 What is the most important thing for Jon as a leader?

12:45 How did Jon's team benefit from going back to the office?

16:50 How can you find success in entrepreneurship today?

19:32 Why is it important to love what you're doing?

21:05 How can you develop a strong work ethic to achieve success?

24:00 What was the vision behind the National Private Lenders Association?

28:04 What is the difference between hard money lending and private lending?

30:05 What is the purpose of private lender law?

33:46 How can you make sure you're getting a good deal from your lender?

36:04 Why is it important to cooperate with your lender?

38:12 What is Jon passionate about outside of private lending?

42:01 How does Jon overcome self-doubt?

44:19 How can you get in touch with Jon?

Quotables

"If you're gonna build a real organization that has enterprise value that someday, somebody may wanna buy or invest in, you need to constantly be evaluating how you do things and how to get better."

"You could make up for a lack of experience and knowledge by work ethic and for investors out there, keep grinding. Keep working hard, don't give up."

"If you don't love what you do, find what you love because you'll never be great at something you don't love."

Links

Podcast: Bold Moves

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bold-moves/id1734305368

Website: Private Lender Law

https://www.privatelenderlaw.com

Website: National Private Lenders Association

https://nplaonline.com/

Website: RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

Instagram: RCN Capital

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

Website: REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/

In this episode of "Uncontested Investing," host Nate Zielinski sits down with John Seroka, President of Seroka Marketing and PR, a firm with over 37 years of experience in the mortgage and private lending industry. John shares insights into his career, the importance of family legacy, and how his company helps private lenders and real estate professionals elevate their marketing strategies. From personal anecdotes to professional advice, this episode is packed with valuable information for anyone looking to improve their marketing game in the real estate sector.

Talking Points with Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction of John Seroka) Introduction by Nate Zielinski. Overview of John's background and the longevity of Seroka Marketing.

1:11 - Family Legacy and Business Growth) Discussion about the family's involvement in the business. Expanding the company and working with real estate professionals.

2:14 - Early Career and Industry Challenges) John's start in the mortgage industry. Initial challenges and successes in telemarketing and sales.

4:34 - Transition to Marketing) John's move from mortgage origination to the family business. Building his own brand and marketing strategies.

10:04 - Digital Marketing Success) Key performance indicators (KPIs) for digital marketing success. Importance of a well-structured marketing strategy.

12:06 - Common Marketing Pitfalls) Common issues faced by private lenders with their websites. Importance of a healthy and well-optimized website.

14:00 - Branding and Positioning) Crafting a unique corporate personality. Steps to improve branding and positioning in the market.

18:00 - Moneymaking Minute) John's advice on continuous learning and adaptability. Staying updated with industry trends and technology.

37:07 - Networking and Trade Shows) Importance of networking in the industry. Tips for effective networking and building lasting connections.

40:13 - Passion Projects and Personal Balance) John's focus on family and personal health. Balancing professional demands with personal well-being.

Resources Mentioned:

Seroka Marketing and PR: Learn more about Seroka Marketing and their services at https://www.seroka.com.

LinkedIn: Connect with John Seroka on LinkedIn for more insights and professional connections at https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnseroka.

Key Takeaways:

Continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends are crucial for success.

Building a strong, optimized website is essential for digital marketing.

Networking and maintaining professional relationships can significantly impact your career.

Balancing work with personal life and health is vital for long-term success.

Connect with Us:

Email: [email protected]

Follow Us on Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rcn-capital

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RCNCapital

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rcncapital