Unconventional with Bill Tessar

What happens when a real estate investment doesn't go according to plan?

 

In this episode of Unconventional with Bill Tessar, Bill sits down with Erick Williams, EVP of Asset Management & Servicing with ServEase, and Harris Howard, Founder & President of Howard Law, for a candid look at one of the most important, and often least talked about, sides of mortgage lending.

 

From projects that simply fall off track to warning signs of more serious problems, Erick and Harris share what lenders, brokers, and investors should understand about identifying risk early, navigating troubled loans, evaluating credible recovery plans, and knowing when legal intervention becomes necessary. But asset management and servicing functions aren't about being the "bad guys." The goal is to protect the lender while finding a path forward for the borrower whenever one still exists. With transparency, communication, and cooperation, many difficult situations can be resolved before they reach the point of no return.

 

The conversation also explores the realities of mortgage fraud and misrepresentation in lending, why strong underwriting matters from day one and what separates a challenging loan that can be recovered from one that ultimately cannot.

 

For lenders and brokers, it's an inside look at the work happening behind the scenes to protect the lending ecosystem. For investors, it's an important reminder that when a project goes off plan, communicating early can make all the difference.

 

About the Podcast: Unconventional inspires wealth through real estate by sharing the raw, unfiltered success stories forged outside the lines. Prepare for a masterclass in overcoming obstacles, defying conventions, and shifting your perspective on what’s possible.

 

Learn more at: https://cv3financial.com/unconventional/

What does it take to succeed in mortgage sales—and what’s it like being one of the few women in a sales organization of nearly 60 Sales Account Executives?

 

In this episode of Unconventional with Bill Tessar, Bill sits down with three of CV3's top Sales Account Executives, who have worked together for years and built successful careers in the mortgage industry. Sales Manager, Jackelyn Gonzalez and Senior Account Executives Savannah Moroz and Randi Lauren share how they transitioned from salaried roles into commission-based sales, the relentless mindset required to succeed, balancing the "always on" nature of sales, navigating a male-dominated industry, the deals they'll never forget, and their perspective on today's mortgage market.

 

Whether you're in mortgage lending, wholesale lending, B2B sales, or looking to build a successful sales career, this conversation offers honest insights, career advice, and real stories from professionals who have lived it.

 

About the Podcast: Unconventional inspires wealth through real estate by sharing the raw, unfiltered success stories forged outside the lines. Prepare for a masterclass in overcoming obstacles, defying conventions, and shifting your perspective on what’s possible.

 

Learn more at: https://cv3financial.com/unconventional/

Having capital is one thing but knowing how to leverage it so you don’t miss the next opportunity is what separates good investors from great ones.

 

Today’s guest, Bladimir Mercedes, CEO of American Capital Express, built his career on that principle. From immigrating to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic to being accepted into MIT but unable to afford it, Bladimir faced an early turning point that led him to make a life-altering decision to reset and serve six years in the United States Marine Corps.

 

Bladimir turned every setback into a lesson and kept moving forward. From failed ventures to hard-earned wins, that persistence led him to launch a credit repair company, which ultimately opened the door to the mortgage industry where he found his stride. Today, he helps others understand how to stay liquid, avoid overleveraging, and use financing as a tool to unlock more opportunities.

 

This conversation dives into calculated risk, resilience, and why trusting the process matters. A man who wears many hats, entrepreneur, veteran, professional poker player, and strategist—Bladimir’s story is anything but conventional.

 

This is a story about:

 

If you’re navigating adversity, building your path in business or real estate, or looking to expand how you think about money and opportunity—this episode is for you.

 

Get in touch with Bladimir on social media: @bladimirmercedes

 

About the Podcast: Unconventional inspires wealth through real estate by sharing the raw, unfiltered success stories forged outside the lines. Prepare for a masterclass in overcoming obstacles, defying conventions, and shifting your perspective on what’s possible.

 

Learn more at: https://cv3financial.com/unconventional/

Success doesn’t come from doing everything, it comes from doing the right things, with intent and with purpose.

 

Today’s guest, Alex Bekeza, Loan Originator at Investor Property Loan embodies that philosophy. From his early days in restaurant management to originating over $250 million in DSCR loans, Alex made a rapid and intentional career change into the mortgage industry, rooted in his mission to create long-term security and opportunity for his family.

 

This conversation dives into saying "yes" to a new opportunity, how to thrive as a loan originator in the world of real estate investing, and why discipline is a true driver of growth. Alex also shares how becoming a father—and raising a child with autism—reshaped his definition of success, pushing him to build not just a career, but a future designed to support the people who matter most.

 

This is a story about:

 

If you’re considering a career change, growing in the mortgage or real estate industry, or looking for inspiration on how to align your work with what matters most—this episode is for you.

 

 

About the Podcast: Unconventional inspires wealth through real estate by sharing the raw, unfiltered success stories forged outside the lines. Prepare for a masterclass in overcoming obstacles, defying conventions, and shifting your perspective on what’s possible.

 

Learn more at: https://cv3financial.com/unconventional/

In this episode of Unconventional with Bill Tessar, Kevin Kim, Partner and Head of Corporate & Securities at Fortra Law, shares how a Craigslist job ad led him into private lending and ultimately to becoming one of the industry’s most trusted legal minds.

 

Today, Kevin is a nationally recognized expert in mortgage fund formation and a trusted advisor to lenders, fund managers, and investors across the country.

 

While Kevin’s expertise lies in the legal world, he’s equally known for being a community builder in the industry. Through industry events and his podcast, The Lender Lounge, he’s built a reputation as a connector—someone committed to helping lenders, investors, and operators form meaningful relationships across the private lending space.

 

You can find Kevin's podcast, The Lender Lounge, here: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hWAoKllVgUQmWJX9elIzo

Connect with Kevin via email at: [email protected]

 

About the Podcast: Unconventional inspires wealth through real estate by sharing the raw, unfiltered success stories forged outside the lines. Prepare for a masterclass in overcoming obstacles, defying conventions, and shifting your perspective on what’s possible.

 

Learn more at: https://cv3financial.com/unconventional/

What does Trump’s “big, beautiful” new tax bill really mean for real estate professionals and business owners?

 

In this special edition episode of webinar-turned-podcast episode, CV3 Financial Services CEO, Bill Tessar, sits down with Tony Watson, renowned real estate tax expert and Managing Partner at Robert Hall & Associates, to break down the most impactful changes in the new tax legislation and why they matter right now. From potential tax advantages to strategic planning opportunities, Tony explains how savvy real estate professionals and business owners can position themselves to benefit.

 

Whether you’re an investor, broker, or entrepreneur, this conversation offers clear insights, practical takeaways, and expert perspective on how this sweeping tax bill could reshape your financial strategy.

 

About the Podcast: Unconventional inspires wealth through real estate by sharing the raw, unfiltered success stories forged outside the lines. Prepare for a masterclass in overcoming obstacles, defying conventions, and shifting your perspective on what’s possible.

 

-- If you're interested in getting a free 30 minute online or in-person consultation, head to RobertHallTaxes.com and click on new consultation!

-- You can also reach out to Tony here: [email protected]

 

Learn more at: https://cv3financial.com/unconventional/

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the program participants and do not necessarily reflect the official position of CV3 Financial Services, LLC. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. Please consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisor for tax advice.

When legal expertise meets technology, transformation follows.

 

In this episode of Unconventional with Bill Tessar, Nema Daghbandan, Partner at Fortra Law and CEO of Lightning Docs, shares his journey from practicing law in the early days of private lending to pioneering a technology-driven revolution in how deals get done.

 

When the financial crisis hit, Nema’s first job in law school disappeared overnight. But that setback led him to a new opportunity — one that placed him at the forefront of an emerging financing sector: private lending. What began as a pivot soon became a defining moment, helping shape the modern private lending industry as we know it today.

 

Now, he’s leading the charge again — this time with Lightning Docs™, a next-generation platform that uses AI and automation to streamline loan documents, reduce risk, and unlock new levels of efficiency for lenders nationwide. Nema’s story is proof of the challenges that disrupt us often become the opportunities that define us.

 

About the Podcast: Unconventional inspires wealth through real estate by sharing the raw, unfiltered success stories forged outside the lines. Prepare for a masterclass in overcoming obstacles, defying conventions, and shifting your perspective on what’s possible.

 

For information on Lightning Docs email: www.lightningdocs.ai

For more information on Fortra visit: https://fortralaw.com/

Learn more at: https://cv3financial.com/unconventional/

 

Unconventional with Bill Tessar is a podcast powered by CV3 Financial Services.

 

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About CV3 Financial Services

CV3 Financial Services, LLC (CV3) is a private lender providing business purpose loans for non-owner-occupied properties to real estate investors in 47 states. Financing options include bridge, fix-and-flip rehab loans, rental property financing, and new construction loans. With a digital lending platform designed to simplify the loan process, and all processing, underwriting, funding and servicing handled under one roof, CV3 delivers direct answers and quick closings for clients’ real estate investment financing needs. For more information, visit https://www.cv3financial.com.

Some people chase success; others build lives around purpose... Freeman Sawyer is proof of what happens when you do both. In this episode of Unconventional with Bill Tessar, Freeman Sawyer, Regional Vice President at CrossCountry Mortgage and Founder of Heroes Ranch, shares a his journey of grit, gratitude, and giving back.

 

From his early days selling cars to becoming one of the nation’s top mortgage producers, Freeman’s path took a dramatic turn after a near-death experience that reshaped his perspective on life and leadership. Fueled by his upbringing on a military base and his family’s deep ties to the armed forces, Freeman founded Heroes Ranch — a 450 acre refuge where veterans, first responders, and families with special needs can recharge and experience a variety outdoors adventures, free of charge.

 

About the Podcast: Unconventional inspires wealth through real estate by sharing the raw, unfiltered success stories forged outside the lines. Prepare for a masterclass in overcoming obstacles, defying conventions, and shifting your perspective on what’s possible.

 

Learn more at: https://cv3financial.com/unconventional/

To support Heroes Ranch: https://www.helpingheroeshunt.org/

For financing support visit: americandreamteam.com

What happens when you take a world built on numbers, data, and analytics — and infuse it with heart, vision, and purpose? In this episode, Bill Tessar sits down with Sean Morgan, Co-Founder and CEO of Forecasa, to explore how data-driven insight and entrepreneurial mindset can transform an industry from the inside out.

 

From his early days building analytics platforms in oil and gas to launching one of the most talked-about private data platforms in the private money lending industry, Sean shares how he’s turned numbers into narratives — and information into impact.

 

Together, Bill and Sean dive into the mindset it takes to scale a startup, the power of seeing patterns others miss, and how to use data not just to drive performance, but to build connection and purpose.

 

Connect with Sean:

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-morgan-05898062/

Website: https://www.forecasa.com/

 

Learn more at: https://cv3financial.com/unconventional/

What if the worst moments of your life became the very experiences that shaped your purpose? In this episode of Unconventional with Bill Tessar, Andrew Reamer—Managing Partner of Carstensz Capital—opens up about surviving an avalanche, a near-fatal boating accident, battling addiction, and clawing his way back from $1.5 million in debt by his twenties. More than a real estate investor or capital strategist, Andrew is a survivor, builder, and relentless seeker of meaning. Packed with gripping stories, hard-earned lessons, and fresh perspectives on resilience, leadership, and success, this conversation will challenge how you think about both business and life.

 

About the Podcast: Unconventional inspires wealth through real estate by sharing the raw, unfiltered success stories forged outside the lines. Prepare for a masterclass in overcoming obstacles, defying conventions, and shifting your perspective on what’s possible.

 

Learn more at: https://cv3financial.com/unconventional/