Raising Private Money with Jay Conner Podcast

If youve ever wondered how successful real estate investors consistently land incredible deals, youre not alone. On a recent episode of the Raising Private Money podcast with host Jay Conner, Dave Payerchin shared powerful, actionable insights from his career, where hes raised over $50 million in private money and built an impressive rental portfolio. Dave's advice is gold, whether youre looking for your first deal or leveling up your investment business.

Mindset: Your Most Important Asset

Dave starts by emphasizing the value of mindset and personal development. Before getting into tactics, he grounds his success in what he calls the core fourhis relationship with God, his health, his family, and finally, his business. For aspiring investors, this serves as a reminder: true success is holistic and must be built on a solid personal foundation.

Crucially, Dave shares a personal lesson about overcoming limiting beliefsespecially the common thought, Im not enough. Through consistent, small commitments (like daily habits), you build self-trust and confidence. In the context of real estate, your mindset directly affects your ability to network, take risks, and follow through on deals.

Why Dave Loves Single-Family Rentals

Dave is a strong believer in affordable housingspecifically single-family rentals, especially in stable, cash-flowing markets like Columbus, Ohio. He points out several reasons why:

• Demand: Single-family homes are in high demand since people prefer houses over apartments, especially families who want a yard and privacy.
• Accessibility: Its easier to raise money and get financing for single-family deals. You dont need complex investment structures or syndications.
• Stability: Markets like the Midwest arent seeing the same volatility as coastal areas, making them ideal for long-term cash flow.

The Power of Private Money

Both Dave and Jay agree: private money is one of the most powerful tools in real estate. It allows you to scale your investing without using your capital and enables you to compete as a serious buyer. Daves own story starts with necessityhaving no money or credit, he realized he needed to raise 100% of the capital (purchase and rehab) to get started.

Often, new investors make the mistake of shopping for cheaper money before theyve built a track record, thinking they should negotiate for the best rates right away. Daves advice? Get in the game, even if you pay higher rates at first. Over time, as you close deals and build credibility, youll attract lenders offering better terms.

Finding Deals: The Action Steps

So, how do you break into the business and start finding great deals?

1. Put Yourself Out There: Start by telling everyone what youre doing. Dave suggests overcoming the natural fear of being judged or not taken seriously. The market rewards those who educate and share.
2. Network the Right Way: Use social media strategicallyon Facebook, show your family and authentic self. Mix in regular updates about your deals, but keep it natural and genuine. The goal is to build relationships, not just blast advertisements.
3. The Personal Touch: Dave is a master at relationship building. He regularly sends hundreds of personalized holiday texts to his network. Not every message is about business. Its about staying top-of-mind and nurturing relationships without strings attached.
4. Transparency with Lenders: When it comes time to fund deals, Dave keeps it simple for his private money partners, showing basic numbers and security (like a mortgage or promissory note). He distinguishes his deals by avoiding syndications, instead offering lenders first-lien security on a single property for maximum safety.

Final Thoughts

Dave Payerchins approach is refreshingly honest and actionable. He reminds us that the secret sau

In real estate investing, raising private money is often seen as a numbers game, but at its core, its really about relationships. This is precisely the message Jay Conner and his guest, Kevin Thompson, share in their enlightening conversation on the "Raising Private Money" podcast. Kevin, an entrepreneur with a proven track record of facilitating hundreds of strategic partnerships, brings knowledge about the true power of relationship capital.

The Power of Relationship Capital

Business success, especially in fields reliant on collaboration and investment, doesnt exist in a vacuum. Kevin Thompsons journey highlights how critical relationships arenot just transactional contacts, but meaningful, mutually beneficial connections. Over the years, Kevin has helped fellow entrepreneurs generate millions in revenue, not by relentless self-promotion, but through thoughtful introduction, collaboration, and service.

A central idea in Kevins approach is treating relationships with genuine care. Relationships arent merely a means to an end; they are the end in themselves. The entrepreneurs who grow their businesses consistently are those who invest time and authentic energy in nurturing their network. Whether its private lenders in real estate or partners in other industries, the principle remains the same: showing up with a servants heart creates a ripple effect that supports long-term growth.

Defining and Creating Strategic Partnerships

Many business owners misunderstand the essence of strategic partnerships. Its not simply finding someone to promote your offerings for a cut of the revenue. Kevin emphasizes that a successful partnership is two people coming together to achieve more collectively than they ever could individually. The most fruitful collaborations begin not with, What can you do for me? but with, How can I help you serve your clients better?

This shift in mindset is transformative. It allows both parties to explore their unique skills and resources and see how they can uplift each other. The real value isnt just sales or dollars but the experience and trust thats built along the way. Kevins network is a testament to this philosophyhes facilitated over 400 strategic partnerships by focusing not on what he can gain, but on how he can help others grow.

Being the Connector

Kevin has become known as "The Connector," not simply for the sheer volume of relationships hes built, but for the quality and impact of those connections. His approach is proactive and intentional. Rather than wait for opportunities to come to him, Kevin reaches out to those who inspire him, often from something as small as a thoughtful social media post. He compliments, appreciates, and asks probing questionscurious to learn what excites the other person and how he might contribute to their success.

Even when facilitating introductions between others, Kevins focus is on alignment of values, interests, and intention. True partnerships are only possible when theres a natural fit, and Kevins intuition allows him to discern these opportunities effectively.

Leading with ServiceThe Secret to Reciprocity

One of the most powerful lessons from Kevins story is the approach of giving without expectation. Giving appreciation, attention, and help without any strings attached creates an environment where reciprocity happens naturally. Sometimes the benefits return directly from the person you help, other times from an unexpected source. This is the essence of the "law of reciprocity"what goes around, comes around, often amplified.

Implementing Relationship-Building in Your Business

For those wanting to implement these principles, the process begins with genuine curiosity. Start new conversations by asking sincerely what the other person is passionate about or currently working on. Listen with intent, not with an agenda. Look for way

If you're exploring strategies to build wealth, especially through real estate, the recent conversation between Jay Conner and Kenneth Gee on the “Raising Private Money” podcast is a must-watch. Kenneth Gee, a seasoned real estate investor, CPA, and commercial lender, has over 26 years of experience, has raised more than $50 million in private money, and has been involved in transactions totaling over $2 billion. In this episode, Ken shares his journey, insights on raising and leveraging private money, and actionable strategies for both active and passive investors.

From a 3 AM Epiphany to Real Estate Success

Ken’s story begins with a deeply personal motivator: time with family. While working grueling hours as a CPA at Deloitte, he found his only quality time with his newborn daughter was at 3 AM feedings. This realization sparked his pursuit of better financial freedom and work-life balance. Surrounded by successful real estate clients during his lending and accounting career, he decided to dive headfirst into the multifamily property space.

His start wasn’t glamorous—three small apartment buildings financed using a mix of seller financing, a home equity line, and support from his in-laws. What’s notable is Ken’s emphasis on starting where you are, using creativity, and not waiting for perfect conditions. He warns against being paralyzed by inexperience; instead, leverage what you have and learn as you go.

Why Multifamily?

While many consider starting in single-family homes, Ken chose multifamily from the get-go. His logic was straightforward: scalability and risk management. With multifamily, one vacancy doesn’t devastate your income stream the way it might with a single-family unit. Plus, greater cash flow allows you to hire help, freeing up your own time—a crucial consideration for those juggling busy careers or family life.

Raising Private Money—Built on Trust and Transparency

One of the most powerful sections of the podcast focuses on Ken’s approach to raising private money. Early deals were funded via personal connections, but over time, his network and credibility expanded. Now, Ken runs regular webinars—open and education-focused—for potential investors.

This outreach isn’t about high-pressure sales. Instead, he invites people to observe, learn, and engage at their own pace. Many followers tune in for months—even years—before choosing to invest. Ken’s approach is a model in building trust: provide value, answer questions, and empower investors to make informed decisions.

Education and Mentorship: The Real Difference-Makers

Both Ken and Jay stress a critical but often overlooked step: get educated before diving in. Ken’s advanced multifamily acquisition program is a year-long commitment with weekly group coaching calls, resources, and hands-on support. The curriculum guides students from developing their personal financial statement and business plan, all the way through underwriting deals and asset management.

Why so much focus on the details? Because, as Ken says, lenders and private investors will “sniff out” gaps in your knowledge. Being detail-oriented signals trustworthiness. It’s also the key to building your confidence and making sound decisions—cornerstones for long-term success.

Common Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them

Ken has seen many new investors stumble by underestimating the importance of due diligence and accurate underwriting. Treat real estate as a business, not a side hustle. Those who ignore the details, rush deals, or skip coaching often pay dearly, both in lost money and missed opportunities.

Jay adds an important point: don’t go it alone, especially early on. A coach or mentor can help you avoid unseen pitfalls and accelerate your learning curve. The resources and podcasts available today can save you the hard lessons Ken had to learn the slow way decades ago.

Final Tho

In the ever-changing world of real estate investing, asset classes rise and fall with shifting markets. Yet, according to real estate veteran Kevin Bupp, one asset continuously proves its value, resilience, and scalability: mobile home parks. On a recent episode of the Raising Private Money podcast with Jay Conner, The Private Money Authority, Kevin Bupp shared his extensive experience, including raising over $250 million in private capital, and revealed what makes mobile home parks a standout investment opportunity.

The Unexpected Journey to Mobile Home Parks

Kevin Bupp’s real estate journey began at age 19. Like many, he poured his energy into single-family rentals, building an impressive portfolio of 22 properties by his mid-20s. He tasted success but also felt the sting of the 2008 market crash, when he lost nearly everything.

Reflecting on that pivotal period, Kevin noted how inefficiencies in managing scattered single-family rentals, compounded by the inefficiency of technology at the time, exposed his business to excessive risk. The crash forced him to reevaluate, rebuild smarter, and ultimately, seek out asset classes offering not just cash flow and efficiency, but also resilience. This search led Kevin to mobile home parks.

Why Mobile Home Parks Offer Superior Investment Benefits

1.  Recession Resistance

One of the central appeals of mobile home parks is their stability during economic downturns. Historically, demand for affordable housing rises when the economy struggles. Mobile home parks cater directly to this need, providing low-cost living options that are in constant demand, regardless of market cycles.

As Kevin explained, even during periods when single-family home rents fell, mobile home parks remained relatively stable. Residents of these communities rarely leave; replacing or moving a mobile home is expensive, creating natural “stickiness” and consistent occupancy for park owners.

1.  Operational Efficiency & Scalability

Unlike single-family rentals spread across a wide geographic area, each with its operational quirks, a well-managed mobile home park can comprise dozens or even hundreds of income-producing units on one property. Kevin cited his company’s experience, scaling from a 34-lot park to properties holding over 700 sites, allowing rapid expansion without proportional increases in overhead.

Operationally, many residents in mobile home parks own their homes and simply rent the lots, reducing maintenance costs and management headaches for the investor. This model allows investors to focus on the land and common infrastructure, not individual unit repairs.

1.  Barriers to Entry and Limited Competition

Municipalities often resist the development of new mobile home parks due to lingering social stigma and zoning challenges. This makes existing parks more valuable over time, insulating owners from the risk of market oversupply. As Kevin put it, many parks were built decades ago and are still held by the original owners. Buying these properties often means acquiring from “mom and pop” operators, frequently below market value.

1.  Attractive Financing and Creative Purchasing Options

Kevin detailed how long-term relationships with owners and a reputation for fair, reliable purchases lead to creative financing opportunities, including owner financing with favorable terms, further improving margins and investor returns.

The Role of Private Money and Building Investor Relationships

A core theme of Kevin’s discussion was raising and leveraging private capital to fuel growth. He emphasized the importance of sharing real results transparently, whether in networking groups, social media, or his podcast, as a magnet for investor interest. Kevin’s approach is simple: prove success, speak openly about your business, an

In a world where career changes are increasingly common, the story of Dan Cantillana stands out as an inspiring example of how one can transition from a seemingly unrelated profession into a remarkable success in real estate. From the busy corridors of a fourth-grade classroom to the dynamic world of real estate investment, Dan's journey is one fueled by passion, purpose, and the drive to uplift others through his ventures.

Dan's career began as a fourth-grade teacher, a role that instilled in him a love for educating and helping others. However, his path took an exciting turn when he connected with real estate mogul Jay Conner's podcast and book on raising private money—a pivotal moment that encouraged him to dive into the real estate market. What started as a curiosity soon transformed into a calling. Inspired by what he learned, Dan immersed himself in the world of real estate, flipping properties and improving communities while simultaneously offering investors double-digit returns.

One of the most striking aspects of Dan’s story is his approach to raising private money. He began by simply sharing what he was learning and doing with his network. By leveraging his ability to communicate effectively—a skill honed in his teaching years—Dan garnered attention and interest from potential investors. Embracing the power of storytelling, Dan utilized short videos and email marketing to capture the essence of each property deal, making his investors feel a part of the journey. His mantra, "Do you like making money in your sleep? Call me," encapsulates the appealing simplicity and honesty of his approach.

Dan’s business thrives on relationships and transparency. His commitment to his investors, whom he considers partners, is evident in his dedication to making the real estate investment experience both profitable and enjoyable. It’s not just about the financial returns; it’s about being part of a story that transforms communities and uplifts neighborhoods. Dan’s emphasis on customer experience and communication has grown his referral-based business, building a robust network of satisfied investors.

The foundation of Dan's success lies not only in his teaching skills and ability to communicate but also in his unwavering dedication to his values. His master's degree in Christian leadership underscores a life guided by principles that he applies both personally and professionally. Dan’s real estate ventures are not just about making money; they are about making a difference, reinforcing community strength, and helping others build wealth.

Technology and networking play a significant role in Dan's business model. From attending meetups to leveraging social media and tapping into the power of search engine optimization, his approach is multifaceted, much like a perfectly prepared dish of chicken gumbo. Every element adds flavor, culminating in a successful strategy for finding off-market properties and raising private money.

Dan Cantillana's journey from a fourth-grade teacher to a real estate entrepreneur showcases the potential that lies within career transitions. His story is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and the impact of mentorship—a theme he consistently returns to, continually crediting his success to the support and guidance of those around him. By courageously stepping into real estate and sharing his journey, Dan has not only transformed his own life but has also created opportunities for others to grow and prosper. His story serves as an inspiration to anyone seeking to pivot their career toward new horizons.

In conclusion, whether you're a seasoned investor or a curious beginner, the lessons from Dan's journey are clear: embrace learning, leverage your existing skills, communicate your vision, and above all, remain committed to helping others. With these principles, success is not just a goal; it's a journey worth pursuing.

If you're inspired by Dan's journey