***Guest Appearance

Credits to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdxd-H6gMPI

“How to Raise Private Money for Real Estate Without Banks - EP 22”

https://www.youtube.com/@kfalker

The world of real estate is often synonymous with big banks, endless paperwork, and the looming fear of being denied essential funding at the last minute. But what if the traditional approach to financing a property acquisition wasn’t the only— or best—way? On a recent episode of the Raising Private Money podcast, Jay Conner broke down his journey from relying on banks to pioneering the use of private money for real estate deals, opening new doors for investors everywhere.

The Frustration with Traditional Funding

Jay’s real estate story began by following the tried-and-true path of working with local banks and mortgage companies. For six years, this was his only option. But things quickly changed during the financial crisis in 2009, when his line of credit suddenly evaporated without warning. This unexpected hurdle forced Jay to rethink his entire funding strategy. Instead of panicking, he chose to seek out solutions and new connections, leading him to the concept of private money lending.

The Shift to Private Money

The turning point came from a conversation with a seasoned friend who introduced him to the world of private lending and self-directed IRAs. The idea was simple: individuals, not institutions, could become lenders by using their investment capital or retirement funds. The process could be tax-advantaged and offer investors a higher return on their money than what they’d get sitting in a traditional bank account.

By attending a real estate investing conference to learn more, Jay immediately adopted the role of a teacher. Rather than just searching for lenders, he educated his own professional and social circles about how private lending works. This strategy was so effective that he raised over $2 million in private funds within his first 90 days.

How Private Money Works in Jay’s Model

Jay’s strategy focuses on single-family homes, although he notes private money can be used for larger projects as well. The key difference with his method is the “one-off” model—rather than pooling funds into a single pot, each property is funded by specific private lenders, secured by asset-backed debt.

Private lenders in Jay’s model are protected in the same ways banks are. They receive promissory notes, mortgages, or deeds of trust, are listed as mortgagees on insurance policies, and are named in title policies as additional insured parties. If the borrower defaults, the lender’s recourse is foreclosure on a property whose loan never exceeds 75% of its after-repaired value, giving the lender significant security and potential upside.

The simplicity is part of the appeal: real estate investors pay private lenders like they would a bank—through mortgage payments or, in the case of property flips, accrued interest paid out at closing. Lenders don’t speculate on property appreciation; instead, they receive steady interest—often more than what’s available via other low-risk investments.

Sourcing Private Lenders

Finding private lenders involves targeting three key groups: your own network of connections, an expanded market as your business grows, and existing private lenders in the space. Jay emphasizes that his early successes all came from his immediate network—demonstrating the power of simply sharing the opportunity without attaching it to a specific deal.

Importantly, Jay isn’t pitching properties. He teaches potential lenders about his underwriting criteria and the maxim

***Guest Appearance

Credits to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oigky-lKyo&t=3s

“How Jay Conner Raised $2,150,000 Without Banks (Private Money Secrets) | Ep 54”

https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerLifePodcast

Navigating the world of real estate investment often feels like a delicate balancing act between finding the right deals and securing funding. For many investors, the challenge isn’t just identifying promising properties—it’s having reliable sources of capital to act quickly when opportunities arise. In a recent episode of the Bigger Life podcast, industry veteran Jay Conner shared the game-changing strategies he uses to consistently fund his projects and keep his business growing, even in challenging markets.

At the heart of Jay’s approach is private money lending, a strategy he credits as having the single greatest impact on his success. The power of private money is in its flexibility and accessibility. Unlike traditional bank loans or hard money lenders—which are often restrictive and laden with fees—private money allows investors to deal directly with individuals who have idle capital. These individuals, often referred to as private lenders, benefit from higher returns on their funds, while investors like Jay gain access to capital that isn’t limited by credit scores or the bureaucratic limitations of financial institutions.

Private money is distinct from the more common syndication or hard money models. While syndications pool many investors into a fund and require compliance with SEC regulations, Jay’s approach is more personal and approachable. It's built around one-on-one relationships where each loan is secured by a specific asset, such as a single-family home or small multi-unit property. This asset-backed debt provides security for lenders while simplifying the process for borrowers.

One major advantage of private money is the speed and freedom it provides. Jay’s business model is flexible enough to close deals in as little as seven days, an edge that has helped him win opportunities others might miss. Since shifting his acquisition strategy, Jay now sources nearly all his deals off-market, drawing motivated sellers through targeted Google and Facebook ads, as well as carefully crafted direct mail campaigns. Having capital ready to deploy means he can give sellers the fast closings they often desire, making his offers more attractive.

Jay emphasizes the importance of getting the money lined up before hunting for deals. He educates potential lenders—often people who have never heard of private lending—by hosting luncheons and workshops. By adopting a teacher’s mindset and focusing on adding value, Jay builds trust and creates genuine win-win scenarios. Many of his lenders are sourced from his personal and professional networks, but he also expands his pool through local networking groups and self-directed IRA events, where individuals are already seeking ways to deploy their retirement funds for better returns.

Automation and leveraging a skilled team are key components in scaling his business without being overwhelmed. Jay’s organization is lean but operates efficiently thanks to a combination of talented staff and technology. A dedicated acquisitionist qualifies leads, supported by a CRM that integrates every touchpoint, while an AI assistant screens and schedules calls with sellers. A project manager and bookkeeper round out the core team, leaving Jay free to focus on high-level decisions and the aspects of the business he loves.

The impact of this system speaks volumes: Jay operates with a small core team, relies on streamlined automation, and typically spends le

***Guest Appearance

Credits to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PT4nlVqTJ8&t=131s

“Private Money Explained: How to Raise Capital Without Chasing Investors with Jay Conner”

https://www.youtube.com/@ThePersonalSuccessPodcast

If you’ve ever wondered how to break free from the constraints of traditional real estate financing, the story behind Jay Conner’s transformative journey is bound to inspire. In this episode, together with Ryan Watts, Jay opens up about how a crisis forced him to discover a new path that ultimately became the cornerstone of his real estate and coaching business: private money.

Jay’s story starts not with triumph, but with a setback. In January 2009, after more than six years of success relying on local banks and mortgage companies for real estate investments, Jay received an unexpected call informing him that his lines of credit had been shut down. No warning, no explanation—just gone. Faced with this daunting challenge, Jay refused to become a victim; instead, he turned to his network and found the solution through a simple but powerful question: Who could help?

This led Jay to the world of private money, a concept he had never explored and that most people—even seasoned investors—often don’t understand. Unlike hard money, which is institutional in nature and involves brokers and underwriting, private money is sourced directly from individual investors. There are no brokers, no origination fees, and the relationship is built on trust and service.

Jay’s approach is fundamentally different from what most real estate “gurus” teach. He doesn’t believe in pitching deals or chasing funding. Instead, he emphasizes educating his network, sharing opportunities, and separating the conversation about investment from the specifics of any deal. This strategy allows people to see the value and security of real estate-backed private money lending without feeling pressured. Most of Jay’s private lenders had never heard of private money until he explained how it works—how they could earn competitive returns, backed by mortgages or deeds of trust, and enjoy security that typical stocks or funds couldn’t provide.

One of Jay’s insights is the myth that private money is only for the wealthy or well-connected. Instead, he built his lender base from ordinary people—retired teachers, civil service workers, even minors whose parents managed inherited funds. For Jay, it’s about diagnosing whether someone has a problem, like low returns or volatile investments, and then introducing them to a new solution. If an associate is happy with their return, Jay doesn’t push his opportunity, but if they express frustration, that’s where the conversation naturally turns toward private money.

The real benefit of Jay’s method isn’t just about financing deals—it’s about empowering others and fostering relationships based on trust and integrity. He coaches real estate investors across the country to adopt a service-first mindset, focusing on what they can do for others rather than simply on profits. This principle extends to his business model and his personal philosophy: “Enough is never enough when it’s not about you.” Success, in Jay’s view, comes from joy, happiness, and the impact you make serving others.

Jay’s coaching program has produced remarkable stories, helping people retire early, raise millions in private funding, and reclaim their lifestyle. The transformation is clear: private money enables fast closings, greater flexibility, and confidence—allowing investors to make offers knowing the funding is in place.

For newcomers, Jay offers practical resources such as his Curiosity O

Guest Appearance

Credits to:

https://www.youtube.com/@EliteOnlinePublishing1

“How to Fund Real Estate Deals Without Banks with Jay Conner”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSAmIyDiKpc

Navigating the world of real estate investing can be daunting, especially for those just starting out or for investors who face challenges securing traditional financing.

On the Raising Private Money Podcast, Jay Conner, a seasoned expert in private lending, and Melanie Johnson demystify the process of raising and leveraging private money. The conversation explores strategies, safeguards, and mindset shifts that have propelled Jay’s real estate career and can help others do the same.

Private Money vs. Hard Money: Understanding the Difference

One of the key points Jay highlights is the fundamental distinction between private money and hard money lending. Hard money typically comes from institutional lenders or brokerage firms that pool funds from investors and lend them out at higher interest rates, often accompanied by fees and points. While hard money serves as a commercial option, it tends to involve more rigid underwriting and less flexibility for individual borrowers.

In contrast, private money is a one-on-one transaction where funds are sourced directly from individuals. These private lenders might be friends, family, colleagues, or contacts from expanded networks. They offer greater flexibility and often better terms. Jay emphasizes that building a base of private lenders requires education and trust, allowing investors to secure capital without the layers of bureaucracy and expense associated with institutional loans.

Building a Niche in Real Estate: The “Big Fish in a Small Pond” Approach

Jay’s journey into private money began when traditional lines of credit vanished during the 2008 financial crisis. This pivotal moment forced him to rethink his approach and seek more resilient funding options. Operating in a small market in Eastern North Carolina, Jay discovered that being a “big fish in a small pond” enabled him to dominate his niche, consistently performing two deals per month with impressive average profits.

This strategy underscores a core lesson for investors: rather than competing in crowded markets, focus on a specific niche or geographic area where your efforts can stand out. Establishing expertise in a smaller market allows for deeper relationships, more reliable deal flow, and higher profitability per transaction.

Protecting Private Lenders: Safeguards and Transparency

For anyone considering borrowing or lending through private money, trust is paramount. Jay details rigorous protections he offers to private lenders, mirroring those required by local banks. These include naming lenders on insurance policies and title insurance documents, ensuring their investment is backed by tangible assets and protected against unforeseen events.

Loan-to-value (LTV) ratios are another critical safeguard. Jay limits borrowing to no more than 75% of the after-repaired value, providing lenders with a substantial equity cushion. This conservative approach reassures lenders and builds confidence in the security and reliability of the investment.

Structuring Deals: Interest Rates, Terms, and Flexibility

Private lending deals are often structured with interest-only payments, which provide consistent income to lenders while supporting the investor’s cash flow. Jay has offered a steady 8% interest rate to his private lenders since 2009, higher than bank certificates of deposit or savings accounts. By educating lenders about this opportunity—and avoiding the

***Guest Appearance

Credits to:

https://www.youtube.com/@AlNicoletti

“Private Money Funding with Jay Conner”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXzYTlhntR8&t=222s

If you’ve spent any time in real estate investing, you know that access to reliable funding is what separates consistent winners from those who just get by. For many, the quest for money leads straight to traditional banking institutions, only to be faced with endless red tape, restricted lines of credit, and mountains of paperwork. But there’s a smarter path, one that puts you in the driver’s seat: private money.

Jay Conner, affectionately known as The Private Money Authority, joined Al Nicoletti on The Al Nicoletti Show to break down the steps, strategies, and mindset shifts that can empower any real estate investor to thrive using private funding. He lays out, with decades of experience, why private money works and how just about anyone can tap into it—no matter their market, background, or connections.

At its core, private money means working directly with individuals instead of hard money lenders or banks. These are people—often those you already know—looking for stable, attractive returns on their capital. They might be tired of unpredictable market swings and low yields in their retirement accounts. The real difference in this funding style is that you, the investor, get to set the terms: interest rates, payment schedules, loan duration, and more, all tailored to create a win-win relationship.

Control is the biggest advantage of using private money. When you work with institutional lenders, they set the ground rules. They decide how much you can borrow, under what terms, and often with unnecessary limits on your potential. With private money, that script is flipped. Investors can borrow 100%—even beyond the property’s purchase price to cover rehab, carrying costs, and more. Structured properly, this means you can walk away from closing with excess cash in hand, ready to fuel multiple projects.

This flexibility is a game-changer not just for seasoned investors, but especially for those just starting. While creative strategies like subject-to or seller financing are often discussed, the reality is that most sellers want all-cash offers. Having private money lined up allows you to compete for the large majority of deals where cash is king.

Jay Conner’s approach is all about education rather than pitching. Instead of desperately chasing funds, he recommends teaching potential private lenders about the safety, security, and predictability of private lending opportunities—often using self-directed IRAs. Most people aren’t aware they can use their retirement funds to invest in real estate and earn reliable, above-market returns, tax-deferred or even tax-free. Positioning yourself as a resource for education, not just a beneficiary of their funds, attracts interest and trust.

Interestingly, Jay never brings a deal to a potential lender right away. Instead, he focuses on developing relationships, sharing how the process works, and allowing the conversation to spark curiosity. By the time he calls with a specific opportunity, the private lender is eager to participate, not being “sold” on anything.

Another vital point is that private money lending is not just for single-family fix and flips. Once the mechanics are understood, it can be used for small apartments, duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, and land. The versatility increases deal flow and diversifies opportunities.

The path to building private lender relationships begins with your warm market: people you already know and who trust you. Jay’s strategies include both direct and “indir

Guest Appearance

Credits to:

https://www.youtube.com/@yieldcoach

“S02 E37 - Jay Conner - The Big Fish in a Little Pond”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8SRgpoCfXU&t=46s

When most people imagine real estate investing at scale, they picture bustling cities and high-profile investors closing multi-million-dollar deals in large urban centers. Jay Conner’s story, as revealed in his guest appearance on Ian Brown’s Yield Coach Show, flips this conventional wisdom on its head. Based in a market of just 40,000 people, Jay has built a thriving operation, completing over 475 rehabs and maintaining an impressive average profit of $78,000 per flip—all by leveraging the power of private money.

Building a Real Estate Machine in a Small Market

Jay’s journey began in the housing industry alongside his father, who once owned the country’s largest mobile home retail operation. Witnessing an abrupt end to consumer financing for manufactured homes, Jay transitioned into single-family investing in 2003. Rather than chase larger markets, he decided to master his small local area, demonstrating that significant profits can be earned even far from the big city spotlight.

Initially, Jay started solo. By his own admission, the first year’s three house flips were ambitious for a team of one. Over the years, he scaled up, and today his local operation handles two to three properties monthly—all without the intense competition or wholesale activity common in larger markets. In fact, Jay notes that wholesaling isn’t even present in his area; he’s the go-to buyer.

The Power of Positioning Private Money First

One of the most important shifts in Jay’s approach came during the financial crisis of 2008. When traditional bank financing suddenly collapsed, as it did for so many investors, Jay had to rethink his approach. Instead of relying on banks that could shut down credit lines with a single phone call, he began raising private capital. Within three months, he’d secured more than $2 million by educating local contacts about the returns and security of lending on real estate deals, often via self-directed IRAs.

Rather than approaching private lenders with a sense of desperation or pitching specific deals, Jay positions himself as a teacher. He explains the safety features and returns of private lending, building trust and credibility. Prospective lenders learn about the process, and when they’re ready, they’re excited to lend—often reaching out proactively to fund deals. This mindset shift—from asking for money to offering an investment opportunity—has been foundational to his success.

Jay now works with 47 private lenders, who collectively provide about $8.5 million in funding for his deals. Private loans typically come in at 8% interest for first-position liens and 10% for subordinate liens. Regular people—retirees, acquaintances, friends from church, and family—make up this lender base. Many had never even heard of private lending or self-directed IRAs before Jay introduced these concepts.

Automation and Smart Deal Flow

Jay’s streamlined operation is built on proactive, automated marketing and systematic deal flow. His company deploys multiple Google and Facebook pay-per-click campaigns using third-party vendors. By running three separate campaigns under different names, he maximizes lead generation and dominates the search results for motivated sellers in his local market. Despite paying $150 per Google lead, he needs only seven prospects to secure a purchase, given his acquisition strategy.

Direct mail to pre-probate and foreclosure lists, high-conversion sequences, and direct outreach to new wholesal

Many investors are told the only path to financial security is to trust Wall Street with their savings, accumulate as much wealth as possible, and hope it all works out decades later. But in a recent episode of Raising Private Money, host Jay Conner sat down with Chris Miles—the Cash Flow Expert—who has taken a dramatically different route. Rather than focusing on traditional stock-driven strategies, Chris has built true financial freedom around creating multiple streams of passive income, helping clients unlock over $300 million in increased cash flow along the way.

Why the Traditional Financial Playbook Falls Short

Chris’s journey began in the traditional world of financial advising. He was taught, and taught his clients, the standard advice: save diligently, fund your 401(k), pay off debt, and wait for compounding returns to deliver financial freedom in retirement. But after analyzing his own dad’s finances, Chris saw firsthand how this advice doesn’t always deliver. Even debt-free savers with healthy retirement accounts can fall short, sometimes outliving their money or missing out on years of opportunity.

This realization fueled Chris’s break from traditional financial advice. He found most advisors couldn’t achieve financial freedom themselves through Wall Street-centric methods—they relied on commissions, not returns from the same products they recommended. Chris sought alternative paths: real estate, hard money lending, mineral rights, and other assets that actually produce cash flow.

The Power of Diversified, Passive Income

What makes Chris’s approach so compelling is its focus on income streams that show up whether you work or not. Instead of chasing net worth for the sake of status, Chris encourages focusing on cash flow—the real scoreboard for financial independence. If your investments generate income that exceeds your expenses, you’re free from the rat race—regardless of how much you have “on paper”.

His investment strategies include turnkey rental properties for hands-off cash flow, hard money lending to earn steady returns from financing others’ deals, and mineral rights investments that benefit from rising commodity prices. Chris also takes advantage of syndications and various forms of business partnerships. The keys are diversity, control, and the ability to pivot as markets shift.

Biggest Mistakes Investors Make

When new clients come to Chris, they almost always have untapped opportunities and a few common financial mistakes holding them back. Taxes are a major issue: many business owners and investors don’t have proactive accountants who help minimize their tax burden. Others still believe maxing out IRAs and 401(k)s is a winning tax strategy, when it may just be deferring higher taxes to later years. Another frequent blind spot is simply not tracking cash flow closely—money leaks from unmonitored expenses can quickly eat away at freedom.

Chris’s process starts by examining clients’ cash flow microscopically, finding places to restructure debt, reduce taxes, or reallocate underperforming assets. Often, it’s possible to build or accelerate passive income just by “freeing up” money already sitting idle in stocks, low-yield accounts, or poorly leveraged properties. For example, by selling a non-cash-flowing rental or repositioning assets, some clients unlock thousands in new monthly income without even taking on new investments.

Cash Flow Versus Net Worth Mindset

Chris is adamant that cash flow, not net worth, is the measure of real progress. Net worth looks impressive, but unless it generates reliable income, it won’t buy time or freedom. Like a business chasing revenue but ignoring profit, an investor can have a high net worth but little spending power or security. Financial freedom is achieved by generating enough passive income to comfortably meet (and exceed) living expenses—no matter what the market does.

Securing business capital is often the biggest hurdle for entrepreneurs and real estate investors who want to scale their ventures. Traditional bank loans can be hard to obtain, slow to process, and filled with restrictive requirements. But the good news is that there are innovative strategies that offer access to $50,000 to $250,000 in business credit—often at 0% interest.

In a recent episode of Raising Private Money, industry expert Ari Page, founder and CEO of Fund&Grow, shared invaluable insights on how to strategically tap into business credit and grow your business without the stress of traditional lending.

Business Credit: An Untapped Resource

Many people mistakenly believe that their funding options are limited to hard money lenders, banks, or mortgage companies. Business credit cards, however, are often overlooked as a viable funding tool. These cards are designed specifically for business purposes and, when leveraged correctly, can provide a flexible, affordable alternative for financing deals, covering rehab costs, and paying for contractors or marketing campaigns.

The notion that a business credit card can only be used for routine purchases is a misconception. Thanks to approved third-party payment services, business owners can use their credit cards to pay vendors who don’t accept cards, write checks, or even fund escrow accounts. This flexibility is a game-changer for investors who need to move quickly and efficiently.

The Power of 0% Interest

One of the most attractive features of business credit cards is the availability of introductory 0% interest rates, which typically range from 6 to 18 months. This means entrepreneurs can finance deals, pay for materials, or cover business expenses without incurring immediate interest charges. During this time, it’s possible to complete rehab projects, flip properties, or increase cash flow, making repayment much more manageable. Banks are motivated to offer these deals because they earn substantial fees from merchants every time a card is swiped, not just from interest paid by borrowers.

The rewards don’t stop at low interest rates. Many business credit cards also offer cash back and airline miles, which can further reduce the cost of doing business. By stacking cards and repeating the funding process over multiple rounds, entrepreneurs can maintain a cycle of low-interest financing for new projects.

How Business Credit Supports Real Estate Investing

The flexibility and speed provided by business credit cards make them ideal for real estate investors. According to Ari Page, some of the most popular uses among his clients are funding rehabs and providing down payments for larger projects. Instead of being limited by the restrictions of hard money loans, investors can draw directly from their business credit lines or use payment services to pay contractors or escrow accounts. When the property is improved and refinanced, the credit cards are paid off, freeing those lines for the next project.

Qualifying for business credit is also more straightforward than many believe. A 700+ personal credit score is essential, and you need a business entity. Even startups can qualify, making this an excellent option for new entrepreneurs. Once granted, these cards typically do not affect your personal credit report, provided they are kept in good standing.

Why Professional Guidance Is Key

While it may be tempting to apply for business credit independently, data shows that working with experienced professionals like Fund&Grow can significantly increase your funding potential. The application and negotiation process with banks is nuanced, and most approvals are secured through strategic follow-ups and negotiations—not just the initial application. In fact, the majority of funding secured for clients is obtained after the formal application process, a result of specific techniq