Discover how a former engineer turned $18,000 foreclosure flips into $18 million a year in investor funding.

In this episode of The Hero Capital Show, host Tim Mai sits down with Rick Bresler—founder and CEO of Katy Capital—to reveal the remarkable story behind his evolution from side-hustle flipper to one of Texas’ most trusted private lenders. Rick shares how he built lifelong relationships with investors, scaled his business through simple yet powerful “lunch and learn” sessions, and mastered the balance between deal flow and capital. Packed with lessons on trust, storytelling, and community-building, this episode is a masterclass for anyone looking to raise capital the right way and create long-term investor partnerships that last.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Relationship Capital Wins: Rick emphasizes that lasting investor partnerships come from trust, transparency, and consistent communication—not hard selling.
2. Start with What You Know: His journey began with simple fix-and-flip projects and evolved into a multi-million-dollar lending operation by leveraging his own experience and network.
3. The Power of “Lunch and Learns”: Rick’s informal, story-driven presentations to coworkers helped him raise his first $4 million—proving that approachable education attracts serious investors.
4. Balancing Capital and Deal Flow: He shares how managing available funds versus investment opportunities is key to maintaining investor confidence and business stability.
5. Adapt and Diversify: From hard money lending to equity partnerships and syndications, Rick demonstrates the importance of diversifying both income streams and investment strategies.

About Tim Mai

Tim Mai is a real estate investor, fund manager, mentor, and founder of HERO Mastermind for REI coaches.

He has helped many real estate investors and coaches become millionaires. Tim continues to help busy professionals earn income and build wealth through passive investing.

He is also a creative marketer and promoter with incredible knowledge and experience, which he freely shares.

He has lifted himself from the aftermath of war, achieving technical expertise in computers, followed by investment success in real estate, management skills, and a lofty position among real estate educators and internet marketers.

Tim is an industry leader who has acquired and exited well over $50 million worth of real estate and is currently an investor in over 2700 units of multifamily apartments.

Connect with Tim
Website: Capital Raising Party
Facebook: Tim Mai | Capital Raising Nation
Instagram: @timmaicom
Twitter: @timmai
LinkedIn: Tim Mai
YouTube: Tim Mai

From building his first single-family portfolio in 2006 to acquiring over $700M in multifamily and single-family assets, Mathew Simmons shares how relentless focus, adaptability, and disciplined strategy shaped his journey to the top of real estate private equity.

In this episode, Mathew—founder and CEO of Sim Capital—dives into the evolution of his firm’s growth from small personal rentals to multi-asset funds exceeding $100M each. He unpacks the pros and cons of multi-asset versus single-asset syndications, how disciplined underwriting and conservative leverage protected his firm during volatile markets, and why he launched a thriving affordable housing fund during the downturn. Whether you’re an aspiring syndicator or seasoned investor, this conversation reveals a masterclass in scaling strategically, raising capital efficiently, and leading with vision through every cycle

5 Key Takeaways

1. From Single Family to Multifamily Mastery — Mathew explains how his journey evolved from small rentals to large-scale multifamily deals, fueled by lessons learned in affordable housing
   
   
2. The Power of Multi-Asset Funds — He breaks down why Sim Capital prefers diversified multi-asset structures for scalability and stability across markets
   
   
3. Raising Capital Through Trust — Mathew shares how building relationships and transparency helped him grow from $5M raises to $50M+ funds
   
   
4. Pivoting During Market Shifts — Instead of chasing overpriced assets during 2020–2022, his team focused on operational efficiency and launched a high-performing affordable housing fund
   
   
5. Mindset of Relentless Growth — Mathew reveals his internal drive for continuous progress and problem-solving, emphasizing that success in real estate comes from discipline, resilience, and never settling for “good enough”

About Tim Mai

Tim Mai is a real estate investor, fund manager, mentor, and founder of HERO Mastermind for REI coaches.

He has helped many real estate investors and coaches become millionaires. Tim continues to help busy professionals earn income and build wealth through passive investing.

He is also a creative marketer and promoter with incredible knowledge and experience, which he freely shares.

He has lifted himself from the aftermath of war, achieving technical expertise in computers, followed by investment success in real estate, management skills, and a lofty position among real estate educators and internet marketers.

Tim is an industry leader who has acquired and exited well over $50 million worth of real estate and is currently an investor in over 2700 units of multifamily apartments.

Connect with Tim
Website: Capital Raising Party
Facebook: Tim Mai | Capital Raising Nation
Instagram: @timmaicom
Twitter: @timmai
LinkedIn: Tim Mai
YouTube: Tim Mai

Discover how Anton Mattli of Peak Financing unpacks decades of wisdom from his global banking and real estate journey — from Zurich to New York to Dallas — revealing how he’s advised family offices and high-net-worth investors in deploying billions into commercial and multifamily assets.

Anton breaks down how the JOBS Act reshaped the syndication landscape, why institutional players weather downturns better than most, and how syndicators can still thrive by strengthening partnerships and structuring smarter deals. He also shares critical insights on today’s lending environment, the future of bridge loans, and the pros and cons of fund-of-fund models. This is a must-listen for serious investors looking to master the art of capital structure, syndication, and sustainable growth in today’s evolving real estate market.

5 Key Takeaways

1. How the JOBS Act Transformed Syndication – Anton explains how the JOBS Act opened the door for private placements, making syndication scalable and accessible to a broader investor base
   
   
2. Why Institutional Players Are More Resilient – Large institutional investors leverage lower debt ratios and stronger capital reserves, allowing them to withstand market corrections more effectively than smaller syndicators
   
   
3. The New Rules of Lending – Post-2022, lenders have become far more cautious, scrutinizing both sponsors and properties with greater rigor before extending loans or renewals
   
   
4. Common Pitfalls Among Syndicators – Many operators fell into the “extend and pretend” trap, relying on bridge loans and preferred equity to delay issues rather than strengthen fundamentals
   
   
5. Fund of Funds vs. Fund of Fund Managers – Anton details the risks of fund-of-fund models when due diligence is weak, cautioning investors to distinguish between true fund management and simple marketing plays

About Tim Mai

Tim Mai is a real estate investor, fund manager, mentor, and founder of HERO Mastermind for REI coaches.

He has helped many real estate investors and coaches become millionaires. Tim continues to help busy professionals earn income and build wealth through passive investing.

He is also a creative marketer and promoter with incredible knowledge and experience, which he freely shares.

He has lifted himself from the aftermath of war, achieving technical expertise in computers, followed by investment success in real estate, management skills, and a lofty position among real estate educators and internet marketers.

Tim is an industry leader who has acquired and exited well over $50 million worth of real estate and is currently an investor in over 2700 units of multifamily apartments.

Connect with Tim
Website: Capital Raising Party
Facebook: Tim Mai | Capital Raising Nation
Instagram: @timmaicom
Twitter: @timmai
LinkedIn: Tim Mai
YouTube: Tim Mai

Discover how mobile home parks are one of the most stable, tax-efficient, and cash-flowing real estate asset classes in America.

In this episode, Jack Martin, founder of 52Ten, shares how he raised over $60M and built a $145M portfolio of mobile home parks across five states. From his first unexpected deal that turned into a “light bulb moment” to today’s institutional-quality acquisitions, Jack walks us through the strategies that deliver strong, stable returns for investors. He reveals why tenant-owned communities outperform traditional rentals, how bonus depreciation in mobile home parks can double passive losses for investors, and why cash flow—not speculation—is the key to long-term wealth. This conversation is packed with insights every investor and entrepreneur needs to hear.

5 Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Tenant-Owned Communities – Tenant-owned homes in mobile home parks reduce turnover, lower expenses, and create long-term stability
   
   
2. Why Cash Flow Matters Most – Jack emphasizes that relying on cash flow over speculative exits ensures consistent returns, even in volatile markets
   
   
3. Tax Efficiency Through Bonus Depreciation – Mobile home parks provide outsized bonus depreciation benefits compared to multifamily, offering investors dollar-for-dollar passive losses
   
   
4. Capital Raising Through Trust and Track Record – By consistently performing, reporting on time, and protecting investor capital, Jack built a network of over 230 happy investors without relying on advertising
   
   
5. Scaling Through Vertical Integration – Jack’s team manages property operations in-house, from maintenance to financing, giving them full control and the ability to reposition communities nationwide.

About Tim Mai

Tim Mai is a real estate investor, fund manager, mentor, and founder of HERO Mastermind for REI coaches.

He has helped many real estate investors and coaches become millionaires. Tim continues to help busy professionals earn income and build wealth through passive investing.

He is also a creative marketer and promoter with incredible knowledge and experience, which he freely shares.

He has lifted himself from the aftermath of war, achieving technical expertise in computers, followed by investment success in real estate, management skills, and a lofty position among real estate educators and internet marketers.

Tim is an industry leader who has acquired and exited well over $50 million worth of real estate and is currently an investor in over 2700 units of multifamily apartments.

Connect with Tim
Website: Capital Raising Party
Facebook: Tim Mai | Capital Raising Nation
Instagram: @timmaicom
Twitter: @timmai
LinkedIn: Tim Mai
YouTube: Tim Mai

Discover what world-class due diligence really looks like in multifamily syndications.

In this episode, Paula Sabrsula and Adriana Barrero—capital raisers, multifamily ambassadors, and soon-to-be fund managers—share how they’ve built their reputations on meticulous underwriting and sponsor vetting. From analyzing crime data and walking properties themselves to hiring third-party underwriters and running background checks on operators, they reveal the comprehensive process that protects their investors’ capital. With real stories of market pivots, lessons from capital calls, and the non-negotiable importance of communication, this conversation delivers invaluable insights for investors and entrepreneurs serious about safeguarding their wealth.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Due Diligence Begins with Crime Data – Their first filter is always crime rates, which immediately disqualifies the majority of deals they review
   
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2. Communication Is Non-Negotiable – The best operators maintain consistent, transparent communication—even during losses—which builds long-term trust with investors
   
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3. Thorough Vetting of Deal Sponsors – Beyond the deal itself, they run background checks, consult investor networks, and look for consistency in how sponsors present information
   
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4. Third-Party Verification Matters – They double their underwriting by hiring external firms to validate assumptions, adding another layer of protection for investors
   
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5. Investor Capital Is Personal – Paula and Adriana measure every deal by the standard of whether they would invest their own family’s money, ensuring alignment with investors’ best interests
   
   
   

About Tim Mai

Tim Mai is a real estate investor, fund manager, mentor, and founder of HERO Mastermind for REI coaches.

He has helped many real estate investors and coaches become millionaires. Tim continues to help busy professionals earn income and build wealth through passive investing.

He is also a creative marketer and promoter with incredible knowledge and experience, which he freely shares.

He has lifted himself from the aftermath of war, achieving technical expertise in computers, followed by investment success in real estate, management skills, and a lofty position among real estate educators and internet marketers.

Tim is an industry leader who has acquired and exited well over $50 million worth of real estate and is currently an investor in over 2700 units of multifamily apartments.

Connect with Tim
Website: Capital Raising Party
Facebook: Tim Mai | Capital Raising Nation
Instagram: @timmaicom
Twitter: @timmai
LinkedIn: Tim Mai
YouTube: Tim Mai

Discover how a real estate investor builds a $20M portfolio with almost zero debt.

In this episode, Jeff Cassell, a seasoned real estate professional, shares his strategic approach to building a substantial portfolio while minimizing risk and avoiding excessive debt. From leveraging seller financing to creatively structuring deals, Jeff reveals how he’s been able to acquire valuable properties and scale his business with minimal financial exposure. Whether you’re a new investor or an experienced entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable insights on how to grow wealth through real estate with a focus on creative financing and risk management.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Creative Financing Techniques – Jeff highlights how he’s used seller financing and other creative financing options to acquire properties with minimal debt.
2. Building a Strong Foundation – The importance of understanding market fundamentals and building a solid foundation before scaling.
3. Seller Financing as a Game Changer – Jeff explains how negotiating favorable seller financing terms allowed him to expand his portfolio without taking on large amounts of debt.
4. Risk Management in Real Estate – Jeff shares how minimizing debt is a key factor in managing risk and protecting profits in any market.
5. Scaling with Smart Acquisitions – He discusses how strategically acquiring undervalued properties and implementing value-add strategies helped him build his $20M portfolio.

About Tim Mai

Tim Mai is a real estate investor, fund manager, mentor, and founder of HERO Mastermind for REI coaches.

He has helped many real estate investors and coaches become millionaires. Tim continues to help busy professionals earn income and build wealth through passive investing.

He is also a creative marketer and promoter with incredible knowledge and experience, which he freely shares.

He has lifted himself from the aftermath of war, achieving technical expertise in computers, followed by investment success in real estate, management skills, and a lofty position among real estate educators and internet marketers.

Tim is an industry leader who has acquired and exited well over $50 million worth of real estate and is currently an investor in over 2700 units of multifamily apartments.

Connect with Tim
Website: Capital Raising Party
Facebook: Tim Mai | Capital Raising Nation
Instagram: @timmaicom
Twitter: @timmai
LinkedIn: Tim Mai
YouTube: Tim Mai

How do you launch a real estate fund and scale it to $150M in land development projects?

In this episode, Vas Persaud, CEO of Avatar Vision Fund, shares his journey from a 20-year career as a civil engineer working on over $3B in projects to becoming a fund manager tackling America’s housing affordability crisis. Vas breaks down how he leverages his engineering background to derisk projects, streamline entitlements, and create affordable, workforce housing through Karma Development Group and Eco Vision Homes. From fund structuring to innovative construction technologies, this conversation is packed with insights for investors and entrepreneurs looking to navigate development while making a real impact

5 Key Takeaways to learn from this episode

1. From Engineer to Fund Manager – Vas explains how his civil engineering expertise in permitting and land planning created a natural bridge into development and fund management
   
   
2. Addressing Housing Affordability – His mission-driven approach centers on building workforce housing for middle-income earners like teachers, police officers, and nurses
   
   
3. Customizable Fund Structure – Instead of a traditional blind pool, Vas designed a flexible fund model that allows investors to customize their investments and diversify across asset classes
   
   
4. Technology in Construction – From modular builds to 3D printing, Vas highlights evolving construction methods and explains why panelized, site-assembled systems may scale fastest
   
   
5. Derisking Through Entitlements – By structuring deals to only close on land after securing permits, Vas creates built-in investor protections while still capturing significant upside

About Tim Mai

Tim Mai is a real estate investor, fund manager, mentor, and founder of HERO Mastermind for REI coaches.

He has helped many real estate investors and coaches become millionaires. Tim continues to help busy professionals earn income and build wealth through passive investing.

He is also a creative marketer and promoter with incredible knowledge and experience, which he freely shares.

He has lifted himself from the aftermath of war, achieving technical expertise in computers, followed by investment success in real estate, management skills, and a lofty position among real estate educators and internet marketers.

Tim is an industry leader who has acquired and exited well over $50 million worth of real estate and is currently an investor in over 2700 units of multifamily apartments.

Connect with Tim
Website: Capital Raising Party
Facebook: Tim Mai | Capital Raising Nation
Instagram: @timmaicom
Twitter: @timmai
LinkedIn: Tim Mai
YouTube: Tim Mai

Discover what it takes to acquire over $600M in mobile home parks and self-storage facilities.

In this powerful episode, Matthew Ricciardella, founder and CEO of Crystal View Capital, shares his journey from washing dishes in his family’s restaurant to building one of the top-performing private equity funds in North America. He reveals why manufactured housing and self-storage are his core focus, how he sources mom-and-pop deals others overlook, and the disciplined strategies that have kept his funds outperforming expectations—even in volatile markets. If you’re serious about scaling wealth in alternative real estate, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

5 Key takeaways to learn from this episode

1. From Restaurants to Real Estate – Matthew’s early lessons in work ethic fueled his leap into real estate, beginning with residential sales and quickly evolving into investing.
2. The Pivot to Mobile Homes & Storage – He discovered these asset classes generate higher free cash flow, are fragmented, and provide defensive performance in downturns.
3. Capitalizing on Mom-and-Pop Sellers – By targeting underperforming but institutional-quality assets, Crystal View creates value and later exits to institutional buyers.
4. Fund Growth & Investor Trust – Starting with a $10M first fund, Crystal View scaled to $200M raises by consistently delivering on promises and outperforming projections.
5. Conservative & Resilient Strategy – With leverage as low as 25–50% and fixed debt, Matthew’s funds have never missed distributions, even as many peers cut or froze payouts.

About Tim Mai

Tim Mai is a real estate investor, fund manager, mentor, and founder of HERO Mastermind for REI coaches.

He has helped many real estate investors and coaches become millionaires. Tim continues to help busy professionals earn income and build wealth through passive investing.

He is also a creative marketer and promoter with incredible knowledge and experience, which he freely shares.

He has lifted himself from the aftermath of war, achieving technical expertise in computers, followed by investment success in real estate, management skills, and a lofty position among real estate educators and internet marketers.

Tim is an industry leader who has acquired and exited well over $50 million worth of real estate and is currently an investor in over 2700 units of multifamily apartments.

Connect with Tim
Website: Capital Raising Party
Facebook: Tim Mai | Capital Raising Nation
Instagram: @timmaicom
Twitter: @timmai
LinkedIn: Tim Mai
YouTube: Tim Mai