What if you could build a 184-unit Airbnb portfolio without owning a single property in just two years?

In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Leong, who scaled from 0 to 184 Airbnb arbitrage units in just two years. At his peak, his business pulled in over $1.1M in a single month. After grinding through the early days, Kevin built systems, hired a team of 20+ VAs, and now runs the entire operation in under 10 hours a week.

We dive into how Kevin went from a cannabis warehouse job and side hustles to building one of the fastest-growing Airbnb arbitrage companies out there. He shares the credit card hacks that helped him fund his first deal, the 200+ cold calls it took to land his first “yes,” and the mistakes new operators should avoid.

If you’re into real estate, Airbnb, or just want to learn how to scale a business fast—this one’s a masterclass.

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We talk about:

• How Kevin scaled from 0 to 184 Airbnb arbitrage units in two years
• Using 0% interest credit cards to fund growth
• The grind of 200+ rejections before his first deal
• Building systems and SOPs to scale without burnout
• Hiring VAs and stepping back to a 10-hour workweek
• Why arbitrage can be the perfect stepping stone to long-term wealth

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🎯 Follow Kevin Leong
Instagram: @kevinleong_bnb

🚀 Connect with Lorenzo Mercado
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_/
Website: www.mercasaventures.com

www.AscentCapital.llc

🎙️ Listen to The Lo-Down

🎙️Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761
🎙️Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado

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Share it with a friend who needs to hear it!

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Airbnb Arbitrage

02:49 Understanding the Business Model

05:38 Revenue Insights and Financials

08:35 Background and Early Career

11:25 First Deal Experience

14:01 Choosing Locations and Market Research

17:08. Scaling the Business

20:02 Operational Strategies and Team Structure

22:55 Challenges and Learning Lessons

25:39 Future Plans and Vision

28:45 Final Thoughts and Advice

What if homes could be printed instead of built?

In this episode, I sit down with Nan Lin, founder of 4DIFY and Kaizen Capital, who built California’s first fully permitted 3D-printed housing community.

We get into how he went from mortgage lending to real estate investing, and how that journey led him to launching a company that’s changing how we think about construction. Nan shares how they got local approvals, solved major problems in housing, and built something no one thought was possible.

If you're into real estate, construction innovation, or just love bold ideas—this one’s a must-listen.

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We talk about:
-How 3D printing could solve labor shortages and reduce build costs
-What it took to get city and county approval for something no one’s seen before
-Raising capital from people who believed in the vision
-The mindset it takes to bet big on innovation

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🎯 Follow Nan Lin
Instagram: @nanunlimited
4DIFY Website: https://www.4dify.com

🚀 Connect with Lorenzo Mercado
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_
Website: https://www.mercasaventures.com

🎙️Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761
🎙️Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado

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Share it with a friend who needs to hear it!

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Timestamps:
00:19 – Introduction to Nan Lin and Fortify
01:49 – The Genesis of Fortify: From Idea to Reality
07:54 – The 3D Printing Process: Building the Future of Homes
13:40 – Navigating Permits and City Approvals
19:08 – Financial Insights: Costs and Profitability
25:00 – Raising Capital: Strategies and Advice
26:56 – Expanding Horizons: Multifamily and ADUs
28:37 – Collaborative Design Challenges in Construction
31:23 – Future Vision: Scaling Fortify's Operations
32:34 – Investment and Operational Challenges in 3D Printing
33:43 – Nan Lin's Journey into Real Estate
39:15 – Lessons from Early Real Estate Investments
49:53 – Founding Kaizen Capital: A Collective Investment Approach
52:12 – Building a Team: Hiring for Success
54:06 – Mindset and Philosophy for Continuous Improvement

In this deeply personal soLo episode, I share the raw, unfiltered story behind one of the best decisions I’ve ever made: quitting alcohol and all other drugs — and how that choice transformed every area of my life.

From blacking out in Vegas to losing myself to weekend benders, drinking was more than just a habit… it was my identity. But two years ago, everything changed.

In this episode, I dive into:
• When and why I started drinking
• The night that finally broke me
• The social pressure and FOMO of sobriety
• How I handled cravings and temptation
• The myths people believe about sober life
• And how going alcohol-free helped me become a better husband, entrepreneur, and human being

Whether you’re sober curious, struggling with balance, or just love a story of personal growth — this one’s for you.

🔗 If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with alcohol, I hope this episode brings clarity, encouragement, and hope.

Please give a 5 STAR REVIEW on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and SHARE this episode.

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🚀 Connect with Lorenzo Mercado
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_
Website: https://www.mercasaventures.com

🎙️Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761
🎙️Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado

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💬 Like this episode?
Share it with a friend who needs to hear it!

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Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Sobriety Journey

01:02
The Struggles with Alcohol

03:52
Life Before Sobriety

06:42
The Challenges of Going Sober

09:37
Transformations After Sobriety

12:20
Myths About Sobriety

13:08
Encouragement for Those Considering Sobriety