In this finale of our Financing & Funding Series, Suzanne and I tackle one of the most powerful tools in real estate investing – private money loans. If you’ve ever felt like the lender holds all the cards, this episode is for you.

We cover why private money is so attractive, how to find the right lending partners, and most importantly, how to position yourself as a serious borrower that lenders love working with. You’ll learn how to build real relationships, prepare your paperwork like a pro, avoid red flags, and unlock a repeatable funding process that fuels long-term growth.

Whether you’re closing your first deal or scaling to 100+ units, this episode is loaded with strategy, practical advice, and real talk about how to get better, faster funding with less friction!

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

00:44 Why private money is so attractive

02:15 Educated borrowers = better relationships, repeat deals

03:50 Do your homework: documents, checklists, vet your lender

05:04 Building rapport with your loan officer is a game-changer

06:26 Fast-track funding starts before the deal: documentation, LLCs, clarity

08:08 Know the terms: prepayment penalties, interest rate buy-downs

09:23 Green flag: lenders who ask the right questions first

11:22 Track record, credit, and cash flow: how to get preferred rates

12:26 Focus on a few great lenders and don’t spread yourself too thin

14:03 Referrals, networking, and relationship ROI

15:14 Why you need an LLC before submitting a deal

16:13 Proactive, prepared, and professional wins every time

Quotables

“You don’t need five lenders—you need two great ones who believe in your vision.”

“The best deals start before the deal: document checklists, LLCs, and a clear process.”

“Private money is about speed and flexibility, but it only works if you do your part.”

Links

RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

info@rcncapital.com

REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/

In this episode of Uncontested Investing, we dive deep into one of the most misunderstood but most powerful tools in the investor toolbox: commercial financing for residential portfolios.

We break down the key differences between traditional and commercial loans, when it makes sense to make the switch, and how commercial lenders can become long-term strategic partners for scaling your real estate business.

Whether you’re just starting out or ready to transition from 2–3 properties into a real business, this episode is your roadmap to going pro!

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:30 Key advantage: easier qualification than traditional loans
03:49 What types of assets qualify for commercial financing

04:35 How commercial lenders act like partners
08:33 Understanding the different kinds of commercial lenders

10:10 Should you set up an LLC for each property?
12:03 What new investors need to know about commercial lending

13:45 Interest rates, cash flow, and why pacing matters
16:01 Advice for new investors: vet your options and talk to mentors

Quotables

“Just because you can get approved doesn’t mean you should move that fast.”

“A lender who educates you is a lender worth sticking with.”

“You don’t build a real estate business by staying in the traditional lane forever.”

Links

RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

info@rcncapital.com

REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/

Let’s be honest—real estate investing is a team sport and you’re not meant to go it alone. In this episode of our Financing & Funding Series, Suzanne and I break down the ins and outs of partnering with other investors—how to do it right, what to watch out for, and why the right partner can 10x your portfolio and fast-track your success.

We talk through the good, the bad, and the ugly—from finding complementary skill sets, setting clear legal boundaries, and protecting your downside, to spotting red flags and knowing when it’s time to walk away. Whether you’re just getting started or scaling to multifamily, this episode is your full roadmap to making partnerships work without drama or disaster.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:09 Leveraging complementary skills & experience

03:17 Multiple partnerships for different strategies

06:25 Equity vs. joint ventures vs. silent partners

08:47 Real estate syndications: Bigger deals, shared risk

11:01 Key values to align on: risk tolerance, time, renovation standards

12:35 Trust-building & bonding outside the business

14:00 Test communication before committing

15:06 The non-negotiable: Legal agreements

16:21 Schedule recurring partner check-ins

18:34 Don’t argue about everything: Learn to concede

20:03 The importance of transparency in every partnership

Quotables

“Partnering with investors isn’t just about capital – it’s about alignment, vision, and building something better together.”

“A partnership without transparency is a liability, not an asset.”

“No one wants to have the tough conversations, but those legal docs protect everyone—and they build trust.”

Links

RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

info@rcncapital.com

REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/