***Guest Appearance

Credits to:

https://www.youtube.com/@thekatebarryteam3281

"The Private Money Powerhouse: Funding Fortunes to High Returns with Jay Conner - EP 14"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iTULXZJROE

In the world of real estate investing, setbacks are almost a rite of passage. But for those determined enough, each obstacle is simply a stepping stone toward bigger success. This is the resounding message from the latest episode of the Raising Private Money podcast!

From Traditional Lending to Private Money

Jay Conner’s real estate journey is a testament to adaptability and resilience. Like many investors, Jay started his career relying on traditional bank financing. For six years, this approach worked—until 2009’s global financial crisis abruptly shut down his line of credit, leaving two profitable deals suddenly unfunded. “The only opportunity I had at that moment was to solve a problem,” Jay recalls. And solve it he did.

Rather than wallow, Jay reached out to contacts, sought advice, and quickly discovered the concept of raising private money. This method involves borrowing capital from everyday individuals—friends, neighbors, even fellow church members—who are looking for higher, safer returns on their investments than the stock market or a typical savings account.

Educating, Not Pitching

One of the secrets to Jay’s success lies in his approach to fundraising. Instead of hard-selling investment opportunities or begging for money, Jay led with education. “I never asked for money. I simply explained the opportunity, how private lending works, and the kinds of returns people could achieve,” he says. By positioning himself as a teacher and problem-solver, Jay attracted investors who already knew, liked, and trusted him—and who appreciated the clarity and transparency.

As Jay explains to Kate Barry, none of his first 47 private lenders had ever heard of private money or self-directed IRAs before he taught them about it. Separating the act of building investor relationships from pitching individual deals allowed him to grow trust and raise over $8 million, solely through “good news” phone calls inviting investors to put their money to work, not funding requests.

Protecting Investors and Building Trust

A cornerstone of Jay’s longevity is his diligent protection of private investors’ interests. He never borrows more than 75% of a property’s after-repair value, ensuring a 25% equity cushion and added security for his lenders. All investments are strictly tied to real property, secured with promissory notes and deeds of trust, and lenders are named on insurance policies.

Jay’s systematic, risk-conscious approach allows him to promise—and deliver—competitive, consistent returns to investors, regardless of market conditions. Even when renovation budgets go over (as they so often do), these safeguards insulate investors from losses and keep their confidence high.

Systems, Teams, and Consistency

Jay’s growth wasn’t built on volume but on quality. He and his wife, Carol Joy, run a high-margin operation, taking on two to three deals a month in a relatively small market. A key to their efficiency is a well-coordinated team of acquisition specialists, general contractors, and support staff. This lets them run up to six renovations simultaneously, execute projects smoothly, and bring homes to market quickly, often marketing through coming-soon listings and professional music videos to generate demand before a property is even available for showings.

Lessons for Aspiring Investors

If Jay could go back to his earliest days, his advice would be this: Don’t go it alone. Get a mentor, connect with your local real estate investing association, and continually surround

***Guest Appearance

Credits to:

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

"Raising Private Money Like A Pro: $2m In Just A Few Months!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Epb08dAiKDs

For new and experienced real estate investors alike, the challenge of finding funding is one of the biggest obstacles to growing a profitable portfolio. If you’ve ever wondered how some investors manage to raise millions in private money, without begging banks or feeling desperate in front of lenders, you’ll want to pay close attention to the strategies shared by Jay Conner, known as the “Private Money Authority.” Recently, Jay joined seasoned investor couple Mel and Dave Dupuis for an in-depth discussion about the art and science of raising private capital for real estate deals.

Overcoming the “Bank Said No” Club

Jay’s real estate journey began traditionally, with bank financing. But in 2009, when his banker abruptly cut off his line of credit, Jay was forced into what he calls the “club of being told no by the bank.” Many investors find themselves here: good credit, a history of successful deals, but suddenly, institutional partners slam the door shut. For Jay, this so-called setback was the doorway to a better way: raising private money from individuals.

What Exactly is Private Money?

Private money, as Jay explains, is funds lent by individuals (not institutions) who are looking for secure, high-yield investment opportunities. Unlike hard money lenders, who often charge hefty fees and high rates, private lenders can be ordinary people—friends, acquaintances, or referrals—looking to invest their savings or retirement funds through self-directed IRAs.

Jay’s “Secret Sauce” to Raising Millions (Without Ever Begging)

Here’s where Jay’s approach is both counterintuitive and powerful: He never asks anyone for money. That’s right. Instead of pitching deals or putting on the hard sell, Jay puts on his “teacher hat” and educates potential private lenders about the opportunity to earn attractive, safe returns by acting as the bank. He keeps the educational conversation separate from any specific asks or deals.

The process goes like this:

1. Teach, Don’t Pitch: Jay hosts one-on-one conversations or small luncheons to explain how private lending works, what kinds of returns they can expect, and how their investment is secured.
2. Let Them Volunteer: By the end of the conversation, prospective lenders often tell him how much they have available to invest, sometimes even moving retirement savings into a self-directed IRA.
3. The “Good News Call”: Once a suitable deal comes along, Jay updates his new lender with a simple call: “I have good news! I can put your $150,000 to work on a house in Newport next Wednesday.” He explains the terms, closing date, and logistics—but crucially, he never “asks” for the money. The lender has already expressed their interest and is waiting for the opportunity.

This approach eliminates desperation, builds trust, and positions Jay as a partner and educator, not a salesperson.

How Jay Protects His Private Lenders

A major reason people hesitate to lend is concern about risk and security. Jay addresses this upfront:

• Each loan is secured by a deed of trust (mortgage) on the property, just like a bank loan.
• Maximum loan-to-value is 75% of the after-repair value, not the purchase price, ensuring enough equity for safety.
• Private lenders are named as mortgagees on insurance policies and as additional insureds on title policies.
• Loans are set up with conservative timelines (typically two years), so extensions or surprises are rare.
• Most importantly, if Jay ever fails to pay, the property itself secures the lender’s investm

What would happen if you suddenly lost your job? For most people, the answer brings anxiety, and understandably so. But for Dustin Heiner, the experience of being laid off became the pivotal moment that launched him on a journey toward financial freedom, passive income, and what he affectionately calls “successful unemployment.”

On a recent episode of the Raising Private Money podcast with host Jay Conner, Dustin shared his powerful story of transformation—from a county IT employee in California to a full-time real estate investor, educator, and podcast host at Master Passive Income. The wisdom he offered goes far beyond real estate; it’s a blueprint for anyone seeking true independence and purpose.

Breaking the Traditional Mold

Dustin’s story begins much like many of ours: he followed the “normal” path. After college, he landed what was supposed to be the most stable job one could imagine: government work in IT. “Government isn’t going anywhere, and neither is technology,” he reasoned. Yet, in 2006, wanting something more, Dustin began to dabble in real estate investing after reading Rich Dad Poor Dad. He soon realized that his side hustle earned him more for less effort than his main job ever would.

Everything changed, though, when Dustin returned from paternity leave after his fourth child and was unexpectedly called into his boss’s office—and laid off. “Nobody gets fired from the government, but I did,” he recalls. This terrifying moment forced Dustin to confront two realities: he needed immediate income, and he needed to make sure he’d never be dependent on a job again.

Embracing an Investor’s Mindset

What set Dustin apart wasn’t just his willingness to hustle; it was his shift in identity. “From that day forward, I told everyone I was an investor, even if every dollar was coming from my job at the time,” Dustin says. This mindset laid the groundwork for everything that followed.

He understood that his true value didn’t come from his employer, it came from his skills, his drive, and his willingness to invest in himself. In Dustin’s words, your boss pays you just enough to keep you from quitting, but not what you’re truly worth. The only way to reclaim your worth is to build something of your own.

Building Passive Income (and a Legacy)

Dustin steadily grew his portfolio, buying property after property, each generating hundreds in monthly passive income. The turning point came when his cash flow allowed him to quit his job entirely by age 37. He describes the final commute from his government job as feeling like he was “walking on clouds.” Dustin was now successfully unemployed: no boss, no clock, just consistent income generated from assets.

He didn’t stop there. Dustin began teaching friends and family, eventually launching the Master Passive Income blog and podcast to share everything he learned. His mission? To help a million others break free, too. “The more people I serve, the more my life, and theirs, improves,” he says.

Attracting Money Without Chasing It

One of the standout lessons from Dustin’s experience is the power of personal branding and trust. He raised $1.5 million in private money for real estate deals simply by sharing his journey on just two podcast episodes. How? Because he’d spent years openly sharing values and teaching others. When an opportunity arose, his audience already knew, liked, and trusted him enough to invest.

Dustin’s advice for aspiring investors is simple but profound:

1. Let Everyone Know You’re an Investor – Even if it’s a part-time role, communicate your goals and identity.
2. Help Others Generously – Share knowledge, answer questions, and provide value.
3. Play the Long Game – Success comes from years of consistent action, integrity, and generosity.

Your Path to Successful Unemployment

Whether you’re interested in real estate o

***Guest Appearance

Credits to:

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

"Private Money Mastery: How Jay Conner Transformed Real Estate Investing"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9yBCTSMkZU

If you’re a real estate investor (or striving to become one), the challenge isn’t always about finding the right property. More often, it’s about finding the money to fund your deals, especially when traditional financing decides to turn off the tap, and that can happen faster than you think.

On a recent podcast episode, seasoned investor Jay Conner sat down with Jenn and Joe Delle Fave to peel back the curtain on the game-changing role private money played in his real estate business—an approach that not only rescued his investing career but tripled his business during one of the most trying economic times in recent history.

The Moment Everything Changed

Jay Conner, along with his wife Carol Joy, had been successfully investing in single-family homes in Morehead City, North Carolina, since 2003. Like many, he relied on the steady comfort of a bank line of credit to fund his deals. That all changed in January 2009 at the height of the financial crisis. Without warning, his bank (and trusted banker, Steve) pulled the plug: his line of credit was closed, and new loans to real estate investors dried up overnight.

Faced with two lucrative deals under contract and no way to close them, Jay’s back was against the wall. But rather than seeing an insurmountable problem, he asked the transformative question: “Who do I know that can help me with this problem?” That question led him to an introduction to private money—and ultimately, to financial freedom.

What Is Private Money Lending?

Private money in real estate refers to funds lent by individuals (not institutions) to investors, typically secured by real estate. These individuals often don’t even know they want to be lenders until someone shows them what’s possible, like using their retirement accounts (self-directed IRAs) to earn outsized, secure returns.

For Jay, learning about private money meant a total mindset shift. Instead of begging the bank, he became the one offering an opportunity. He began teaching people in his network—friends, church members, business contacts—about private lending. No hard selling, no desperate asks. Just education and a willingness to be transparent about how the process worked and the secure, solid returns they could earn.

The Power of Private Money: How It Changed the Game

When Jay started implementing private money strategies, the results were immediate and dramatic. He raised over $2 million in new funding in under 90 days. Within a year, his business had tripled, even as many other real estate investors were leaving the business entirely due to a lack of financing.

Jay explained that private money brought several advantages:

• Flexibility: The investor sets the terms, not the bank. That includes interest rates, payment schedules, and what deals get funded.
• No Limits: Unlike bank lines of credit, private lenders are only limited by their comfort and resources, not an arbitrary ceiling.
• Speed: Jay has closed deals in as little as five days, a feat impossible with institutional lenders.
• Profitability: In his market, he achieved average profits of $82,000 per deal, doing only two to three deals a month, thanks largely to the reliability and ease of private funding.

Teaching, Not Selling

Jay’s secret sauce is in his approach: separate the teaching about private money from pitching a specific deal. He positions himself as a guide and trusted resource, only calling interested lenders when he has an actual investment for their funds. “Desperation has a s

***Guest Appearance

Credits to:

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

"Raising Private Money with Jay Conner - CRE PN #481"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrWWFWU5eGs

Are you a real estate investor struggling to secure funding for your deals? Maybe the banks have gotten a little too picky with their lending criteria, or perhaps you’re just tired of jumping through endless hoops for a loan. Jay Conner, affectionately known as “The Private Money Authority,” has walked this road and came out on the other side with a strategy anyone in real estate can leverage: raising private money.

Jay Conner once again joined Darrin Gross on the CREPN Radio podcast, Jay shared his story, a compelling blend of humble beginnings, tough pivots, and the ability to turn problems into powerful opportunities.

From Bank Roadblocks to Opportunity

Jay’s journey in real estate began like many others: he visited the local bank, applied for funding, and went through the usual song and dance of credit checks, financial statements, and asset reviews. For several years, this status quo worked fine. But in 2009, everything changed. Without warning, his line of credit was closed, leaving him with two properties under contract and nowhere to turn. As Jay recalls, “Desperation has a smell to it. I had a problem, not an opportunity.”

Faced with a true financial crisis (not just another “opportunity in disguise” quote people love to share), Jay leaned into his relationships and asked, “Who do I know that can help me solve this problem?” That question led him to a colleague who introduced him to the concept of private money and self-directed IRAs, sparking a complete transformation in his approach to deal funding.

The Private Money Blueprint

Jay’s method is refreshingly straightforward and, perhaps most importantly, approachable for both seasoned and new investors. Rather than chasing after people and desperately pitching deals, Jay puts on his “teacher hat.” He focuses on educating potential private lenders—often people in his existing network or local community—about what private money is, how it works, and why it’s a win-win opportunity.

He explains, “Not one of my 47 private lenders had ever heard of private money or self-directed IRAs. I simply taught them.” By presenting a clear, safe, and attractive program to would-be lenders, Jay flips the script, positioning himself not as a beggar but as a provider of opportunity.

The three things lenders care about most?

1. Attractive Return: Private lenders are often frustrated with the low interest rates on traditional vehicles like CDs. Jay offers up to 8% or 10%—well above what banks are paying.
2. Security and Safety: Every loan is collateralized with a mortgage or deed of trust, up to 75% of after-repair value, giving substantial equity protection.
3. No Volatility: Unlike the unpredictable stock market, lenders know exactly what their return will be for the life of the loan.

The No-Sell Approach

One point Jay hammered home was the importance of separating “raising money” from pitching specific deals. The worst time to ask for money is when you need it for a deal. By building the relationship and educating potential lenders ahead of time, when the right opportunity comes along, it’s not a hard sell—it’s just a “good news phone call:” “I have a deal ready for you, here’s the terms, here’s the timeline.” No pressure, no awkward conversations. Just a smooth transaction.

Mindset Matters

For those interested in starting their journey with private money, Jay stresses the importance of mindset. See yourself not as a borrower, but as someone leading with a servant’s heart, helping people get better returns safely

In the dynamic world of real estate investing, one challenge consistently rises to the top: finding motivated seller leads. On a recent episode of “Raising Private Money,” host Jay Conner, nationally recognized as the Private Money Authority, sat down with Nicholas Nick, founder of Lead Mining Pros, to talk shop on innovative, practical lead generation strategies that can skyrocket your investing business, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting.

From Restaurants to Real Estate: The Nicholas Nick Journey

Nicholas Nick’s path to real estate marketing is anything but typical. Before founding Lead Mining Pros, he spent over a decade in the restaurant industry, managing massive teams and enduring grueling workweeks. This experience fostered in him a fearless mindset and a deep understanding of people—two essential skills for real estate success.

His leap from hospitality to real estate came through event coordination at a major real estate coaching company. Here, he discovered all investors' pain points: wasted money on inefficient marketing, especially direct mail campaigns with little to show for it.

A pivotal moment came when a client, devastated after spending $5,000 on direct mail without a single call in return, reached out for help. Nick realized there had to be a better way, and so he shifted his approach from costly, passive marketing to proactive cold calling. This hands-on shift not only saved money but also began bringing in results.

The Birth of Lead Mining Pros

Starting, Nicholas personally cold-called hundreds of potential leads every day. Word spread quickly among his peers, who soon began hiring him to generate leads for their businesses. This grassroots, performance-driven approach laid the foundation for Lead Mining Pros, which now generates over $38,000 a week in sales, helping real estate investors build a robust lead pipeline.

What makes Lead Mining Pros different?

According to Nicholas, it’s the combination of tailored lists, high-accuracy skip tracing, and a choice between American or foreign cold callers—each ideal for different markets or strategies. “Niche lists or land? Choose an American caller for the best rapport. Saturated markets or high volumes? Foreign callers, at a third of the cost, get the job done,” Nick advises.

Additionally, Lead Mining Pros offers comprehensive, done-for-you texting campaigns and, perhaps most importantly, top-tier customer service. New real estate investors don’t just get leads—they get direct access to Nicholas himself for coaching, feedback, and campaign optimization. Free online courses and weekly check-ins ensure that clients get the most from every campaign, and, crucially, learn how to convert warm leads into hot deals.

What Works Best: Calls, Texts, or Direct Mail?

Jay Conner and Nicholas Nick share a vital takeaway: the most effective lead generation strategy depends on your budget, goals, and willingness to roll up your sleeves. If funds allow, running direct mail, calling, and texting campaigns simultaneously can help you gather invaluable data and maximize response rates. But if you need to prioritize, start with cold calling and texting. These channels not only tend to generate more leads for less money, but they also allow for rapid testing and adjustment.

That said, calling and texting do require real hustle. “You can’t be an armchair quarterback with a calling campaign,” Nicholas stresses. “If you process and systematize your approach, you can outperform direct mail. But you have to be ready to work those leads.”

Converting More Leads: The Secret Sauce

A persistent issue for investors is making contact with a lead after the initial inquiry. Nicholas’s solution: persistence and a structured follow-up sequence. He recommends up to 18 touches (calls, texts, and voicemails) per lead, ensuring no opportunity slips through the cra

***Guest Appearance

Credits to:

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

"Startup Funding Explained: Everything You Need to Know"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzU9FmuVRDM

In the ever-evolving world of real estate investing, access to capital can make or break a deal. But what happens when traditional funding sources dry up or become too restrictive? This was exactly the dilemma faced by Jay Conner, a seasoned real estate investor in Eastern North Carolina, whose journey and strategies were explored in depth on a recent episode of the “Investing to Win” podcast with Garret Wong.

From Banks to Private Money: Jay’s Turning Point

For the first six years of his real estate career, Jay relied solely on institutional financing—local banks and traditional money sources to fund his single-family home deals. But as the 2008-2009 financial crisis arrived, Jay, like many investors, found his credit lines abruptly closed by the bank, jeopardizing multiple deals overnight. Instead of throwing in the towel, Jay asked himself a powerful question: Who do I know that can help me with this problem?

That introspection led him to Jeff Blankenship, a fellow investor who introduced Jay to the world of private money and self-directed IRAs. This new approach, Jay quickly learned, didn’t depend on bank approvals or credit scores but rather on relationships and transparency.

What Is Private Money?

Private money, as Jay describes, is direct investment from individuals, not institutions or hard money lenders. It’s a one-on-one relationship where investors loan funds secured against real estate, often using capital from personal savings or retirement accounts. Unlike hard money brokers who pool funds into lending operations (and charge higher rates and fees), true private lenders work directly with the investor.

Jay emphasizes that private lenders come from all walks of life. Most of his 47 active private lenders wouldn’t consider themselves sophisticated or accredited; many are teachers, civil servants, and retirees simply seeking better and safer returns on their investments.

Key Benefits of Private Money Lending

Why does Jay champion private money with such passion? He lists several compelling advantages:

1. Flexibility and Speed: Without lengthy bank underwriting, deals can often close in as little as five to seven days—sometimes a lifesaver for properties facing foreclosure or competitive bidding.
2. Fewer Restrictions: Private lenders don’t cap the number of deals or the size of your line of credit. Jay’s deals frequently involve borrowing up to 75% of the after-repaired value (ARV), and it’s common for him to leave the closing table with “excess cash to close”—funds above and beyond the purchase price, useful for renovations or reserves.
3. No Appraisals or Red Tape: Instead of formal appraisals, Jay uses comparative market analyses (CMAs) to justify values to his lenders—trusted personal relationships eliminate most bureaucratic hurdles.
4. True Win-Win: Lenders earn higher, predictable returns (Jay typically offers 8% straight, sometimes accruing during a flip or paid out monthly), while investors unlock funding quickly and efficiently.

Building Trust and Educating Lenders

The cornerstone of Jay’s approach isn’t just a promising rate—it’s education and transparency. He never pitches deals out of desperation or attaches a project to an initial conversation. Instead, he teaches potential lenders about the opportunity, shows them exactly how they’ll be protected, and only connects them to a specific deal when it matches what they want.

Notably, Jay suggests that new investors leverage the credibility of an experienced partner or mentor when starting. If you haven’t completed

***Guest Appearance

Credits to:

https://www.youtube.com/@hbgcapital662

"Professional Capital Raiser Shares How To Raise Money Immediately with Jay Conner"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99BpAmJOs_w

If you’re an aspiring or seasoned real estate investor, there’s one hurdle that inevitably determines your growth: access to capital. How do you finance deals when traditional banks close their doors, market conditions shift, or you simply want more flexibility and profit? Jay Conner, a recognized authority in private money for real estate, has plenty of answers—and in a recent conversation with Brandon Cobb, he broke down the essential strategies and mindset shifts that have allowed him to thrive through market cycles.

From Bank Loans to Private Money: Jay’s Breakthrough

Jay Conner started investing in real estate in 2003, primarily focusing on single-family homes in the relatively small market of Eastern North Carolina. For years, he played by the traditional rules—going to local banks, submitting to their criteria, and letting lenders set the terms. That was until the financial crisis of 2009. Suddenly, despite a spotless record and strong deals under contract, Jay’s line of credit was closed with no warning.

Faced with the potential collapse of his deals and business, Jay asked himself a critical question: “Who do you know that can help fix your problem?” This led him to an old friend, who introduced him to the world of private money—individuals willing to lend their personal funds or retirement accounts for real estate investments, often at competitive rates and flexible terms.

The Teacher’s Mindset: Educating, Not Begging

Jay’s approach flipped the typical script. Instead of chasing after money, he put on his “teacher hat.” He proactively educated his network—friends, fellow churchgoers, Rotary Club members, and other contacts—about what private lending was, how it worked, and the safe, lucrative returns they could earn.

A crucial point: Jay never asked anyone for money directly. He simply explained his private lending program, laid out the potential and security, and let interest organically develop. The goal was building trust, demystifying the opportunity, and leading with a servant’s heart. As a result, he raised $2,150,000 in less than 90 days—without ever “pitching” a deal or acting out of desperation.

Strategic Steps: Separating Education from the Ask

Jay highlighted a key mistake many new investors make: mixing education about private lending with direct requests for funding on a specific deal. This can feel pushy and overwhelming, and it’s the fastest way to turn off a potential private lender. Instead, he recommends two separate steps:

1. Educate First: Explain your lending program, rates, security, and process. Answer questions, build confidence, and see who is interested in principle.
2. The Good News Call: When the right deal is available, you make a simple call: “I’ve got great news—I can now put your money to work on this deal.” This assumes the groundwork is already laid and the lender trusts you.

Expanding Beyond Your Inner Circle

What happens when you’ve tapped your immediate network? Jay suggests organizations like Business Networking International (BNI) or local Rotary Clubs, which allow you to grow contacts exponentially. These groups thrive on referrals, and, as the only real estate investor in the group, you’re uniquely positioned to connect with new potential lenders eager for better returns on their idle capital.

Compliance & The Power of One-Offs

A question that often arises: How do you make sure you’re staying within SEC and legal boundaries? Jay makes it clear he only does “one-off” deals—each lender fund