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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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

In episode 30 of The Lo-Down, Lorenzo Mercado sits down with Nick Rossi — a former chief engineer on tugboats, turned real estate investor and construction business owner — to unpack how he leveraged grit, mentorship, and a 3.5% FHA loan to break into multifamily real estate and scale a construction company.

Nick shares practical advice on managing contractors, buying or building businesses, and using hands-on experience to fuel growth. If you're in real estate, construction, or just looking to transition into entrepreneurship, this is your episode.

We cover:

• Nick’s journey from tugboats in Alaska to real estate investing
• How he used an FHA loan to kickstart his first multifamily deal
• Managing contractors the right way: scope, systems, and communication
• Lessons from building a scalable painting and construction business
• The pros and cons of acquiring a business vs. starting from scratch
• Why education, networking, and time management are game changers
• The transition into short-term rentals and the future of hospitality

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

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👥 Connect with Nick Rossi:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nlrossi

🚀 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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Chapters
01:14 – From Tugboats to Real Estate: A Unique Journey
05:18 – Transitioning to Real Estate: Finding a Mentor
12:00 – Building a Construction Business: Lessons Learned
17:54 – Managing Contractors: Communication is Key
23:53 – Navigating Business Growth: Learning from Mistakes
28:56 – Buying vs. Starting a Business: Insights on Acquisition
31:00 – Navigating Non-Compete Clauses
31:30 – The Journey of the First Multifamily Deal
33:21 – Lessons Learned in Real Estate
34:41 – Financial Insights from the First Deal
36:50 – Advice for First-Time Investors
38:06 – Permitting and Construction Challenges
40:58 – Transitioning to Short-Term Rentals
42:28 – Exploring Hospitality Opportunities
45:52 – Hotel Acquisition Strategies
50:02 – Advice for Aspiring Hotel Owners
52:36 – Time Management for Multiple Ventures

In this episode of The Lo-Down, Lorenzo Mercado sits down with Tony Hoong — better known as The CPA Dude — to break down practical, legal tax strategies that can help you keep more of what you earn in 2025 and beyond.

Whether you’re a W2 employee, side hustler, small business owner, or real estate investor, this episode is packed with actionable tips your CPA probably isn’t telling you. Stick around to the end so you don't miss any key strategies that could save you thousands of dollars.

We cover:

-The Building of the CPADude Tax Firm
-How W2 workers can reduce taxes
-Deductions most people miss and how to audit-proof your finances
-How to use the Augusta Rule to rent your home to your business — tax-free
-Real estate investor strategies like bonus depreciation and cost segregation
-Property Business & Entity Formation

Tony simplifies the complex and delivers strategies you can start implementing today.

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

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👥 Connect with Tony Hoong:
Website: https://thecpadude.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheCPADude_


🚀 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!

💡 Ready to stop overpaying the IRS? Hit play.