When Jay ventured into real estate investing full-time back in 2003, he brought this financial acumen with him. Early on, his competitive edge was actually in understanding how to secure funding—a lesson that remains critical for investors today.
Jay recalls how, like many, he initially relied on traditional, institutional lenders. But that all changed in 2008, when banks started shutting their doors in the wake of the financial crisis. “All our lines of credit were frozen overnight,” he recounts. Instead of calling it quits, Jay pivoted—discovering the world of “private money.”
The Power of Private Money Jay’s perspective on funding is refreshingly straightforward: if you’re not controlling your funding, you’re limiting your business. Traditional lenders are plagued by delays, red tape, and shifting lending standards. That’s where private money shines.
Private money—loans from individuals rather than banks—allowed Jay to swiftly acquire, renovate, and turn properties without cumbersome loan approvals or rejections. He points out that private lenders are seeking good returns and safe investments, making real estate the ideal match. For Jay, mastering the art of private money raised the ceiling on how much he could grow.
Scaling with Relationships and Reputation Mike Hambright, a seasoned investor himself, steers the conversation toward how relationships have been key to Jay’s ongoing success. In real estate, says Jay, your reputation is your most valuable asset. By delivering consistently and treating lenders and partners ethically, Jay built a network eager to work with him.
He also underscores the importance of transparency. Jay openly communicates about project risks and rewards, which only enhances trust. “Private lenders want to know their money’s safe, and that you’re someone who can be trusted with that responsibility,” he explains.
Mindset: The Ultimate Game-Changer One of the most inspiring moments in the podcast comes when Jay and Mike discuss the mindset required for sustained success. Jay admits he wasn’t always comfortable pitching opportunities to others—a common block for many entrepreneurs. “It’s not about asking for money,” Jay says. “It’s about offering an opportunity—letting someone else participate in your success.”
Mike echoes this sentiment, highlighting that shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mindset changes everything. Real estate is ultimately about solving problems for sellers, buyers, and lenders alike; making offers and networking isn’t self-serving, but rather a win-win for everyone involved.
Timeless Takeaways for Any Investor The episode wraps up with Jay’s advice for anyone looking to break new ground or scale their investing business:
Embrace Rejection: Not every deal or lender will say yes, and that’s okay. Invest in Relationships: Treat every partner like your most important client—they might just become it.
Never Stop Learning: The market is always shifting; stay adaptable and educate yourself continually.
Timestamps: 00:01 Tax-Free Earnings: Roth & Self-Directed IRA 04:21 Bank Dependency to Financial Independence 07:18 Discovering Private Money Funding 11:57 Private Money: Lead with Servant's Heart 12:53 Funding Deals Without Pitching 16:51 Indirect Method for Conversations 22:09 Discussing Tax-Free Investment Growth 25:26 Managing Excess Private Investment Funds 29:06 Expanding Your Real Estate Network 32:57 Raising Private Money Podcast 35:16 Investor Fuel Membership Benefits
Private Money Academy Conference:
Free Report:
Join the Private Money Academy:
Have you read Jay’s new book, Where to Get the Money Now? It is available FREE (all you pay is the shipping and handling) at
What is Private Money? Real Estate Investing with Jay Conner
Jay Conner is a proven real estate investment leader. Without using his own money or credit, Jay maximizes creative methods to buy and sell properties with profits averaging $86,000 per deal.
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By: Raising Private Money For Real Estate - Jay Conner Title: Elevate Your Investing: Jay Conner’s Steps to Raising Unlimited Tax-Free Capital Sourced From: www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDgUdyTaJWY
