In this episode, we dive into an uncommon but powerful financing strategy that could change how boutique hospitality projects get funded. Ian Joseph, founder of Branch, shares how he’s leveraging a USDA Rural Business Development loan to finance a $6M micro resort buildout in West Virginia - with just 3% down.
We break down the entire capital stack, how USDA loans work for ground-up hospitality development, and why this financing tool is often overlooked by small to mid-size investors. Ian also shares his approach to designing high-ADR resort cabins, partnering with local economies, and building a scalable brand without taking on unnecessary overhead.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why USDA Rural Business Development loans are a hidden gem for hospitality developers
- How Ian structured a potential 97% LTV loan for his $6M project
- His step-by-step process for identifying profitable “hidden gem” towns
- How to market a boutique resort before it’s even built (and pre-sell stays)
- The economics behind luxury micro resorts vs. short-term rentals
- How to scale hospitality assets while staying community-focused
Whether you’re an aspiring boutique hotel investor or looking for creative ways to finance your next project, this episode is a masterclass in using leverage the smart way.
Connect with Ian:
Email: ian@staywithbranch.com
Website: https://staywithbranch.com
Instagram: @staywithbranch
Facebook: Staywithbranch
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Connect with Michael:
Invest with Malama Capital: malama-capital.com/invest
Submit a deal: https://www.malama-capital.com/deal-submission
Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook
Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com
