The Power of Mastermind Groups in Real Estate Investing With Jay Conner

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"Revolutionize Your Investing: Jay Conner on Leveraging Private Money in Real Estate"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivHYcpky90Y

In an enlightening episode of the Raising Private Money podcast, Jay Conner, a seasoned real estate investor, joined Angel Gonzalez on Taking the Leap Into Commercial Real Estate Podcast and shared his transformative journey from relying on traditional banking systems to embracing private money lending. This shift not only revolutionized his investment strategies but also paved the way for a more lucrative and less stressful approach to real estate investing.

Jay Conner's Background and Early Journey

Jay Conner embarked on his real estate investment journey in 2003, focusing primarily on single-family houses in a small market in Eastern North Carolina. With approximately 40,000 people in his market, Jay successfully made an average profit of $82,000 on 2-3 deals every month. Initially, he relied heavily on local banks for funding, which was a conventional approach but came with its own set of limitations. 

The Turning Point in 2009

January 2009 marked a significant turning point for Jay. The global financial crisis prompted his primary banking partner, BB&T, to close his line of credit. This unforeseen setback could have been catastrophic. However, it led Jay to discover an alternative financing strategy through private money lending, introduced to him by his friend Jeff Blankenship. This discovery was a game-changer.

Understanding Private Money

Private money involves individuals using their investment capital or retirement funds to finance real estate deals. Unlike hard money, which is institutional and comes with stringent conditions, private money is more flexible and borrower-friendly. Jay emphasizes that private money lending allows borrowers to set the terms and conditions, making it a more appealing and less cumbersome option compared to traditional financial institutions.

Strategies for Attracting Private Money

Jay's strategy for attracting private money was rooted in education rather than solicitation. He invested time in educating his community about private money and the benefits of self-directed IRAs. By leading with a servant's heart and offering valuable knowledge rather than directly asking for money, Jay successfully attracted $2,150,000 in the first 90 days. Today, he manages $8,500,000 in private funds from 47 lenders.

The Importance of Having Funds Ready

One critical lesson Jay imparted was the importance of having funds lined up before securing deals. Contrary to the advice of some "gurus" who suggest finding a deal first and expecting the money to follow, Conner advocates for securing the money upfront. This allows for confident and swift offers, giving investors an edge in competitive markets.

Case Study: Quick Flip Success

In a riveting case study, Jay shared an experience where he initially accepted an offer too hastily. Subsequently, he received a better all-cash offer of $628,000 with no contingencies and a quick closing date for a property he bought for $425,000. This deal underscores the flexibility and speed that private money lending affords, enabling investors to capitalize on lucrative opportunities without the delays typical of institutional funding.

Launch of the 7 Day Private Money Challenge

To help others achieve similar success, Jay launched the "7 Day Private Money Challenge." This initiative includes seven days of video training on raising private money, released daily. The challenge aims to empower participan