Discovering Dave Payerchin's Path to Raising $50 Million in Private Money

If you’ve ever wondered how successful real estate investors consistently land incredible deals, you’re not alone. On a recent episode of the “Raising Private Money” podcast with host Jay Conner, Dave Payerchin shared powerful, actionable insights from his career, where he’s raised over $50 million in private money and built an impressive rental portfolio. Dave's advice is gold, whether you’re looking for your first deal or leveling up your investment business.

Mindset: Your Most Important Asset

Dave starts by emphasizing the value of mindset and personal development. Before getting into tactics, he grounds his success in what he calls the “core four”—his relationship with God, his health, his family, and finally, his business. For aspiring investors, this serves as a reminder: true success is holistic and must be built on a solid personal foundation.

Crucially, Dave shares a personal lesson about overcoming limiting beliefs—especially the common thought, “I’m not enough.” Through consistent, small commitments (like daily habits), you build self-trust and confidence. In the context of real estate, your mindset directly affects your ability to network, take risks, and follow through on deals.

Why Dave Loves Single-Family Rentals

Dave is a strong believer in affordable housing—specifically single-family rentals, especially in stable, cash-flowing markets like Columbus, Ohio. He points out several reasons why:

• Demand: Single-family homes are in high demand since people prefer houses over apartments, especially families who want a yard and privacy.
• Accessibility: It’s easier to raise money and get financing for single-family deals. You don’t need complex investment structures or syndications.
• Stability: Markets like the Midwest aren’t seeing the same volatility as coastal areas, making them ideal for long-term cash flow.

The Power of Private Money

Both Dave and Jay agree: private money is one of the most powerful tools in real estate. It allows you to scale your investing without using your capital and enables you to compete as a “serious buyer.” Dave’s own story starts with necessity—having no money or credit, he realized he needed to raise 100% of the capital (purchase and rehab) to get started.

Often, new investors make the mistake of “shopping for cheaper money” before they’ve built a track record, thinking they should negotiate for the best rates right away. Dave’s advice? Get in the game, even if you pay higher rates at first. Over time, as you close deals and build credibility, you’ll attract lenders offering better terms.

Finding Deals: The Action Steps

So, how do you break into the business and start finding great deals?

1. Put Yourself Out There: Start by telling everyone what you’re doing. Dave suggests overcoming the natural fear of being judged or not taken seriously. The market rewards those who educate and share.
2. Network the Right Way: Use social media strategically—on Facebook, show your family and authentic self. Mix in regular updates about your deals, but keep it natural and genuine. The goal is to build relationships, not just blast advertisements.
3. The Personal Touch: Dave is a master at relationship building. He regularly sends hundreds of personalized holiday texts to his network. Not every message is about business. It’s about staying top-of-mind and nurturing relationships without strings attached.
4. Transparency with Lenders: When it comes time to fund deals, Dave keeps it simple for his private money partners, showing basic numbers and security (like a mortgage or promissory note). He distinguishes his deals by avoiding syndications, instead offering lenders first-lien security on a single property for maximum safety.

Final Thoughts

Dave Payerchin’s approach is refreshingly honest and actionable. He reminds us that the secret sau