Shifting Beliefs for Financial Freedom: Jay Conner’s Guide to Private Money and Real Estate

***Guest Appearance

Credits to:

https://www.youtube.com/@michelleperkins-limitfreel2446 

"Episode 169: Unlocking Wealth: The Power of Raising Private Money"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gf8y37moYos  

 When it comes to real estate investing, funding is often the biggest hurdle. Most new and seasoned investors alike have stories of navigating the strict requirements of banks, gathering painful piles of paperwork, and still facing rejection or unexpected closures of credit lines. But what if there was a way to access money for your real estate deals without begging banks, risking your assets, or making desperate pitches?

Private Money: An Alternative Path

On a recent episode of the “Raising Private Money” podcast, Michelle Perkins sat down with real estate investor Jay Conner, who shared his journey from being “owned by the bank” to raising millions in private funding. When Jay started in real estate back in 2003, he was convinced that banks were the only way to finance investments. He soon found out how vulnerable he was when his trusted banker shut down his credit line overnight, leaving him scrambling to fund two projects.

Jay’s turning point came when he discovered the concept of “private money,” which involves borrowing directly from individuals—not institutions—who are seeking higher, safer returns for their investment capital or retirement funds. With clear enthusiasm, Jay described private money as “where an individual just like you or me can take their investment capital, loan the money … and repay them high rates of return safely and securely.”

Changing Your Money Mindset

Both Michelle and Jay agreed that the journey to financial freedom in real estate begins in the mind. Jay is a big believer that “until you own the real estate between your ears, it’s going to be hard to own real estate” in any other sense. Many people are constrained by their beliefs about money and investing, sometimes without even realizing it. If the traditional banking system has left you wary or you feel unqualified to approach “sophisticated” lenders, you’re not alone.

Jay emphasized that private lenders are everyday people: retired teachers, former police officers, small business owners, and even teenagers who inherited funds. Most of his 47 private lenders had never heard of private real estate loans or self-directed IRAs until he put on his “teacher hat” and explained the opportunity.

How to Attract Private Money

One of the biggest misconceptions Jay highlighted is that raising private money requires you to be a slick salesperson. Desperation has a “smell,” and people are naturally repelled by it. Jay’s approach is radically different: lead with value, teach others about the opportunity, and avoid traditional selling.

He shared his exact script for working with new lenders: after teaching the basics and identifying someone interested, he simply informs them when a deal is ready to be funded. “I have great news for you. I can now put your money to work. I have a house under contract …” and then provides the details. There’s no high-pressure pitch or fearful plea—just a professional, service-oriented process.

The Win-Win of Private Lending

What’s in it for the lenders? Many people are frustrated with the paltry returns from savings accounts and the volatility of the stock market. Private lending lets them earn competitive, even “insane,” rates of return in a secured way, often backed by real estate. The investor, meanwhile, gets flexibility, speed, and the ability to control deal terms. It’s a win-win.

Start Your Journey

Jay is passionate about sharing this knowledge, offering his book “Where to Get the Money Now” as a guide for those ready to step off the c