Raising Private Money with Jay Conner
Are you a real estate investor who’s tired of missing out on deals because you don’t have the money to fund them? Maybe you’re just starting in real estate, overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice, and wondering how to break through.
Or you’ve done a few deals, but your business feels more like a hobby than a reliable source of income. If you’re struggling to take your real estate business to the next level, this show is for you.
Welcome to The Private Money Show with Jay Conner, where we cut through the noise to give you the truth about real estate investing—and the tools you need to succeed. Most investors lose out on 87% of real estate deals simply because they don’t have access to the money to fund them. But what if you could change that? What if you could fund every deal you wanted, eliminate your competition, and grow your business faster than you ever thought possible?
Each week, Jay Conner—the Private Money Authority—shares exactly how to raise private money to fund your deals, close more opportunities, and build a thriving, consistent real estate business. Jay has been in the trenches of real estate investing full-time since 2003, and he’s still doing it every day. He knows what works, what doesn’t, and how to help you stop chasing bad advice from so-called “gurus” who haven’t done a deal in years.
In every episode, you’ll learn:
- How to find and raise private money to fund your real estate deals on YOUR terms (no banks, no hard money lenders).
- Strategies for creating consistent deal flow and turning your investing business into a reliable source of income.
- How to structure deals with private lenders and create win-win relationships that benefit everyone involved.
- Real-world, step-by-step advice from investors who’ve been where you are and completely changed their game using private money.
This isn’t theory or fluff. It’s the real deal. Jay and his guests break down real-world deals, showing you the numbers, the challenges, and the solutions, so you can see how to apply these lessons to your own business. Whether you’re brand new to real estate, struggling to find consistency, or a seasoned investor looking to scale, this show is your blueprint for success.
Why Listen to This Show?
Because it’s not just about making money—it’s about building something bigger than yourself. Jay believes real estate is a tool not only to create wealth but also to make an impact. This show is for real estate investors who want to leave a legacy, help others, and give back to their communities. It’s for people who know that success isn’t just about the bottom line—it’s about what you do with it.
If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels, stop missing out on deals, and start building a business that gives you freedom and fulfillment, you’ve found your tribe. Imagine what your life could look like with unlimited access to private money. Imagine the deals you could close, the income you could create, and the impact you could make—not just for yourself, but for others.
This is your moment. This is the Private Money Show.
Tune in now, and let’s get started.
Raising Private Money with Jay Conner
Investing Smarter: Creating Investor Trust and Diversification in Private Funds with Merriah Harkins
The world of real estate investing continues to evolve, especially when it comes to capital raising and private money. Industry veterans like Merriah Harkins are at the forefront of these changes, demonstrating that successful wealth generation is not just about finding the right deals but strategically building trust and strong capital relationships.
In a recent conversation hosted by Jay Conner on "Raising Private Money," Merriah Harkins, a senior sales executive at Lukrom, shared her experience and perspective acquired over two decades in the field.
Navigating an Evolving Investment Landscape
When Merriah Harkins began her career, the investment environment was less cluttered. Investors had fewer choices, which made decision-making more straightforward. Fast forward to today, and the private money landscape has transformed dramatically. Investors now encounter a plethora of options, which can make due diligence daunting and diversification essential.
For those seeking passive opportunities in real estate, the proliferation of funds and firms means greater risk and reward. Merriah Harkins emphasizes the importance of finding trustworthy companies and spreading investments across different products and asset classes to mitigate potential losses and maximize gains.
Lukrom’s Approach in the Marketplace
Lukrom, based in Phoenix, specializes in private credit funds and lends to real estate investors and businesses aiming to acquire, improve, or develop properties. The company’s niche is short-term loans, ranging from six to twelve months, primarily for residential improvement or quick acquisitions with a goal of resale or refinancing. For real estate investors, this means fast access to capital without the delays common with traditional banks.
On the fund side, Merriah Harkins leads the effort in raising capital for Lukrom. The firm accepts accredited investors from across the nation—those meeting specified income or net-worth thresholds. These investors receive monthly cash flow payouts between 8 and 9 percent, a structure designed to provide both consistent returns and strong protections, such as first lien positions on underlying properties.
The Shift from Marketing to Relationship Building
Lukrom initially sourced capital through friends, family, and social media outreach, but found this approach unsustainable for long-term growth. Upon joining, Merriah Harkins redirected efforts toward building relationships with broker-dealers, registered investment advisors, and family offices. The strategy focuses not on pitching or hyping the investment, but on education, extensive due diligence, and integrity.
For high-net-worth and institutional investors looking to diversify their portfolios, Merriah Harkins stresses the importance of understanding a fund’s track record, the sponsor’s experience, and the structural protections in place. Lukrom, for instance, is structured conservatively, targeting high-growth markets and maintaining strict loan-to-value ratios. The executive and advisory team also invests in the fund, placing their capital at risk ahead of clients—a powerful gesture of confidence and alignment.
Mitigating Risks in Private Investments
Every investment carries risk. Merriah Harkins encourages investors to carefully consider liquidity constraints, the sponsor’s history, and the ability of the fund to fully deploy capital. Lukrom’s practice of thoroughly vetting borrowers and maintaining diversity in loans helps protect against concentration risk and defaults. Short-term, first-position loans in high-growth markets tend to be more resilient, reducing investors’ exposure to downturns.
A Blueprint for Investors and Advisors
For those considering real estate funds or seeking private money for projects, Merriah Harkins advises prioritizing education and clarity. If sponsors aren’t willing to spend ti