Raising Private Money with Jay Conner

Protecting Private Lenders and Structuring Profitable Real Estate Deals

Jay Conner

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0:00 | 29:14

***Guest Appearance

Credits to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfJWsqaa-Ug                                     

“How to Raise Private Money for Real Estate Investing | Jay Conner E33.”

https://www.youtube.com/@iamkeithandrews  

If you’re a real estate investor—or aspiring to become one—you know that access to funding can make or break your deals. On the “Raising Private Money” episode with Jay Conner and Keith Andrews, listeners get an in-depth look at the strategies and mindset shifts that set successful investors apart, especially when it comes to raising private capital.

Understanding Private Money vs. Hard Money

Jay Conner, widely recognized as "The Private Money Authority," shares his journey in real estate since 2003 and the pivotal moment that led him away from traditional financing. Like many investors, Jay started by working with local banks and mortgage companies. But in 2009, when his trusted line of credit was abruptly revoked, he realized he needed a different approach.

That’s where private money entered his world. Jay distinguishes private money from hard money—something many investors confuse. Hard money typically comes from brokers who manage a fund and add origination fees and higher interest rates on top. Private money, on the other hand, is direct: it's a transaction between an investor and an individual lender, with no intermediary. This makes private money not only faster but also cheaper, as it eliminates costly fees.

Who Can Be a Private Money Lender?

According to Jay, nearly anyone can become a private money lender. His roster includes retired teachers, police officers, civil service workers, and even minors who have received inheritances. The core trait is having “lazy money”—capital or retirement funds sitting in low-yield accounts that could work harder elsewhere. By offering these individuals a secure way to earn a higher return, investors can build a robust network of private lenders.

Structuring Deals and Protecting Lenders

One of the significant concerns for both investors and lenders is security. Jay is clear: he never borrows unsecured funds, structuring each deal to protect the lender as much as a traditional bank would be protected. Each lender receives a promissory note and either a deed of trust or a mortgage, depending on the state. This gives them legal recourse should anything go wrong.

A typical arrangement might offer an 8% annual return, fully collateralized by the property as security. The lender is also named as mortgagee on the insurance policy and additional insured on the title insurance policy. In the rare event of an urgent need for liquidation, lenders can invoke a 90-day call option, allowing them to give notice and have their capital returned ahead of schedule. Jay’s thorough approach helps build trust and peace of mind with his private lenders.

Finding Private Lenders: Your Warm Market and Beyond

Jay emphasizes that most private lenders will come from your existing network—people you know from your local community, professional circles, and even your church or golf club. These are individuals who already trust you and may be unhappy with their current returns on savings or retirement accounts. For growth, it’s essential to expand your network, using groups like Business Networking International, SCORE, and local business organizations.

Another source of lenders is those already invested through self-directed IRA companies. Companies like these frequently host networking events where investors—who are already familiar with real estate lending—can connect with those seeking capital.

The Standard Deal: Keeping It Simple and Se