The Lo-Down
The Lo-Down brings you conversations with extraordinary individuals from all walks of life who are relentlessly pursuing success. Hosted by Lorenzo Mercado, a registered nurse turned real estate investor, this podcast dives into the stories behind the grind and uncovering the mindset and strategies that drive growth. From entrepreneurs and season investors to business owners and visionaries, every guest shares a unique perspective on what it takes to achieve success. Whether you're building a business, chasing a dream, or striving for personal growth, The Lo-down is your source for inspiration, actionable insights, and the motivation to level up.
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The Lo-Down
Turning a 3.5% Down FHA Loan into a Multifamily Cash Machine | Nick Rossi E30
In episode 30 of The Lo-Down, Lorenzo Mercado sits down with Nick Rossi — a former chief engineer on tugboats, turned real estate investor and construction business owner — to unpack how he leveraged grit, mentorship, and a 3.5% FHA loan to break into multifamily real estate and scale a construction company.
Nick shares practical advice on managing contractors, buying or building businesses, and using hands-on experience to fuel growth. If you're in real estate, construction, or just looking to transition into entrepreneurship, this is your episode.
We cover:
- Nick’s journey from tugboats in Alaska to real estate investing
- How he used an FHA loan to kickstart his first multifamily deal
- Managing contractors the right way: scope, systems, and communication
- Lessons from building a scalable painting and construction business
- The pros and cons of acquiring a business vs. starting from scratch
- Why education, networking, and time management are game changers
- The transition into short-term rentals and the future of hospitality
Please give a 5 STAR REVIEW on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and SHARE this episode.
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👥 Connect with Nick Rossi:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nlrossi
🚀 Connect with Lorenzo Mercado
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_
Website: https://www.mercasaventures.com
🎙️Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761
🎙️Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado
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Chapters
01:14 – From Tugboats to Real Estate: A Unique Journey
05:18 – Transitioning to Real Estate: Finding a Mentor
12:00 – Building a Construction Business: Lessons Learned
17:54 – Managing Contractors: Communication is Key
23:53 – Navigating Business Growth: Learning from Mistakes
28:56 – Buying vs. Starting a Business: Insights on Acquisition
31:00 – Navigating Non-Compete Clauses
31:30 – The Journey of the First Multifamily Deal
33:21 – Lessons Learned in Real Estate
34:41 – Financial Insights from the First Deal
36:50 – Advice for First-Time Investors
38:06 – Permitting and Construction Challenges
40:58 – Transitioning to Short-Term Rentals
42:28 – Exploring Hospitality Opportunities
45:52 – Hotel Acquisition Strategies
50:02 – Advice for Aspiring Hotel Owners
52:36 – Time Management for Multiple Ventures