Game of Loans
Welcome to Game of Loans, where fortunes are forged, and empires are built. Whether you’re looking to break into real estate investing or dreaming of making millions but don’t know where to start, this is your go-to resource for raw, unfiltered insights. Join hosts Steve Afra, Ras Abdelrasul, and Dustin Ring—two private money lenders who’ve built an 8-figure empire and a wholesaler who went from broke to millionaire in just five years—as they break down the latest real estate market trends, share strategies for building wealth, and offer insider tips from their own journeys of success and failure. Expect expert guests, bold opinions, a bit of crude humor, and no shortage of real-world advice to help you navigate the complex world of real estate. Tune in for weekly episodes and subscribe to learn how to play—and win—the Game of Loans.
For business inquiries, reach out to gameofloanscontact@gmail.com.
Episodes
34 episodes
Game of Loans Ep19 – Real Estate Wisdom from Decades in the Game
In Episode 19 of Game of Loans, hosts and private money lenders Steve Afra and Melissa Barone draw from over five decades of combined experience to share what truly separates successful real estate professionals from the rest.They break...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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44:14
Game of Loans Ep16 [Highlight] – What Most People Don’t Understand About Homebuying
In this highlight from Episode 16 of Game of Loans, host Steve Afra and mortgage banker Brady Thomas break down what most homebuyers completely miss when it comes to buying a home in today’s market.They discuss the misconceptions that l...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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12:46
Game of Loans Ep18 – The Real Estate Strategy No One's Talking About
In Episode 18 of Game of Loans, host Steve Afra discusses with real estate investor, builder, & developer Kevin Trinh a little-known strategy that’s quietly generating massive returns for savvy investors.They explore the massive ear...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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56:30
Game of Loans Ep17 – Turning Hustle Into Massive Wealth
In Episode 17 of Game of Loans, host Steve Afra sits down with serial entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Safe Tax, and real estate developer Jermaine Jones to talk about turning grit into generational wealth.Jermaine shares his personal s...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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1:12:52
Game of Loans Ep15 [Highlight] – What Kills Your Chances of Getting Real Estate Funding
In this highlight from Episode 15 of Game of Loans, private money lenders Steve Afra and Melissa Barone discuss with broker & investor Michael Gomez the rookie moves that silently sabotage your chances of getting funded for a real estate pr...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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8:01
Game of Loans Ep14 [Highlight] – The Biggest Mistakes Real Estate Investors Make
In this highlight from Episode 14 of Game of Loans, Steve Afra, Melissa Barone, and Maria Sanchez break down the biggest mistakes real estate investors make – and how to avoid them.They expose the hidden pitfalls that can drain your pro...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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13:06
Game of Loans Ep13 [Highlight] – Managing Mental Health in the Real Estate Industry
In this highlight from Episode 16 of Game of Loans, Steve Afra, Michael Gomez, and Melissa Barone open up about the mental toll of the real estate industry and how to stay resilient.Sharing personal stories of loss and resilience, they ...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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11:31
Game of Loans Ep12 [Highlight] – How to Win (and Lose) in Airbnb in 2025
In this highlight from Episode 12 of Game of Loans, host Steve Afra and real estate investor and broker Michael Gomez break down the do's and don’ts of winning in the Airbnb game in 2025.They explore what’s changing in the short-term re...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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13:46
Game of Loans Ep11 [Highlight] – What Top Private Lenders Know That Others Don’t
In this highlight from Episode 11 of Game of Loans, host Steve Afra and private lender Melissa Barone dive into the secrets behind the success of top private money lenders.From their decades of experience and success in private lending,...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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15:17
Game of Loans Ep16 – Winning the Mortgage Game in 2025: Mortgage Strategies & Market Insights
In Episode 16 of Game of Loans, host Steve Afra and mortgage banker Brady Thomas reveal the top mortgage moves to win in 2025.They break down smart mortgage strategies that most homebuyers overlook and share key moves for building wealth...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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57:40
Game of Loans Ep15 – Real Estate Investing in 2025: What Not to Do
In Episode 15 of Game of Loans, Steve Afra, Melissa Barone, and Michael Gomez break down some of the biggest hidden mistakes that investors make – and how to avoid them.They dive into the challenges investors face, the risks many overlo...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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1:00:44
Game of Loans Ep14 – How to Succeed in Crowded Real Estate Markets
In Episode 14 of Game of Loans, hosts Steve Afra and Melissa Barone sit down with realtor and real estate investor Maria Sanchez to uncover how investors can succeed in today’s crowded markets.They discuss the challenges of oversaturati...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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1:08:19
Game of Loans Ep13 – The Raw Truth: Risks & Rewards of Real Estate
In the most uncut episode of Game of Loans yet, host Steve Afra pulls back the curtain on the raw, unfiltered side of real estate investing with guests Melissa Barone and Michael Gomez.They share stories of painful losses, debate the gr...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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1:12:59
Game of Loans Ep12 – From Rockstar to Real Estate Broker
In Episode 12 of Game of Loans, host Steve Afra chats with Michael Gomez about his journey from broke immigrant musician to successful real estate broker and investor, sharing the lessons he’s learned along the way.They explore the real...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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51:19
Game of Loans Ep 11 – Lending Lessons from 2 Decades in the Game
In Episode 11 of Game of Loans, host Steve Afra sits down with private money lending expert Melissa Barone to explore what it takes to succeed in private lending.They delve into the challenges Melissa has overcome and the lessons she’s ...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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1:15:12
Game of Loans Ep10 [Highlight]: The Best-Kept Secret to Doubling Your Real Estate Income
In this highlight from Episode 10 of Game of Loans, hosts Steve Afra and Ras Abdelrasul discuss with guest Alex Huss how savvy real estate investors are maximizing profits with a simple yet powerful strategy.They explore this unique app...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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10:00
Game of Loans Ep 9 [Highlight] – 2025 Interest Rates & Mortgage Trends
In this highlight from Episode 9 of Game of Loans, hosts Steve Afra and Ras Abdelrasul break down the key trends shaping interest rates and mortgage trends in 2025.From political shifts to market dynamics, they explore what might influe...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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15:27
Game of Loans Ep10 – Will Short-Term Rentals Survive 2025?
In Episode 10 of Game of Loans, hosts Steve Afra and Ras Abdelrasul sit down with hospitality expert Alex Huss to discuss the future of short-term accommodations and their place in the 2025 real estate landscape.From market saturation a...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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38:56
Game of Loans Ep 9 – The Truth About the 2025 Housing Market
In Episode 9 of Game of Loans, hosts Steve Afra and Ras Abdelrasul delve into the key forces shaping the 2025 housing market.From interest rate shifts and political influences to surprising market trends, they tackle the big questions a...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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24:57
Game of Loans Ep 8 [Highlight] – Private Lending vs. Mortgage Business: The Ultimate Career Choice for 2025
In this highlight from Episode 8 of Game of Loans, host Steve Afra and guest Jacalyn Shirley dive into the ultimate career choice for 2025: private lending vs. the mortgage business.They examine the unique opportunities, challenges, and ...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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16:38
Game of Loans Ep 7 [Highlight] – The #1 Real Estate Profession for 2025
In this highlight from Episode 7 of Game of Loans, hosts Steve Afra and Ras Abdelrasul reveal the top real estate profession to pursue in 2025.They break down the qualifications and resources needed to get started, along with the signifi...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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12:16
Game of Loans Ep 8 – The Journey from Struggles to Success in Private Money Lending
In Episode 8 of Game of Loans, host Steve Afra sits down with special guest Jacalyn Shirley, a successful private money lender, to uncover the secrets behind her remarkable journey in the world of private money lending.From navigating th...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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1:21:51
Game of Loans Ep 6 [Highlight] – How Much Can You Realistically Make in Your Real Estate Career?
In this highlight from Episode 6 of Game of Loans, hosts Steve Afra and Ras Abdelrasul break down the potential earnings at every stage of your real estate journey.From starting out as an entry-level wholesaler to becoming a sea...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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6:18
Game of Loans Ep 5 [Highlight] – Strategic Risk-Taking: The Key to Real Estate Wealth
In this highlight from Episode 5 of Game of Loans, hosts Steve Afra and Ras Abdelrasul explore the crucial role that strategic risk-taking plays in building wealth through real estate.They discuss how to take smart risks, mitigate negati...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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11:21
Game of Loans Ep 7 – 5 Hidden Real Estate Side Gigs to Maximize Earnings in 2025
In Episode 7 of Game of Loans, hosts Steve Afra and Ras Abdelrasul dive into five lucrative real estate side hustles for 2025 with low barriers to entry and strong earning potential.They share insights on identifying high-demand services...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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23:41