Lenders Playbook. Episode 72
Building out Rain City Capital’s broker platform with Dalton Elliott
Today, we’re talking with Dalton Elliot an old friend of mine with who recently went from intense martial arts discipline to carving a successful path at Rain City Capital, one of the fastest-growing names in business-purpose lending.
So...If you’ve ever wondered:
What exactly is a hard money loan and why it might beat a traditional bank loan,
What mistakes smart investors still make when it comes to financing,
Or how brokers can position themselves to win big with the right lender partner...
You’re in for a treat.
We’re also pulling back the curtain on Rain City's sweet spot, how they support brokers, and what really sets them apart in a competitive market.
And—because success starts in the mind—we’ll hear how martial arts, mindset, and some game-changing books helped shape this guest's approach to business.
So whether you’re an investor, broker, or just private-lending curious...
Stay locked in. This episode might just be the blueprint you didn’t know you needed.
What you will learn:
The Truth About Hard Money Loans: What they are, when to use them, and why they can outperform traditional bank financing for real estate deals.
Common Financing Mistakes (Even Smart Investors Make): How to avoid costly missteps and structure deals for maximum success.
Winning as a Broker: How to align with the right lender partner and leverage Rain City Capital’s support to grow your business.
Mindset & Martial Arts Crossover: How discipline, mental toughness, and key books shaped Dalton Elliot’s path from the mat to the boardroom.
Books Mentioned
10x is Easier Than 2X
Extreme Ownership, Jocko Willink
Shoe Dog, Phil Knight
Connect with Dalton Elliot
https://www.raincitycapital.com
Please Subscribe!
Lenders Playbook. Episode 71
Residential and Commercial Valuations with Dante Petrella from Service 1st
Today, we're joined by Dante Petrella from Service 1st — a company that's making some serious waves among private lenders, investors, and even government entities. We are going to talk about how they are building one of the most trusted names in the valuation world.
We'll talk about why Service 1st makes life easier for lenders and brokers, and how their innovations — like their Hybrid AVM model — are helping deals close faster with less risk.
We'll also cover how Service 1st removes the biggest pain points in real estate deals, why experience across both residential and commercial spaces is critical, and why speed and accuracy in valuations have never been more important.
And of course, we'll hear some of Dantes favorite books, tools, and resources — and how you can connect with him if you're ready to work with a valuation partner who truly gets the private lending world.
You won't want to miss this one — so let’s get into it!
What you will learn
What you will learn
How Service 1st is redefining real estate valuations with tools like their Hybrid AVM model—making deals faster, safer, and more efficient for private lenders.
The biggest pain points in real estate deals and how the right valuation partner can eliminate delays and reduce risk.
Why having deep experience across both residential and commercial spaces gives Service 1st an edge in today’s market.
Dante’s favorite books, tools, and resources for staying sharp—and how to connect with him if you want a valuation partner who truly understands private lending.
Books and Resources Mentioned
Lenders Playbook. Episode 70
One year later...a look back on Noel Felix entrepreneurship journey!
#70: Welcome back to the Lenders playbook podcast episode 70 with Noel Felix!
We're catching up with a guest who's been grinding hard behind the scenes since epidose #9—running multiple businesses, growing his family, and riding through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
In this episode, we’ll dive into what he’s been building, the incredible things his daughter Sophia is up to, and some of the toughest and most rewarding moments from the past year.
From bull riding lessons that oddly mirror business life, you’ll hear stories that inspire, advice that hits home, and wins that prove the hustle’s worth it. Especially if you remember it wasnt that long ago...
So buckle up, because this episode is loaded with some raw lessons and tons of hear.
Let’s get into it.
What you will learn
How Noel juggles entrepreneurship and fatherhood while scaling multiple businesses and staying grounded through personal and professional challenges.
What bull riding taught him about business, resilience, and handling chaos when you're not in control.
Behind-the-scenes lessons from his journey since Episode #9—including the tough calls, quiet wins, and why consistency beats hype.
The inspiring story of his daughter Sophia, and how her growth and grit reflect the power of legacy and leading by example.
Get in Touch with Noel and Sophia!
Please Subscribe!
Lenders Playbook. Episode 69
Why Working with a Direct Lender Makes All the Difference – with B.E Lending's Ranette Oliver
#69: In this episode of The Lenders Playbook we sit down with Ranette Oliver a seasoned expert who brings over 20 years of experience in business development, sales, and leadership—and now plays a key role at B.E. Lending, a trusted name in private lending for real estate investors.
We dive into her journey into the industry, the story behind B.E. Lending, and how the company has evolved over the past decade. You’ll hear valuable insights on where wholesaling and lending meet, how to identify a “no-brainer” deal, cross collateralization and what sets B.E. Lending apart from the competition and
Whether you’re a new investor or a seasoned pro, this conversation is packed with practical advice, industry wisdom, and tips on building lasting relationships in the lending world.
Tune in and get ready to take notes!
What you will learn
A behind-the-scenes look at B.E. Lending’s growth and what makes them stand out in today’s private lending space.
Key strategies to spot “no-brainer” deals and how cross-collateralization can unlock more funding opportunities.
Insights at the intersection of wholesaling and lending, and how investors can leverage both to scale faster.
Relationship-building tips from a 20+ year sales and leadership pro that can help you win in private lending.
Quotes
“Be Open Handed, there’s plenty of deals to go around”
Books and Podcasts Mentioned
Good To Great
Atomic Habits
School of Greatness, Lewis Howes
Ted Talks
Andrew Cartwright Podcast
Get in touch with Ranette
Email ranette@belending.com
Please Subscribe!
Lenders Playbook. Episode 68
The Go-To Licensing Resource For Private Lenders with Catalina Stepanov
Today, we sit down with Catalina Stepanov the Chief Strategy Officer the The Licensing Store —American Lending Conference's go-to resource for helping lenders navigate the maze of multi-state licensing with clarity, confidence, and a peace of mind.
We’ll dive into how you can stay ahead of constantly shifting regulations, avoid the most common licensing mistakes that could be costing you serious time and money, and tap into the strategies that successful lenders are using — thanks to The Licensing Store — to scale across multiple states with ease. If you're tired of hitting roadblocks or second-guessing licensing rules, this episode will give you the clarity and tools to move faster, smarter, and with way more peace of mind.
Plus — we’ll go beyond business and talk about mindset, leadership, and the books and podcasts that have fueled Catalina’s rise as a powerhouse in this industry.
If you're looking to build a smarter, stronger lending business — this one’s for you.
What you will learn
How to avoid common licensing pitfalls that cost lenders time, money, and momentum.
Strategies top lenders use to expand into multiple states without the usual headaches.
How to stay ahead of ever-changing regulations with clarity and confidence.
Leadership and mindset insights from Catalina Stepanov — including the books and habits that fuel her success.
Books Mentioned
Listen on Audible
The Focused CEO
The Coaching Habit
Brave Not Perfect
Podcasts Mentioned
Lenders Playbook Recommended Resource…
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If you’re in private lending and want to market smarter, this is the tool we trust and recommend.
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Lenders Playbook. Episode 67
Remove Licensing Issues with Ryan Goodemoot from Licensing Store!
Episode #67. Today we sit down with Ryan Goodenoot from the Licensing Store. Let’s be real—mortgage licensing is a nightmare. It’s messy, frustrating, and downright exhausting. Between the endless paperwork, confusing state-by-state rules, and constant regulatory changes, it’s enough to make any mortgage professional want to pull their hair out.
But what if all that stress could just… go away?
That’s where Ryan Goodenoot from Licensing Store comes in. Ryan and his team are in the business of making your licensing headaches disappear. Whether you're struggling to figure out the difference between a Mortgage Broker, Lender, or Banker License, stuck in a never-ending approval process, or trying to expand into multiple states without losing your mind.
What you will learn
The key differences between a Mortgage Broker, Lender, and Banker License
How to expand into multiple states without getting buried in paperwork
The most common licensing mistakes that cost time, money, and deals
How to simplify and streamline the entire licensing process with expert help
Books Mentioned
Little Red Book, Jeffrey Gitomer
Lenders Playbook Highly Recommends
ALC and Lenders Playbook Email Service Provider
I have used many email service providers over the years, only to find that most of them require so much of my time to learn how to use what I want to get accomplished. Kit makes it so simple and easy to create beautiful landing pages, email sequences, lead capture forms and so much more. If you are in private lending, this marketing tool is something I highly encourage you to look into.
Here is our exclusive link for you —> KIT
-Matt
Lenders Playbook. Episode 66
The Hidden Revenue Stream Private Lenders Need to Know – with Nate Cater of Phocis Capital
What if you had access to an entirely new stream of income as a private lender? In this episode of The Lender’s Playbook, host Matt Rosen sits down with Nate Cater of Phocis Capital to reveal a game-changing opportunity for lenders looking to maximize their revenue beyond traditional banking.
We’ll cover:
✅ How Phocis Capital helps lenders generate new income streams
✅ The biggest capital reserve challenges lenders face—and how to solve them
✅ Why Phocis offers better security and flexibility than a traditional escrow account
If you’re a lender looking to diversify your revenue and stay ahead of the competition, this episode is a must-listen!
Connect with Phocis Capital
Nate Cater Linkedin
Resources Mentioned
Book Of Enoch
Please Subscribe!
Lenders Playbook. Episode 65
How to Create a Clear, Compelling Message for Your Business
Many business owners struggle with having a clear, organized message that’s easy for anyone to understand. In today’s episode, we break down how to create a powerful one-liner for your business. We’ll cover the 3 key elements of a one-liner, the formula to craft it, and provide some helpful examples. This approach is inspired by the StoryBrand BrandScript from Donald Miller’s book Building a StoryBrand. Hope this helps you clarify your message!
Listen on Apple
Listen on Spotify
What you will learn
How to create a clear message for your business
The 3 components to a one-liner
Why learning this can double your income
What your clients are really interested in
One Liner-Quick Notes
One-liner formula: Fill in the blank for your company
“Most people [problem], but we [solution], so they can [success]”
Example: Private lenders struggle with a lack of capital or deal flow, but at the American Lending Conference, we connect them with capital sources and dealmakers so they can grow their business.
3 components of a One-Liner:
Step 1: Start by identifying the pain points of your target audience.
Step 2: Clearly describe how your service or product solves those pain points.
Step 3: Share the positive impact or transformation your customers will experience.
Resources Mentioned
Thank you for listening!
Please subscribe!
Lenders Playbook. Episode 64
Talking about cigars, networking, and all things cool with Mark Cassidy!
Mark Cassidy is back on the show! This time, we're diving into the world of cigars—what pairs best with them, how they enhance networking, and the excitement around the exclusive VIP Networking Cigar Lounge at the American Lending Conference. It's a laid-back, fun conversation, and we hope you enjoy the episode!
Want to be part of the VIP Cigar Lounge at the Kickoff Party? American Lending Conference, March 21-22 Las Vegas at the Opium Terrace March 21st.
Step 1. Register For Event
Step 2. Email Mark Cassidy mark.cassidy@covius.com
Step 3. Enjoy the party and lets get some business!
Lenders Playbook. Episode 63
A Deep Dive into Private Lending with Wesley Carpenter of Stormfield Capital
In this episode of The Lenders Playbook, we’re joined by Wesley Carpenter of Stormfield Capital for an insider look at private credit and bridge lending. Wesley shares how Stormfield stands out in the competitive lending space and reveals key strategies that set it apart.
You Will Learn
✅ Stormfield’s mission and the problem they’re solving
✅ How they underwrite and close deals fast
✅ Why being a balance sheet lender gives them an edge
✅ The appeal of private credit for investors
✅ How securitization and loan servicing drive success
✅ The current market’s impact on bridge lending
✅ Traits of top professionals in real estate finance
✅ Must-read publications for business growth
If you're looking to level up your understanding of private lending, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.
Resources Mentioned
Connect with Stormfield and Wesley Carpenter
https://stormfieldcapital.com
Please Subscribe! Click link below
Lenders Playbook. Episode 62
The Secret to Finding Off-Market Properties – Expert Tips from Jeremy Beland
In today’s episode, we’re diving into the power of off-market deals with Jeremy Beland—how to find them, negotiate them, and turn them into cash-flowing opportunities. If you’re tired of bidding wars on the MLS and want an edge in today’s market, this episode is for you! Jeremy was a previous guest as well as a speaker at our national private lending conference and is absolutely amazing-and make sure you stick around because Jeremy has a free gift for you at the end of this.
What you will learn
How to Find Off-Market Deals – Strategies and tactics for uncovering hidden real estate opportunities.
How to Negotiate Off-Market Deals – Tips for structuring and securing profitable agreements.
How to Turn Off-Market Deals into Cash-Flowing Opportunities – Insights on maximizing value and returns.
Why Off-Market Deals Give You an Edge – How avoiding MLS bidding wars can lead to better deals.
Jeremy Beland’s Expertise – Lessons from an experienced investor and national private lending conference speaker.
Exclusive Free Gift – A special resource from Jeremy at the end of the episode.
Resources Mentioned
PropStream
Podio
American Lending Conference
REI Freedom Site
Work with Jeremy!
Please Subscribe to The Lenders Playbook Podcast!
Lenders Playbook. Episode 61
LegalFee Consultant's own Matt Watson on business startup, mindset and how to add value
In today’s episode, we’re joined by Matt Watson, the founder of LegalFee Consultants. He’ll share what inspired him to start his company, his challenges in building it, and the strategies that have helped him set and achieve big goals while managing multiple roles. Plus, you’ll hear the best advice he's received and the books that have shaped his personal and professional growth.
Before we dive in, mark your calendars for the American Lending Conference, March 21-22, 2025, at Green Valley Ranch in Las Vegas. It's two days of networking, education, and game-changing opportunities in private lending. You won’t want to miss it! Now, let’s get started.
Quotes From The Show
"Never overpromise and under deliver"
"Always bet on yourself"
"Stay honest and have integrity"
Takeaways from the episode
Building a Business with Purpose – Learn what inspired Matt Watson to start LegalFee Consultants and how he turned his vision into reality.
Overcoming Challenges – Gain insights into the biggest obstacles he’s faced and the strategies he used to navigate them.
Setting and Achieving Big Goals – Discover how Matt balances multiple roles while staying focused on long-term success.
Top Advice & Game-Changing Books – Hear the best advice he’s received and the books that have shaped his personal and professional growth.
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with LegalFee Consultants and Matt Watson
Please Subscribe! Click the Apple or Spotify Icon below
Thank you!
Lenders Playbook. Episode 60
4 ways to unleash the best in you for 2025! Part 2 with Ira Rosen
Welcome back to the Lenders Playbook Podcast- part 2 of our incredible conversation with Ira Rosen! In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to turn your day into a revenue-producing machine
What velocity means in business and how to harness it for unstoppable growth
The power of 2/10/40 and why it creates true freedom
How to avoid the dreaded empty calendar syndrome
And so much more!
Books and Resources Mentioned
Connect with Ira
Ira Rosen on Linkedin
Company Website: Mojo Global
Please Subscribe-Thank you!
Lenders Playbook. Episode 59
Mastering Mindset with Ira Rosen – Part 1
In this two-part episode, we’re joined by the incredible Ira Rosen, co-founder of Mojo Global, a leader in LinkedIn products and training platforms. With over 50 years of experience in business, persuasion, and mindset, Ira has helped tens of thousands of entrepreneurs transform their businesses—and his achievements earned him Marketer of the Yearfrom the Phoenix Business Journal.
Ira’s journey is nothing short of remarkable: from revolutionizing the medical weight management industry in the '90s to owning car and motorcycle franchises in the '80s, and even competing as a member of the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team. He’s also run over 30 marathons and logged more than 100,000 miles—and hasn’t missed a single day working out!
In this episode, Ira shares how he’s worked with legends like Grant Cardone, John Maxwell, and Mark Cuban. He’ll walk us through his strategies for staying disciplined, filling calendars, and achieving massive goals. Get ready to discover the mindset secrets that have fueled his success and how you can use them to level up your life and business.
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation—grab your notebook and let’s dive in!
You Will Learn
Proven Mindset Strategies: Discover the mindset secrets Ira Rosen has used to achieve success across industries.
Expert Business Insights: Learn how to stay disciplined, fill your calendar, and crush ambitious goals from someone who’s worked with industry legends like Grant Cardone, John Maxwell, and Mark Cuban.
Inspiration from an Extraordinary Journey: Hear how Ira's diverse experiences—from owning franchises to competing in the Olympics—shaped his approach to business and life.
Actionable Takeaways: Walk away with practical strategies to transform your life and business.
Books and Resources Mentioned
How To Win Friends And Influence People
The Sales Advantage, Dale Carnegie
Connect with Ira Rosen
Please Subscribe Below! Thank you
Lenders Playbook. Episode 57
Streamlining Home Inspections with Josh Jensen of Inspectify
Welcome back to the show! Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Josh Jensen, the founder and CEO of Inspectify—a cutting-edge platform that’s transforming the property inspection industry. With a network of over 6,000 inspectors and technology designed to bring speed, efficiency, and standardized data to real estate transactions, Josh is paving the way for how agents, investors, and homebuyers approach inspections.
We’ll dive into what inspired him to create Inspectify, the challenges he’s faced, and how his platform is empowering inspectors while giving real estate professionals the tools they need to make smarter decisions. We’ll also explore Josh’s mindset, the advice that’s shaped his journey, and the resources that have influenced his success.
If you’re in real estate or curious about how innovation is driving change in traditional industries, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Let’s get started!
You Will Learn:
How Inspectify is revolutionizing the property inspection industry with cutting-edge technology.
The benefits of a standardized inspection process for agents, investors, and homebuyers.
Josh Jensen's journey to founding Inspectify and the challenges he faced along the way.
How Inspectify empowers inspectors while streamlining real estate transactions.
Key advice and resources that have shaped Josh’s entrepreneurial success.
Insights into how innovation is driving change in traditional industries like real estate.
Connect With Josh and Inspectify
https://www.inspectify.com
Thank You For Subscribing
Lenders Playbook. Episode 56
How LoanPASS is Redefining Loan Decisioning for Lenders Everywhere
Welcome to The Lenders Playbook Podcast! I am your host, Matt Rosen and Today, we’re diving into the world of innovative lending solutions with Bill Mitchell from LoanPASS.
Whether you’re a lender looking to streamline pricing and underwriting or curious about the future of lending tech, this episode has something for you.
Stick around as we unpack what makes LoanPASS different, how it helps lenders of all sizes, and what’s next on the horizon for this game-changing company.
You Will Learn:
How LoanPASS is revolutionizing lending technology
Streamlining pricing and underwriting
Tech solutions for lenders of all sizes
The future of lending technology
Books Mentioned:
Connect with Bill Mitchell and LoanPass
Thank you for subscribing!
Lenders Playbook. Episode 55
Redefining Real Estate Finance with New Silver's Kirill Bensonoff
#55: In this episode, we dive into the future of real estate investing with New Silver, a company redefining how deals get done. Co-founded in 2018 by tech entrepreneur Kirill Bensonoff, New Silver blends cutting-edge technology with real estate expertise to bring speed, convenience, and flexibility to property financing.
From launching the first real-time pricing engine for property loans—offering instant approvals, term sheets, and proof of funds online—to creating tools like FlipScout for finding profitable deals, New Silver is empowering investors to work smarter, not harder.
Join us as we explore how this innovative platform is transforming real estate investing for professionals and partners alike. Don’t miss it!
You Will Learn
Revolutionizing Property Financing: Discover how New Silver’s cutting-edge technology, like their real-time pricing engine, offers instant approvals, term sheets, and proof of funds online—making property financing faster and more convenient than ever.
Finding Profitable Deals Made Easy: Learn about FlipScout, New Silver’s powerful tool that helps investors identify lucrative deals and make smarter investment decisions.
Tech Meets Real Estate Expertise: Explore how New Silver blends technology and real estate know-how to create a flexible, investor-focused platform that redefines how deals get done.
The Future of Real Estate Investing: Gain insights into the trends and tools shaping the future of real estate investing and how professionals can leverage these innovations for success.
Books Mentioned
EOS Books, Gene Wickman
The Economist Magazine
History Books of all kinds
Connect with Kirillnewsilver.com
Thank you for Subscribing!
Lenders Playbook. Episode 54
Setting Goals For 2025 With Matt Rosen
#54: Today, we are going solo and were talking about 3 main things today.
1. Why Lenders Playbook was created and how this ties into growing the American Lending Conference community.
2. Goal Setting mindset that I realized is much healthier for me to execute on and certainly believe it will help you.
3. I am thinking about starting a Podcast Course! And looking for your feedback.
Enjoy!
Please Subscribe! Thank you.
Lenders Playbook. Episode 53
From NFL Star to Private Lending with Devon Kennard
Today’s guest is Devon Kennard, a true embodiment of excellence—on the football field, in the classroom, and in the business world.
Before being drafted into the NFL in 2014, he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Communication Management from the University of Southern California, where he maintained a 3.8 GPA. Devon played for The New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, and Baltimore Ravens for 9 seasons total.
But his story doesn’t stop with the NFL. During his academic journey, he discovered a passion for real estate investing and building passive income. Today, he leads 42 Solutions, a thriving private lending company with a robust portfolio of properties and numerous successful investments in syndications. His transition from professional athlete to an accomplished investor is nothing short of inspiring."
Get ready for an inspiring conversation about resilience, consistency and real estate. Please welcome to the show, Devon Kennard.
What you will learn
Balancing Excellence Across Fields:
How Devon maintained academic excellence with a 3.8 GPA while playing football at a high level, earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.
Transitioning From NFL to Real Estate:
Insights into Devon’s journey from a 9-season NFL career with teams like the Giants, Cardinals, Lions, and Ravens, to becoming a successful real estate investor.
Building Wealth Through Real Estate:
Devon’s strategies for generating passive income and creating a robust portfolio through private lending, syndications, and property investments.
Resilience and Consistency in Life and Business:
The principles Devon has carried from the football field into his investing and entrepreneurial ventures.
The Vision Behind 42 Solutions:
How Devon's company is making an impact in the private lending space and his approach to scaling success in real estate.
Books and Resources Mentioned
Money: Master the Game: 7 Simple Steps to Financial Freedom by Tony Robbins
The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It
Small and Mighty Investor, Chad Carson
Connect with Devon!
Online: https://www.weare42solutions.com
Personal Website https://www.devonkennard.com
Please Subscribe! Thank you
Lenders Playbook. Episode 52
Learn Real Estate Finance from these 2 experts! Matt Rodrigue and Derrek Shannon from M.R. Qualified share all!
Today, we’re diving deep into the world of real estate financing with two industry leaders from M.R. Qualified. First up is Matthew 'Matt' Rodrigue, founder of M.R. Qualified—a game-changer bridging the gap between ambitious real estate entrepreneurs and traditional banks with fast, flexible underwriting. Matt combines Wall Street expertise and has applied that to private financing.
Joining him is Derrek Shannon, Principal at M.R. Qualified. With extensive experience underwriting and managing complex, high-yield loan transactions across asset-based lending and commercial real estate, Derrek is now leading their expansion into emerging markets. Together, they’re redefining what’s possible in real estate financing.
What you will learn
Innovative Real Estate Financing Solutions:
How M.R. Qualified is transforming the financing process by bridging the gap between traditional banks and real estate entrepreneurs with fast, flexible underwriting solutions.
Leveraging Wall Street Expertise:
Matt Rodrigue’s journey from Wall Street to private financing and how that expertise benefits ambitious investors seeking capital.
Complex Loan Structuring:
Derrek Shannon’s approach to underwriting and managing high-yield loan transactions, including strategies for tackling challenging deals and maximizing returns.
Emerging Market Opportunities:
How M.R. Qualified is expanding into emerging markets and what this means for real estate investors looking to capitalize on new opportunities.
Redefining Private Lending:
Key takeaways on how M.R. Qualified is pushing the boundaries of traditional real estate financing, making it more accessible and tailored to investor needs.
Books and Resources Mentioned
The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life
Connect with Matt and Derrek
Website www.mrqualified.com