In this episode of Uncontested Investing, we dive deep into one of the most misunderstood but most powerful tools in the investor toolbox: commercial financing for residential portfolios.

We break down the key differences between traditional and commercial loans, when it makes sense to make the switch, and how commercial lenders can become long-term strategic partners for scaling your real estate business.

Whether you’re just starting out or ready to transition from 2–3 properties into a real business, this episode is your roadmap to going pro!

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:30 Key advantage: easier qualification than traditional loans
03:49 What types of assets qualify for commercial financing

04:35 How commercial lenders act like partners
08:33 Understanding the different kinds of commercial lenders

10:10 Should you set up an LLC for each property?
12:03 What new investors need to know about commercial lending

13:45 Interest rates, cash flow, and why pacing matters
16:01 Advice for new investors: vet your options and talk to mentors

Quotables

“Just because you can get approved doesn’t mean you should move that fast.”

“A lender who educates you is a lender worth sticking with.”

“You don’t build a real estate business by staying in the traditional lane forever.”

Links

RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

info@rcncapital.com

REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/

Let’s be honest—real estate investing is a team sport and you’re not meant to go it alone. In this episode of our Financing & Funding Series, Suzanne and I break down the ins and outs of partnering with other investors—how to do it right, what to watch out for, and why the right partner can 10x your portfolio and fast-track your success.

We talk through the good, the bad, and the ugly—from finding complementary skill sets, setting clear legal boundaries, and protecting your downside, to spotting red flags and knowing when it’s time to walk away. Whether you’re just getting started or scaling to multifamily, this episode is your full roadmap to making partnerships work without drama or disaster.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:09 Leveraging complementary skills & experience

03:17 Multiple partnerships for different strategies

06:25 Equity vs. joint ventures vs. silent partners

08:47 Real estate syndications: Bigger deals, shared risk

11:01 Key values to align on: risk tolerance, time, renovation standards

12:35 Trust-building & bonding outside the business

14:00 Test communication before committing

15:06 The non-negotiable: Legal agreements

16:21 Schedule recurring partner check-ins

18:34 Don’t argue about everything: Learn to concede

20:03 The importance of transparency in every partnership

Quotables

“Partnering with investors isn’t just about capital – it’s about alignment, vision, and building something better together.”

“A partnership without transparency is a liability, not an asset.”

“No one wants to have the tough conversations, but those legal docs protect everyone—and they build trust.”

Links

RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

info@rcncapital.com

REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/

Creative financing isn’t just a buzzword—it’s one of the most powerful ways investors can scale smarter and faster. In this episode, Suzanne and I dive into a full breakdown of alternative funding strategies that help you grow without the traditional barriers.

We explore equitable partnerships, private lending, crowdfunding, DSCR loans, BRRRR strategies, seller financing, and even using your IRA to fund deals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow with flexibility, this conversation is packed with real-world insights, practical tips, and the exact steps you need to make creative financing work for you.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:58 The pros and cons of crowdfunding

03:11 How private money can help fund less traditional assets

04:19 What to know about using your IRA to fund deals

05:34 Networking and building relationships with lenders

07:03 Where to network: REIAs, National Rental Home Council, and more

08:08 Local networking vs national events

09:16 Marketing as a creative financing tool

11:26 DSCR as a metric for smarter investing and better underwriting

13:56 Transitioning from fix & flip to BRRRR for long-term portfolio building

17:27 The common pitfalls of creative financing

19:17 Why real estate education pays off long-term

20:22 Avoid overleveraging: Plan for vacancy, maintenance, and contingencies

Quotables

“Creative financing lets you scale when others are stuck waiting for a traditional lender to say yes.”

“Your local REIA may have more value than a weekend in Vegas at a trade show.”

“Overleveraging is easy when deals come fast. Be smart and plan for the what-ifs.”

Links

RCN Capital

https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/

info@rcncapital.com

REI INK

https://rei-ink.com/