New on The Brkthru

Ben Deal breaks down the Investor Agent Gameplan and how agents can work with investors to create more opportunities, more transactions, and more repeat business—even when the traditional market slows down.

The market may slow down. Your deal flow doesn’t have to.

Watch the full presentation on YouTube.

Ready to go deeper?

Join our weekly coaching group where we take these strategies beyond the conversation and focus on implementation, accountability, and doing more deals.

#TheBrkthru #RealEstateAgents #RealEstateInvesting #InvestorAgent #RealEstateBusiness

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Continue Learning

• Weekly Coaching Program
• Real Estate Fundamentals
• Master Class: Real Estate Investing Fundamentals
• How to Grow Your Business Working With Real Estate Investors
• Free Real Estate Investing Resources

Does buying rental property still make sense in today’s market?

With higher interest rates, property taxes, insurance, repair costs, and tighter margins, the rental game has definitely changed.

In this VLOG, I break down why I still believe rental properties can be a powerful long-term wealth-building strategy—but only if the numbers make sense TODAY.

We discuss cash flow vs. total return, why appreciation should be the bonus and not the business plan, smarter financing options, lower-priced properties, multiple exit strategies, and the importance of buying something you can afford to hold.

The question isn’t whether rental properties still work.

The question is: Does THIS rental property work?

▶️ Watch the full video and let me know your thoughts: Are you still buying rentals in today’s market?

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Continue Learning

• Real Estate Fundamentals
• Master Class: Real Estate Investing Fundamentals
• How to Grow Your Business Working With Real Estate Investors
• Weekly Coaching & Mentorship
• Free Real Estate Investing Resources

If you enjoyed this video, be sure to subscribe to Brant Phillips on YouTube and explore more educational resources to help you build long-term wealth through real estate investing.

Behind the Scenes of a Real Estate Syndication

In this week’s vlog, I’m taking you behind the scenes of a real estate syndication and showing what actually goes into putting one of these deals together.

This isn’t about promoting an investment or pitching a deal. It’s about the process.

I walk through:

• How the opportunity came together
• Evaluating the deal and completing due diligence
• Building the financial projections
• Looking at both the upside and the downside
• Structuring the syndication
• Creating the investor package
• Raising the necessary capital
• The responsibilities that come with managing other people’s money

There’s a lot more to a syndication than finding a property and raising money.

The real work happens behind the scenes: analyzing assumptions, identifying risks, building the right structure, preparing for things that could go wrong, and ultimately deciding whether the opportunity makes sense.

If you’ve ever been curious about real estate syndications or how larger investment deals are put together, this vlog provides a real-world look at the process.

Join our weekly coaching group for deeper training, real-world strategies, accountability, and support to help you grow your real estate business.

*This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security or investment.

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Continue Learning

• Real Estate Fundamentals
• Master Class: Real Estate Investing Fundamentals
• How to Grow Your Business Working With Real Estate Investors
• Weekly Coaching & Mentorship
• Free Real Estate Investing Resources

#debt Can Destroy Your Business Faster Than Almost Anything

Growth is exciting but growth without discipline can be dangerous.

In this clip, I share one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through real estate investing, land development, and entrepreneurship: don’t let debt outpace your ability to manage risk.

I talk about:

• Why overleveraging has taken down countless investors
• The importance of choosing your opportunities wisely
• A real-world example of an unexpected six-figure infrastructure expense on one of my developments
• Why staying financially flexible is one of the greatest competitive advantages you can have

Scaling isn’t about saying yes to every opportunity. It’s about knowing which opportunities deserve your capital, your time, and your risk.

Pick your spots.

If you’re building a real estate business or growing as an entrepreneur, this lesson could save you from making an expensive mistake.

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Continue Learning

• Real Estate Fundamentals
• Develop the Mindset for Long-Term Success
• How to Grow Your Business Working With Real Estate Investors
• The 3 Wealth Building Myths Sabotaging Your Road to Riches
• Private Lenders Want to Loan Money to You

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If you found this lesson helpful, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and share this video with someone building a business or investing in real estate. Smart decisions today can protect your future and help you build lasting success.

Have you ever felt like you’re working hard… but somehow you’re not making the progress you expected?

I’ve been there.

And one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that the answer usually isn’t to work harder.

It’s to make the right pivot.

Every successful person reaches a point where what got them here won’t get them there. The strategies, habits, and even the mindset that created your current level of success eventually have to evolve if you want to reach the next level.

That’s what this week’s message, Pivot to Power, is all about.

I share a simple framework that has helped me throughout my career in business and real estate:

Clarity + Commitment = Power

First, you have to get crystal clear on what you’re trying to accomplish. Most people don’t lack ability they lack clarity. If you don’t know exactly where you’re going, you’ll waste time and energy chasing the wrong things.

Setting meaningful goals is the foundation for long-term success. If you’ve struggled to stay focused, I encourage you to read The Importance of Setting, Writing & Believing in Goals.

Then comes commitment.

Commitment is doing the work long after the excitement wears off. It’s showing up consistently, especially on the days when you don’t feel like it.

Success isn’t built by talking about your goals it’s built through consistent action. If this resonates with you, check out Talk vs. Action.

When clarity and commitment come together, that’s where power is created.

Every Entrepreneur Must Make These Pivots

• From busy… to productive.
• From chasing deals… to building systems that grow your business.
• From transactions… to relationships.
• From earning income… to building long-term assets.
• From being an operator… to becoming an owner.

The reality is, one decision can change everything.

One conversation.

One new habit.

One mindset shift.

One pivot.

If you’ve been feeling stuck in your business, your real estate investing journey, or your personal life, I encourage you to watch this message.

Your next breakthrough may not require more effort.

It may simply require the courage to pivot.

If fear has been holding you back, I also recommend reading How I Handle My Real Estate Fear.

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If you’re committed to growing both personally and professionally, explore more free resources, learn more about coaching, or read Brant’s Story to see the journey behind these lessons.

If you enjoyed this video, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and share it with someone who’s ready to reach the next level.

I’ll see you in the next video.

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Continue Learning

• Develop the Mindset for Long-Term Success
• The Importance of Setting, Writing & Believing in Goals
• Are You Levelling Up or Have You Levelled Out?
• How to Grow Your Business Working With Real Estate Investors
• Real Estate Fundamentals

Most people spend their entire lives focused on making money…

But very few intentionally build wealth.

In this episode of The Brkthru, I share one of the simplest yet most powerful frameworks I’ve used throughout my real estate investing career to build financial freedom: The 3 Buckets of Real Estate.

You’ll learn why trying to live off passive income too early can actually slow your progress and how to strategically move from earning income today to creating long-term wealth.

In this video, you’ll learn:

• The difference between active income, recurring income, and wealth
• Why your A Bucket must come first
• How to use today’s income to build tomorrow’s cash flow
• The biggest mistake investors make when chasing passive income
• How to think like a long-term wealth builder
• The framework I’ve used throughout my real estate investing journey

Whether you’re just getting started or already own investment properties, this simple concept can help you make better financial decisions and build wealth with greater intention.

If this video helped you, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who’s serious about creating financial freedom through real estate.

Join us every Tuesday at The Brkthru (Houston, TX)

Real conversations. Real growth. Real results.

Learn more: https://www.TheBrkthru.com

Grab a copy of my book, Private Lender Playbook:
https://www.PrivateLenderPlaybook.com

 

#RealEstate #RealEstateInvesting #PassiveIncome #FinancialFreedom #WealthBuilding #RentalProperties #CashFlow #RealEstateInvestor #Entrepreneur #Investing #FinancialEducation #PersonalFinance #PrivateMoney #BrantPhillips #TheBrkthru

It’s easy to get discouraged in real estate when things aren’t going the way you expected.

You’re making calls, analyzing properties, talking to potential lenders, and trying to find opportunities but the contracts and closings aren’t coming fast enough.

Sometimes, the problem isn’t your business strategy. It’s how you’re measuring success.

Instead of judging each day by whether you secured a contract or closed a deal, focus on the activities you can control.

Measure Your Output

Set clear key performance indicators KPIs for the actions that consistently produce results.

For example:

• How many offers did you make?
• How many sellers did you contact?
• How many potential private lenders did you speak with?
• How many follow-ups did you complete?

You may not control whether someone accepts your offer today, but you can control how many offers you make.

If your data shows that consistently making five or ten offers per day produces contracts over time, then hitting that daily number should be considered a win.

Build the Pipeline

Every offer and conversation adds another opportunity to your pipeline.

The results may not appear immediately, but consistent activity begins to compound. Eventually, a predictable percentage of those offers will become contracts, closings, and profitable deals.

The same principle applies to raising private capital.

When someone tells me they’re struggling to raise money, I ask how many prospective lenders they’ve spoken with during the past week or month.

The answer is usually zero, one, or two.

Raising capital is a numbers game. You must consistently have conversations, explain what you do, build relationships, and present opportunities.

Focus on Your Niche

Choose a specific niche and market, then commit to learning everything you can about them.

Live, eat, breathe, and sleep that niche. Become familiar with the properties, buyers, sellers, financing options, and challenges within your market.

Then make offer after offer after offer.

Focus on What You Can Control

You cannot completely control how many contracts you receive or when a deal closes.

You can control:

• The number of offers you make
• The conversations you initiate
• Your follow-up
• Your knowledge of the market
• Your daily consistency

When you repeatedly execute activities that have been proven to work, the results will eventually follow.

Don’t let a slow week or difficult season convince you to quit. Measure your success by your disciplined daily output, continue building your pipeline, and trust the process.

Consistency will ultimately turn today’s effort into tomorrow’s deals.

For years, I believed owning more rental properties was the path to financial freedom.

Then reality hit.

The constant tenant turnovers, make-readies, repair calls, maintenance issues, tenant complaints, and even legal threats made me question whether the extra cash flow was truly worth the stress.

That realization completely changed my investing strategy.

Why I Changed My Investment Strategy

Like many real estate investors, I started by building a portfolio of rental properties. Rentals can generate consistent cash flow, provide long-term appreciation, and offer valuable tax advantages.

But as my portfolio grew, so did the demands of managing it.

Every vacancy meant preparing a property for the next tenant. Unexpected repairs became part of everyday life, and dealing with maintenance requests, collections, and tenant issues consumed more time than I wanted to spend.

Eventually, I realized I wasn’t building the lifestyle I wanted I was simply creating more work for myself.

Why I Chose Owner Financing

In this video, I explain why I began selling many of my rental properties and transitioned toward owner financing instead.

Rather than collecting rent each month, I started creating performing notes through owner-financed sales. For me, this offered a more scalable, predictable, and lower-maintenance way to generate recurring income.

Instead of managing tenants and repairs, I now receive monthly payments from buyers while avoiding many of the day-to-day responsibilities that come with owning rental properties.

Rentals vs. Owner Financing

This isn’t to say rental properties are bad investments. In fact, rentals have helped countless investors build significant wealth over the years.

The point is that every investor’s goals are different.

Some investors enjoy managing rental portfolios and maximizing appreciation. Others prefer creating passive cash flow with fewer operational responsibilities.

The key is choosing an investment strategy that aligns with your financial goals, desired lifestyle, and tolerance for stress.

Building Long-Term Wealth

If you’re trying to build long-term wealth, this perspective may help you think differently about recurring income and financial freedom.

There isn’t one “right” way to invest in real estate. The best strategy is the one that allows you to grow your wealth while creating the life you actually want to live.

Watch the Video and Join the Conversation

Watch the video to hear why I made the transition from rental properties to owner-financed notes and how this decision has changed the way I think about investing.

If you found this helpful, please like the video, subscribe to the channel, and leave a comment below.

Question for you: Would you rather own 50 rental properties or 300 owner-financed notes? Why?

One of the biggest mistakes I see investors make is focusing on the wrong goal.

They chase deals, commissions, or the next paycheck without a long-term plan for turning today’s income into tomorrow’s wealth.

Over the years, I’ve found it helpful to think of real estate investing in three simple buckets:

• Active Income – The income you earn through your job, business, flipping houses, wholesaling, commissions, or other active pursuits.
• Recurring Income – Assets that generate consistent cash flow, such as rental properties, notes, mobile home parks, or other income-producing investments.
• The Wealth Bucket – Long-term ownership, equity, appreciation, and the assets that create financial freedom and generational wealth.

The key is understanding that these buckets work together. Active income funds recurring income, and recurring income helps build lasting wealth. Trying to skip steps or rely on passive income too early often slows your progress instead of accelerating it.

In this video, I explain how I think about each bucket, why I continue to reinvest into my properties instead of taking a salary, and the mindset that’s helped me build a portfolio designed for the long term.

Watch the video, then let me know in the comments: Which bucket are you currently focused on?

If you’re looking to learn more about real estate investing, raising capital, and building long-term wealth, I’d love for you to join my weekly coaching community.

Why Self-Directed IRA Investors Are Your Best Private Lenders

One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs and real estate investors make is trying to raise money from people who were never looking to invest in the first place.

There’s a better approach.

In this video, I explain why some of my most successful capital raises have come from building relationships with people who already have money set aside specifically for investing self-directed IRA investors.

These investors have already:

• Moved their retirement funds into a self-directed IRA.
• Completed the paperwork.
• Made the decision to invest outside of Wall Street.
• Often prefer real estate-backed investments.

That means they’re not trying to decide whether to invest they’re simply looking for the right opportunity.

Stop chasing everyone. Start focusing your time where motivated money already exists.

Most investors think making payments on time is enough.

I don’t.

One of the best pieces of advice I ever shared with private lenders was simple: Don’t pay on time. Pay early.

Years later, one of my lenders told me that hearing that principle over and over is what convinced him to invest with me. It wasn’t one presentation or one conversation. It was the consistency of the message and more importantly, the consistency of the actions that followed.

Here’s the reality: every payment sends a message.

Pay late, and lenders start wondering if something is wrong.

Pay on time, and you’ve met expectations.

Pay early, and you communicate reliability, discipline, and respect for the people who trust you with their capital.

Your reputation isn’t built in one deal. It’s built through thousands of small decisions that prove you’re someone people can count on.

If you want to raise more private money, don’t just focus on finding lenders. Focus on becoming the type of borrower lenders are excited to work with again and again.

👉 Want to learn more about raising private capital, analyzing deals, and building a real estate business that lasts?

Join my weekly coaching group where we dive into practical strategies, live case studies, and real-world lessons every week. I’d love to have you there.

Many entrepreneurs believe raising private money is all about finding wealthy people.

It’s not.

After raising millions of dollars in private capital over the years, I’ve found that it comes down to a simple formula:

Trust + Good Deals + Marketing = Capital

In this video, I explain why all three pieces are essential if you want to consistently attract private lenders and investors.

Here’s the reality:

You can be the most trustworthy person in the world, but if you don’t have good investment opportunities, people won’t invest.

You can have incredible deals, but if no one trusts you, they won’t risk their money with you.

And even if you have both trust and great deals, you’ll still struggle to raise capital if no one knows who you are.

That’s where marketing comes in.

Marketing isn’t about hype or making unrealistic promises. It’s about consistently sharing your story, your opportunities, your experience, and your values so the right people can get to know you over time. Consistency creates familiarity, and familiarity helps build trust.

When you combine trust, good deals, and consistent marketing, raising private money becomes far more predictable.

🎥 Watch the video, then let me know in the comments:

Which part of the formula do you need to improve most Trust, Good Deals, or Marketing?

If you’re serious about learning how to raise private capital ethically and build lasting relationships with private lenders, I’d love to invite you to join my weekly coaching community.

Every week we dive into real-world strategies for raising capital, structuring deals, building credibility, and creating a business that investors feel confident funding. If you’re ready to grow your capital-raising skills, come join us.

One of the biggest misconceptions about raising capital is that it starts with finding investors.

It doesn’t.

It starts with certainty.

When you’re confident in your mission, understand your business inside and out, and can clearly explain your numbers, people notice. Investors are naturally drawn to confidence not arrogance, but the kind of conviction that comes from preparation, experience, and integrity.

But there’s another side to raising private capital that isn’t talked about nearly enough.

It’s the responsibility.

I still remember receiving my first investment commitments. While others celebrated the opportunity, I felt something much heavier.

Responsibility.

When someone entrusts you with their hard-earned money, it changes everything. Their investment isn’t just a line item on a balance sheet it’s often years of work, sacrifice, and faith placed in your hands.

That’s why I’ve always believed that raising capital isn’t about convincing people to invest.

It’s about becoming someone worthy of that trust.

From day one, I made a commitment that my lenders would be protected. That commitment has shaped every investment decision we’ve made and every relationship we’ve built over the years.

If you’re raising private money or hope to someday this mindset matters more than any pitch, presentation, or marketing strategy.

Watch this short video where I explain why capital follows calling, and why stewardship should always come before fundraising.

▶️ Watch the video above, then leave a comment and let me know your biggest takeaway.

🚀 If this message resonates with you, be sure to subscribe for more content on private lending, capital raising, and building a business founded on trust and integrity.

The Truth Behind a $2.4 Million Capital Raise

People often ask me how I was able to raise $2.4 million in less than 30 days.

It’s a fair question.

From the outside, it looked like a fast capital raise.

But here’s the truth…

It didn’t take 30 days. It took more than 10 years.

The capital showed up in 30 days because the relationships had already been built over the previous decade.

Success Is Usually Built Long Before Anyone Notices

We live in a culture that celebrates overnight success.

People see the headline.

They see the result.

They see the deal close.

What they rarely see are the thousands of conversations, the years of consistency, the promises kept, and the reputation built one interaction at a time.

That’s what people were really investing in.

Not just a deal.

They were investing in trust.

Trust Is Your Greatest Asset

I’ve spent nearly two decades investing in real estate, and if there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s this:

Money follows trust.

Investors don’t simply write checks because a deal looks good.

They invest because they believe in the person presenting the opportunity.

That confidence isn’t created during a presentation.

It’s created through years of doing what you say you’re going to do.

Showing up.

Communicating.

Being honest when things go well and when they don’t.

Delivering on your commitments.

Your reputation compounds over time, just like your investments.

Don’t Wait Until You Need Capital

One of the biggest mistakes I see entrepreneurs and real estate investors make is waiting until they have a deal before they begin building investor relationships.

By then, it’s already too late.

Building credibility isn’t an event.

It’s a lifestyle.

Every conversation…

Every email…

Every educational post…

Every promise you keep…

Every update you provide…

Those moments are making deposits into what I call your Trust Account.

When the opportunity comes, people don’t make decisions based on one presentation.

They make decisions based on years of watching how you’ve conducted yourself.

Teach First. Raise Capital Second.

I’ve always believed that education comes before opportunity.

That’s why I’ve spent years creating content, writing books, hosting coaching calls, speaking at events, and simply helping people understand real estate investing and private lending.

Not because I was trying to raise money.

Because I genuinely wanted to help people become better investors.

Ironically, that’s exactly what made raising capital easier.

When people trust your intentions, opportunities naturally follow.

The Real Secret

People often ask me for the script.

The pitch.

The presentation.

The exact words that convinced investors to fund a deal.

But the truth is…

There isn’t a magic script.

The real secret is becoming the kind of person people want to invest with.

That takes time.

It takes integrity.

It takes consistency.

And it takes years of choosing long-term credibility over short-term gains.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hoping to raise private capital someday, don’t wait until you have the perfect deal.

Start building trust today.

Educate people.

Add value.

Keep your word.

Communicate consistently.

Build real relationships.

Because one day, someone may look at your success and think it happened overnight.

You’ll know better.

It wasn’t 30 days.

It was years of becoming someone worthy of trust.

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Join My Weekly Coaching Community

If you’re serious about raising private capital, building a real estate business, and creating long-term wealth through relationships and trust, I’d love to have you join my weekly coaching community.

Each week we cover real deals, capital raising strategies, business growth, and practical lessons you can apply immediately.

The money doesn’t follow opportunity it follows trust. Start building both today.

If you ask most real estate investors what private lenders want, you’ll usually hear the same answer:

“The highest return possible.”

But after nearly two decades of raising private capital, I’ve learned that’s simply not true.

Yes, returns matter. But they’re rarely the deciding factor.

The best private lenders are looking for something much deeper than an extra percentage point. They’re looking for confidence. They want to know their money is protected, that they’re working with someone they trust, and that they clearly understand where their investment is going.

In my experience, private lenders consistently value five things:

• Peace of Mind – They want to feel confident their capital is being managed responsibly.
• Safety – The return of their money is often more important than the return on their money.
• Simplicity – If an investment is difficult to understand, people hesitate. Clear beats complicated.
• Communication – Consistent updates build trust and create long-term relationships.
• Purpose – Many lenders enjoy knowing their investment is improving neighborhoods, creating housing, and making a positive impact in their community.

One of the biggest mistakes I see investors make is trying to compete solely on interest rates.

Instead, compete on trust.

When you build credibility, communicate well, and consistently do what you say you’re going to do, you’ll attract lenders who value long-term relationships not just the next highest yield.

If you’re raising private money, understanding this mindset can completely change how you present opportunities and build lasting partnerships.

Watch the short video below as I explain what private lenders actually want and why understanding this one concept can transform your ability to raise capital.

Want to learn more about private lending, raising capital, and building wealth through real estate?

Join my weekly coaching group where investors, entrepreneurs, and business owners come together to learn proven strategies, build relationships, and create real opportunities.

Your reputation isn’t built when everything is going well.

It’s built when things get difficult.

Whether you’re raising private capital, running a business, or leading a team, people remember how you communicate, how you handle problems, and whether your actions consistently match your words.

In this short video, I share a real-world example of how honest communication during a challenging investment ultimately strengthened investor relationships and created even greater trust.

If you’re serious about building a business that lasts, your reputation may be your greatest asset.

🎥 Watch the video, and if you find it valuable, please Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more content on real estate investing, raising private capital, and building a business with integrity.

Want to Keep Learning?

Join my private coaching community, where I mentor investors on raising private capital, analyzing deals, structuring investments, and building a business designed for long-term success. If you’re serious about growing, I’d love to work with you.

One of the biggest misconceptions in real estate investing is that success comes from finding more deals.
It doesn’t.

Success comes from knowing which deals to buy and which ones to walk away from.

Over the years, I’ve reviewed tens of thousands of opportunities. Some took hours to analyze. Others took less than 30 seconds.

The difference wasn’t luck.

It was understanding the math.

Recently, two situations reminded me why this topic deserves to be revisited.

The first involved one of our acquisition team members. A lead came in that should have been an easy contract. The numbers were there, but because the deal wasn’t analyzed correctly, we hesitated. Another investor moved quickly and bought it.

The second involved a former coaching student who reached out asking for help analyzing several deals. It reminded me that while markets change, good deal analysis hasn’t. The principles are timeless.

That’s why I put together this training.

The Goal Isn’t More Deals

The goal is better deals.

Far too many investors overpay because they:

• Fall in love with a property.
• Underestimate repair costs.
• Ignore holding costs.
• Assume everything will go according to plan.
• Have only one exit strategy.

Every one of those mistakes can turn a profitable investment into an expensive lesson.

The Fundamentals Every Investor Should Know

In this training I cover the same framework I’ve relied on throughout nearly two decades of investing.

You’ll learn:

• How to quickly determine whether a property deserves a deeper look.
• The truth behind the 70% Rule and when it’s okay to go beyond it.
• Why equity is your oxygen.
• How to estimate repairs, holding costs, financing costs, and profit margins.
• Why I prefer affordable housing over higher-end flips.
• How multiple exit strategies dramatically reduce risk.
• Why cash is often more important than profit.
• How we structure many of our deals with 100% financing while still protecting our lenders.

These aren’t complicated formulas.

They’re practical principles that help you make better decisions faster.

Great Investors Think Differently

One of the biggest shifts in my investing career came when I stopped asking:

“Can this deal work?”

Instead, I started asking:

“What happens if everything doesn’t go according to plan?”

Markets change.

Interest rates rise.

Repair costs increase.

Homes sit on the market longer than expected.

The investors who survive and thrive are the ones who prepare for those realities before they buy.

That’s why I constantly talk about multiple exit strategies.

If your only plan is to flip the property, you’re taking far more risk than necessary.

The best deals usually work several different ways.

Watch the Full Training

If you’re wholesaling, flipping, buying rentals, or simply trying to become a better investor, understanding flip math is one of the highest-value skills you can develop.

Watch the full training below and learn the exact framework I use to quickly evaluate opportunities while minimizing risk.

Remember:

You don’t make your money when you sell.

You make your money when you buy.

PS: Reading about investing is valuable. Applying it with experienced investors is where the real growth happens. Join my weekly coaching group and learn how to analyze deals, raise capital, structure creative financing, and build a sustainable real estate business. Connect with Brant to learn more about joining the group.

How do you raise $2.4 million in less than 30 days?

In this video, I share the real story behind one of the largest capital raises of my career and the lessons that made it possible.

Back in 2021, my business partner and I put approximately 100 acres of Texas land under contract with plans to develop affordable housing. What started as a goal to raise $1 million quickly turned into a $2.4 million capital raise from 33 investors in less than a month.

But here’s the important part…

The money wasn’t raised because of a slick presentation or a lucky opportunity. The raise was the result of more than a decade spent building relationships, establishing credibility, honoring commitments, and consistently serving investors the right way.

In this video, you’ll learn:

 The story behind the $2.4 million raise
 How we structured the investment opportunity
 Why reputation matters more than your deal
 The biggest mistake new investors make when trying to raise money
 How trust, credibility, and consistency attract capital
 Why capital follows certainty, vision, and leadership
 The formula I use for raising private money today

Whether you’re trying to raise $50,000, $500,000, or millions for future real estate deals, the principles are the same:

Good Deals + Trustworthy People + Consistent Marketing = Access to Capital

One of the biggest misconceptions in real estate is that money is the hardest part. In my experience, finding capital becomes much easier when you’ve spent years building trust and creating value for others.

The real question isn’t:

“Where do I find investors?”

The better question is:

“Who do I need to become so investors want to work with me?”

If you’re serious about learning how to raise private capital ethically and effectively, this video will give you a practical framework you can start applying today.

 Learn more about private lending and real estate investing: BrantPhillips.com

 Author of Private Lender Playbook
 Real Estate Investor | Private Capital Expert | Coach
 Helping investors build wealth through affordable housing and private lending

#PrivateMoney #RaiseCapital #RealEstateInvesting #PrivateLenders #RealEstateFunding #CommercialRealEstate #AffordableHousing #PassiveIncome #RealEstateInvestor #BrantPhillips

Educational purposes only. This video is not legal, tax, or investment advice. Always consult qualified professionals before making investment decisions.

Recently, many investors were discussing reports that real estate investor Brandon Turner reportedly lost approximately $15 million on a single apartment investment.

Now, before we go any further, this article isn’t about Brandon Turner.

I don’t know all the facts surrounding that particular deal, and every experienced investor including me understands that losses are simply part of the business.

But the story does raise an important question that every investor should ask:

What risks are built into the asset class itself?

Too often, investors become focused on projected returns.

• They analyze the cap rate.
• They analyze the cash flow.
• They analyze the financing.
• They analyze the market.

But they fail to analyze the long-term sustainability of the asset itself.

After nearly 20 years in real estate, I’ve learned that some of the best investments aren’t necessarily the ones with the highest projected returns.

They’re the ones with the most durable business model.

And that’s why a statistic shared by mobile home park investor Frank Rolfe recently caught my attention.

At the time of his discussion, approximately 8% of apartment complexes were reportedly in loan default while less than 1% of mobile home parks were experiencing similar distress.

Whether those exact numbers fluctuate over time isn’t really the point.

The real lesson is understanding why certain asset classes tend to be more resilient than others.

Because when you’re investing for the long term, sustainability matters.

And one of the biggest drivers of sustainability is something many investors overlook:

Supply.

Great Investments Require More Than Demand

Many investors focus exclusively on demand.

• People need housing.
• People need storage.
• People need office space.
• People need retail.

While demand certainly matters, demand alone doesn’t guarantee a great investment.

You must also understand supply.

A strong investment opportunity often exists when:

• Demand is stable or growing
• Supply is limited
• Replacement is difficult
• Competition is constrained

When supply can rapidly increase, profits often decline.

When supply remains constrained, existing assets tend to maintain stronger occupancy, pricing power, and long-term value.

This is one of the most important lessons I’ve learned as an investor.

The Apartment Challenge

Apartments play an important role in housing, and there are certainly successful apartment investors.

However, apartments face a challenge that many investors underestimate:

New competition can be built relatively easily.

When rents rise, developers respond.

When financing becomes available, projects get approved.

When markets improve, construction increases.

The result is a cycle that repeats itself over and over:

• Strong rents attract development
• New supply enters the market
• Occupancy softens
• Rent growth slows
• Margins compress

Then the process starts all over again.

For apartment owners, one of the biggest risks isn’t necessarily a recession.

It’s oversupply.

A property can be performing well today and suddenly face hundreds of competing units opening nearby tomorrow.

Why Mobile Home Parks Are Different

Mobile home parks operate under a very different dynamic.

In most markets, building a new mobile home park is extremely difficult.

Many cities and counties simply won’t approve them.

In fact, the number of new parks being built each year remains very limited, while older parks continue to disappear through redevelopment and closures.

That creates something investors love:

Scarcity.

When an asset class is difficult to replicate, existing owners benefit.

Unlike apartments, most mobile home park owners don’t spend much time worrying about a brand-new competing park opening across the street.

The barriers to entry are simply too high.

The Business Model Matters

Beyond supply constraints, mobile home parks benefit from a unique operating structure.

In many communities, residents own their homes while the park owner owns the land underneath them.

This creates several advantages:

• Lower maintenance responsibilities
• Reduced repair costs
• Lower capital expenditures
• Strong resident retention
• More predictable operating expenses

When residents own their homes, moving becomes expensive and inconvenient.

As a result, turnover is often lower than traditional rental housing.

Lower turnover frequently leads to more stable cash flow and fewer surprises.

The Real Lesson

When investors read headlines about someone losing millions of dollars on a deal, the natural reaction is to focus on the person.

I think the better approach is to focus on the lesson.

The question isn’t whether Brandon Turner is a good investor.

The question is:

What can we learn from the situation?

For me, the lesson is that understanding the sustainability of an asset class is just as important as understanding the individual deal.

• I want investments where demand is strong.
• I want investments where supply is constrained.
• I want investments where competition is difficult to create.

And I want investments that continue solving a real problem for everyday Americans.

That’s one of the primary reasons I’ve become increasingly attracted to affordable housing assets such as mobile home parks and RV parks.

Not because they’re flashy.

Not because they’re trendy.

But because their long-term fundamentals make sense.

Why I Continue to Like Mobile Home Parks

Over the years I’ve invested in:

• Single-family rentals
• Fix and flips
• Owner-finance properties
• Land development
• Commercial projects
• Syndications
• Mortgage notes
• Mobile home parks
• RV parks

Every asset class has strengths and weaknesses.

But if I’m looking for long-term sustainability, affordable housing remains one of the sectors I find most attractive.

The United States continues to face a shortage of affordable housing.

At the same time, regulatory and zoning restrictions make it extremely difficult to create new mobile home park inventory.

That combination of strong demand and constrained supply creates a compelling long-term investment thesis.

Will every mobile home park be a great investment?

Of course not.

Good operators matter.

Due diligence matters.

Market selection matters.

But when evaluating opportunities, I prefer assets that have built-in protection against oversupply and provide an essential service that people genuinely need.

Because in investing, the best opportunities aren’t always the flashiest.

They’re often the most durable.

And durability is what creates wealth over the long run.

Want to Learn How We Analyze Deals Like This?

One of the biggest mistakes I see investors make is focusing on the deal before they understand the fundamentals behind the deal.

Every week, I host a live coaching and investor training call where we discuss real-world investing, analyze actual opportunities, review market trends, and answer questions from investors around the country.

We cover topics such as:

• Raising private capital
• Flipping houses
• Rental properties
• Owner financing
• Mobile home parks
• RV parks
• Notes
• Deal analysis
• Negotiation
• Business growth
• Building long-term wealth

Whether you’re just getting started or already investing at a high level, these weekly calls are designed to help you avoid costly mistakes and accelerate your learning curve.

If you’d like to learn how we evaluate opportunities, manage risk, and build sustainable wealth through real estate, I’d love to have you join us.

Reach out to me (brant@brantphillips.com) to learn more about joining my Weekly Coaching Call and Investor Training Program.

Most people get into real estate because they’re searching for freedom.

Financial freedom.
Time freedom.
The ability to provide for their families and create a better future.

But what happens when you achieve the success you thought would make you happy… and still feel empty?

In this episode of The Brkthru, we have an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, faith, business, relationships, and the lessons we’ve learned from pursuing success.

We discuss:

 Why commitment matters more than talent
 The importance of having a proven blueprint for success
 How real estate can create opportunities but won’t solve deeper issues
 Why relationships are one of the most valuable assets you’ll ever build
 The dangers of chasing money while neglecting faith, family, and purpose
 Personal stories of success, failure, burnout, and redemption
 How faith has shaped our businesses and our lives
 Why true freedom goes beyond financial freedom

Real estate can provide incredible opportunities, but lasting fulfillment comes from building your life on the right foundation.

If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, Realtor, business owner, or someone searching for greater purpose and direction, this conversation is for you.

#RealEstate #FaithAndBusiness #ChristianEntrepreneur #Entrepreneurship #PersonalDevelopment #Leadership #RealEstateInvesting #BusinessGrowth #TheBrkthru #BrantPhillips #Success #Mindset #FinancialFreedom #Faith #Purpose

Why Smart Investors Love Rental Properties (But Don’t Buy Them Just for Taxes)

Rental properties can be one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available, especially for those looking to create long-term cash flow while taking advantage of potential tax benefits.

One of the reasons many wealthy individuals invest in real estate is because of the favorable tax treatment it can provide. Rental properties may offer benefits such as depreciation, expense deductions, and other strategies that can help reduce taxable income.

However, there is an important principle every real estate investor should understand:

\\\ Never buy real estate solely for the tax benefits ///

A property should stand on its own as a solid investment before any tax advantages are considered. The numbers need to make sense. The property should have the potential to generate cash flow, appreciate in value over time, and provide a reasonable return on investment.

For example, mobile home parks can offer excellent tax advantages, but that alone isn’t a good reason to buy one. The real reason to invest is because the property produces income, has upside potential, and allows residents to help pay down the debt through their monthly rent payments.

When evaluating rental property, ideally you’re looking for an investment that checks multiple boxes:

✅ Positive cash flow
✅ Appreciation potential
✅ Tax advantages and depreciation benefits
✅ Ability to leverage financing when appropriate
✅ Long-term wealth creation

The best investments aren’t just good tax write-offs they’re great investments first, with tax benefits as an added bonus.

If you’re looking to build wealth through real estate, focus on fundamentals, buy assets that produce income, and let the tax advantages enhance an already strong investment.

If you need guidance and help building your portfolio, reach out, I’m here to help.

Brant Phillips

Tax-Free Real Estate Investing: The Most Overlooked Wealth-Building Strategy

When most people think about real estate investing, they think about rental properties, fix-and-flips, apartment complexes, or commercial buildings.

But what if one of the best real estate investments you could make is the house you’re already living in?

Most Americans are unaware that their personal residence can be one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available and in many cases, the profits can be realized with significant tax advantages.

The Hidden Opportunity in Your Primary Residence

Many homeowners purchase a house simply because they need a place to live. They focus on monthly payments, school districts, or proximity to work.

Investors, however, often look at a home differently.

They ask:

• Is there equity already built into the property?
• Does it need cosmetic updates?
• Can improvements increase the home’s value?
• What might this property be worth in a few years?

By purchasing a home below market value or one that needs some updating, homeowners can create equity while enjoying the benefits of living in the property.

Live In It, Improve It, Profit From It

One strategy I’ve seen work repeatedly is purchasing a distressed property, making improvements over time while living in the home, and then selling it a few years later.

Instead of paying rent or simply living in a house that isn’t appreciating significantly, you’re actively creating value.

The process can look something like this:

1. Buy a property with built-in equity.
2. Live in the property as your primary residence.
3. Make strategic improvements over time.
4. Allow appreciation and equity growth to occur.
5. Sell the property and capture the gain.
6. Use the proceeds to upgrade into your next home.

By repeating this process every few years, some homeowners have built substantial wealth without ever owning a traditional investment property.

How This Differs From a 1031 Exchange

Many investors are familiar with the 1031 exchange, which allows for the deferral of capital gains taxes when selling investment property and purchasing another qualifying property.

While a 1031 exchange can be an excellent tool, it comes with rules, timelines, and restrictions.

A primary residence strategy is different.

When you meet the IRS ownership and occupancy requirements, you may qualify for significant exclusions on capital gains from the sale of your personal residence. This can provide tremendous flexibility compared to traditional investment property exchanges.

Always consult with a qualified CPA or tax advisor regarding your specific situation and current IRS regulations.

Your Home May Be Your Best Investment

I’m not suggesting that everyone should stop buying rental properties.

What I am suggesting is that many people underestimate the wealth-building power of their personal residence.

If you’re going to live somewhere anyway, why not live in a property that has the potential to create substantial equity and appreciation?

For many families, their personal residence ends up being one of the largest contributors to their net worth.

The key is buying wisely, creating value, and understanding the tax advantages available to homeowners.

Sometimes the next great real estate investment isn’t a rental property.

Sometimes it’s the house you’re living in.

Final Thoughts

Real estate wealth doesn’t always come from collecting rent checks or flipping dozens of houses. Sometimes it comes from making strategic decisions with the property you call home.

If you’re considering buying your next home, think like an investor. Look for opportunity, not just comfort. Over time, that mindset can make a significant difference in your financial future.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Consult your CPA, tax professional, or attorney regarding your specific circumstances.

I was recently skimming through one of my favorite business books is The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham.

In one chapter, he shares a simple quote reminded me of a lesson I’ve learned over the years:

“Raw land eats three meals per day.”

At first glance, it’s a funny statement. But for real estate investors, it contains a powerful lesson that can save you from making expensive mistakes.

Don’t Waste the Lesson

The chapter is titled:

“A Crisis Is a Terrible Thing to Waste.”

The premise is simple. Many people go through difficult situations, setbacks, and failures, but they never extract the lesson. They take the pain, the frustration, and the financial hit but they never gain the wisdom that experience was trying to teach them.

That’s a costly mistake.

Every deal, good or bad, has something to teach us.

The question is: Are we paying attention?

What Does “Raw Land Eats Three Meals a Day” Mean?

Keith Cunningham shares a story about owning large amounts of raw land during a market downturn.

The problem wasn’t that the land was bad.

The problem was that the land didn’t produce income.

Unlike a rental property, raw land generally doesn’t generate cash flow. Yet it still requires money for taxes, insurance, debt service, and holding costs.

In other words, it constantly consumes resources without feeding you back.

Just like a child, it needs to be fed every day.

That’s what he meant when he said:

“Raw land eats three meals per day.”

Is Land a Bad Investment?

Absolutely not.

Land can be an incredible investment when purchased correctly and paired with the right strategy.

The key is understanding your business plan before you buy.

Many investors successfully:

• Wholesale land
• Flip land
• Subdivide land
• Develop land
• Hold land for appreciation

Each strategy can work.

The danger comes when investors buy land without understanding the carrying costs, timeline, or exit strategy.

How We Approached Large Land Deals

Over the years, my partners and I have completed several large land transactions, including multiple 100-acre tracts and a nearly 200-acre property.

When evaluating these opportunities, I kept coming back to that lesson:

Raw land eats three meals a day.

I didn’t want to take on massive debt payments while waiting for appreciation.

Instead, on our first two large land acquisitions, we raised capital from investors and structured the deals in a way that minimized our risk and avoided large monthly debt obligations.

That allowed us to control valuable assets without personally carrying all the financial burden.

The Deal That Taught Us a Lesson

One of our larger land deals was approximately 197 acres.

Unlike our previous acquisitions, we financed this one with a bank loan.

At the time, we believed we had a quick exit strategy.

In fact, shortly after purchasing the property, we secured a contract with a developer at a significantly higher price.

It looked like a home run.

Then the deal fell apart.

What we thought would be a quick flip turned into a long-term hold.

Years later, we were still carrying the property and making payments.

That’s when I experienced firsthand what Keith meant.

Raw land doesn’t care about your projections.

Raw land doesn’t care about your plans.

Raw land simply keeps asking to be fed.

The Hidden Cost Most Investors Ignore

One of the biggest lessons from land investing has nothing to do with land.

It has to do with opportunity cost.

Many investors focus only on potential profits.

Very few stop to ask:

“What opportunities am I giving up by pursuing this one?”

Every deal requires resources.

Those resources include:

• Money
• Time
• Focus
• Energy
• Team bandwidth
• Borrowing capacity

When you tie up significant resources in one project, you limit your ability to pursue other opportunities.

That’s a cost many investors fail to calculate.

Why We Chose to Partner

On one of our large land acquisitions, my business partner and I had the ability to purchase the property ourselves.

Instead, we made a different decision.

We brought in investors and partne