Mastering Private Money [EXPAND Event]
Recently, I had the privilege of speaking at the EXPAND event hosted by my good friend and partner Ben Deal. This event brought together ambitious real estate professionals to share knowledge, strategies, and inspiration for building wealth through real estate — the right way.
During my talk, I shared my journey from police officer to full-time investor and explained the mindset, strategies, and systems I’ve used to raise millions in private capital and close over 500 deals while never missing a single mortgage payment.
Below is the full transcript of my presentation. I hope it inspires and equips you to take action and become the kind of person lenders want to invest with.
Transcript begins:
Ben Deal:
So Brant, along with Chris Bounds, are two of the men that I found in the real estate business who not only created the results I wanted — wealth in real estate — but more importantly, did it in a manner I respect. Brant’s married, an incredible father, a man of integrity and faith who leads his businesses with those values. That’s why I’ve partnered with him over the last three years, and why I’m excited for you to hear from him. Please welcome my friend and partner, Brant Phillips.
Brant Phillips:
All right, clicker’s here. What’s up, everybody? There’s been some really good knowledge today, and like my man Andre said: put it to use.
My slides say “Private Money Mastery,” and that’s what we’re talking about — raising private money.
Quick poll: how many of you are real estate investors? [Audience raises hands.] How many of you need money?
[Laughter.] We all do.
More importantly: how many of you have a marketing plan to raise money? Very few, right? Most of you have a plan to find deals but not to fund them. That’s what we’ll fix today.
A little about me: I started as a police officer, then worked a terrible corporate job I hated. I had a dream, a drive, and a credit card. I bought 10 rental properties my first year while working full-time, then more partnerships the next year.
But by year three, I was tired of giving up 50% to partners and paying high hard money costs. That’s when I learned about raising private money. Since 2009, I’ve done over 500 deals, paid over 10,000 mortgages without missing one, and never skipped a deal for lack of funds.
Here’s what I learned: money is a mindset. In the beginning, I approached lenders nervously, almost begging. Then one of my early investors thanked me because the money she invested with me saved her retirement. That changed everything — I realized I wasn’t begging, I was offering an incredible opportunity.
Our competition isn’t each other; it’s Wall Street. But we have what banks don’t — we can deliver secured, steady, predictable returns backed by real assets, often in their own backyard.
Another lesson: be the person you’d lend to. If you’re not there yet, figure out what you need to fix — your experience, your team, your confidence — and work on it.
Also: over-perform. Communicate, pay early, exceed expectations. Those little things make lenders become loyal raving fans who refer others and fund you for years.
And stop pitching desperation deals. Instead, educate and position yourself as the expert. I built a website, wrote The Private Lender Playbook, hosted trainings, and focused on building trust by educating and solving problems.
Finally: play the long game. Treat lenders like partners. Honor their trust. If things ever went sideways, I was prepared to sell my house to make them whole. That’s how seriously I take it — and they can feel that.
Today, I still use the same principles and now help others through my Private Money Mastery training. If you want free access, post a photo from today’s event on Instagram or Facebook, tag me, and include “Private Money Mastery — let’s go!” We’ll send you a free code.
Remember: too much is given, much is required. Take care of your lenders like family, and they’ll take care of you.
Thanks for having me, and I’ll be around to connect afterwards!