Podcast
Brick by Brick - Wealth Building Conversations
Hosted by Loren Wernette · EN
Join Loren Wernette, Founder and CEO of REI Transactional, as he shares his journey of building a thriving real estate and hard money lending business from the ground up. Each episode dives into the strategies, challenges, and lessons learned while growing wealth in the real estate industry.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about private lending and real estate, this podcast delivers actionable insights, inspiring stories, and mindset tips to help you succeed—brick by brick. Tune in weekly to start building your path to financial freedom and busine
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Brick by Brick - From the Flipping Trenches to Running a Fund
2w ago00:51:16Tap to summarizeMost real estate investors chase the deal. Will Harvey chased the lesson — and eventually followed it all the way out of operations and into running a fund. In this episode of Brick by Brick, Loren sits down with Will Harvey III, founder of Harvey Capital Funding, a Richmond, VA-based hard money lending operation. Will’s path is anything but straight: a college dropout, a recovering mortgage originator, a house flipper, a syndication LP and GP, a short-term rental operator who took a $70-80k loss on a functionally obsolete Northern Virginia property, and ultimately a fund manager who now says the operating life just isn’t wired into him. The candor in that admission — and what he built on the other side of it — is what makes this episode worth your time. In this episode, you’ll learn:• How Will went from residential loan officer to founding a dedicated hard money fund — and why the 2022 STR deal was the turning point that clarified everything• The LP/GP alignment question most limited partners never ask — and why proformas are largely baloney• How Will underwrites borrowers beyond the asset: credit score philosophy, face-to-face meetings with every borrower, and the red flags that end a deal conversation• How both Will and Loren are embedding AI into their lending workflows — from call transcription to title review to portfolio monitoring• What “looking down, not up” actually means in practice — and why Will now stress-tests downside before he ever runs upside Will Harvey III is the founder of Harvey Capital Funding, a Virginia-focused private lending operation offering fix-and-flip, rental bridge, and refinance loans to real estate investors. He also manages a separate fund investing in seller-financed notes. He is based in Richmond, VA. Topics covered:• Double college dropout to mortgage originator• House flipping and building a personal RE portfolio• LP investing in 100+ unit multifamily syndications• Leading his own syndications and operating a wedding venue and boutique hotel• The 2022 Northern Virginia STR loss — deal goggles, a functionally obsolete house, and $70–80k in combined losses• Founding Harvey Capital Funding in 2023 and spinning out a dedicated hard money fund• Borrower underwriting: credit score philosophy, face-to-face meetings, red flags• AI in lending: call transcription, CRM integration, title review, portfolio monitoring• The GP mindset: conservative assumptions, verified track record, “look down not up” If you got value from this show share it with your friends Connect with Will Harvey:Website: harveycapitalfunding.com | Email: will@harveycapitalfunding.com
Transcribe →Financial Freedom Formula with Joey Mure
Mar 2600:54:52Tap to summarizeAre you tired of the relentless grind, sacrificing precious family time for fleeting wealth? Joey Mure reveals the bold truth about escaping the 9-5 trap, building genuine passive income streams, and redefining what retirement really means. This episode is your wake-up call to take control of your financial destiny and live with purpose and freedom.In this episode:Why active income doesn't equal freedom and Joey's personal transformation storyThe real meaning of financial freedom and the importance of passive income exceeding expensesWhy traditional retirement is a myth and how to embrace ongoing service and purposeThe formula for financial freedom and actionable steps to get there fastHow to identify your investor DNA and choose the right investment strategiesThe pitfalls of relying on IRAs and tax deferral vehicles and what to focus on insteadHow AI will revolutionize investing, lending, and business, reshaping margins and opportunitiesPractical approaches beyond real estate, including online businesses, lending, and media assetsOvercoming misconceptions and making confident investment decisionsResources & Links:Well Without Wall Street PodcastPassive Income LabJoey Mure on LinkedInBook: The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. ClasonConnect with Joey Mure:LinkedInWebsiteInstagramRemember:Your financial freedom depends on the choices you make today. Stop trading time for dollars and start building assets that serve your purpose. The time to act is now. Your future self will thank you!
Transcribe →From Cycles to Chaos: Ari Rastegar on Human Behavior, and Building for What's Next
Mar 400:39:55Tap to summarizeWhat if the real forces moving real estate had nothing to do with interest rates? In this episode, we sit down with Ari Rastegar — founder of Rastegar Capital, WSJ/USA Today bestselling author of The Gift of Failure, and one of the most contrarian voices in Texas real estate — for a conversation that cuts through the noise and gets to what actually drives markets: human behavior.Ari breaks down why old cyclical models no longer apply, how to read demographic and migration data as a lead indicator, and why the Sun Belt — particularly Texas — isn't a trend. It's a structural shift. From 3D-printed homes and zoning battles to the "J curve" of exponential change, this is a masterclass in thinking long while moving fast.What You'll Learn:Why human behavior — not interest rates — is the real engine of real estate marketsHow demographic shifts, remote work, and lifestyle changes are reshaping investment prioritiesThe Texas advantage: population growth, corporate relocations, and central geographyWhy traditional cyclical models are dead — and what the J curve means for your portfolioHow to use migration data as a lead indicator before headlines catch upMicro-market investing: why precise location and hyper-local data beats macro noiseHow 3D printing and construction innovation could solve the housing shortageActive vs. passive investing — and how to build wealth without the operational burdenWhy a down market may be the best time for disciplined investors to actTimestamps: 00:00 — Seismic shifts & why human behavior drives real estate 02:15 — COVID, rates, and geopolitics: stress and opportunity 05:28 — Demographic evolution: remote work and lifestyle shifts 07:50 — The Texas advantage: population growth and corporate relocations 10:45 — Why systematic growth is dead — enter the J curve 13:20 — Migration lead indicators: Austin, Dallas, Florida 16:00 — Micro-location investing: precise data over headlines 18:20 — Zoning, bureaucracy, and 3D printing shaping future supply 21:00 — Essential housing and building for affordability 23:45 — The myth of institutional dominance 26:00 — Policy and accelerating housing development 29:30 — Long-term thinking, local laws, and land banking 33:00 — Government policy, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, systemic rate shifts 36:00 — Why now is a perfect storm for disciplined investors 38:00 — Active vs. passive: investing smart without the hassle 41:00 — Education, partnerships, and time in the marketAbout Ari Rastegar Ari Rastegar is the founder and CEO of Rastegar Capital, a vertically integrated real estate investment firm based in Austin, Texas. Known as "The Oracle of Austin," he has developed over 4.9M sq ft across 13 states and 38 cities. Featured in Forbes, GQ, WSJ, and The Real Deal.Connect with Ari: 🌐 rastegarcapital.com 💼 linkedin.com/in/arirastegar 📸 Instagram: @rastegar 📖 The Gift of Failure — available on Amazon
Transcribe →How Tax Sales Actually Work with Brian Seidensticker
Feb 600:48:05Tap to summarizeThe conversation covers the transition from real estate to tax liens, the risks and opportunities in tax liens, and the differences between tax liens and tax deeds. It also delves into the process of tax liens and tax deeds, including the auction platforms and the risks involved. The conversation covers the distinction between tax lien and tax deed, the transition from tax lien to tax deed, the tax deed process and associated risks, the capital-intensive nature of tax deeds, and an overview of tax sale resources and the fund. The discussion provides valuable insights into the tax lien and tax deed investment space, as well as the resources available for investors.TakeawaysTax Liens vs. Tax DeedsTransition from Real Estate to Tax LiensRisk and Opportunities in Tax Liens Tax Lien vs. Tax DeedTax Sale ResourcesChapters00:00 Introduction to Tax Liens and Tax Deeds27:13 Tax Lien vs. Tax Deed37:33 Tax Sale Resources and Fund Overview
Transcribe →Wow Factor Marketing: How Bold Offers Beat Discounts (with John Dwyer)
Jan 3000:51:15Tap to summarizeSummaryIn this engaging episode of Brick by Brick, Loren Wernette hosts marketing expert John Dwyer, known for his innovative direct marketing strategies and his collaboration with Jerry Seinfeld. They discuss the evolution of marketing from traditional methods to modern digital strategies, emphasizing the importance of direct response marketing. John shares insights on creating impactful marketing campaigns, the significance of incentives, and the art of taking customers' eyes off the price. The conversation also touches on the power of creativity in marketing and the value of surrounding oneself with entrepreneurial spirits.Keywordsdirect marketing, John Dwyer, incentives, marketing strategies, Jerry Seinfeld, digital marketing, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, customer engagement, price strategyTakeawaysDirect response marketing focuses on immediate sales rather than brand awareness.Incentives can significantly boost customer engagement and sales.Creativity is key in differentiating your marketing strategy.Surrounding yourself with entrepreneurial spirits can inspire innovation.Taking customers' eyes off the price can lead to better sales outcomes.Digital marketing allows for quick adjustments and real-time feedback.Understanding your target audience is crucial for effective marketing.Offering high perceived value incentives can outperform price discounts.The evolution of marketing tools has made campaigns more dynamic.Collaborations with celebrities can amplify marketing efforts.Title OptionsUnlocking the Power of Direct MarketingJohn Dwyer's Marketing MasterclassFrom Seinfeld to Sales: Marketing InsightsThe Art of Incentive-Based MarketingCreative Strategies for Modern MarketersDirect Response Marketing UnveiledEngage and Convert: Marketing TacticsPrice vs. Value: A Marketing DilemmaEntrepreneurial Insights with John DwyerMarketing Evolution: From Traditional to DigitalSound bites"Direct response is all about results." "Incentives take eyes off the price." "Creativity sets your brand apart." "Surround yourself with innovators." "Digital tools make marketing dynamic." "Know your audience, know your success." "High value beats price cuts." "Celebrity endorsements amplify reach." "Marketing is about engagement, not just sales." "Adapt and thrive in the digital age."Chapters00:00:00 Introduction to John Dwyer00:00:00 The Evolution of Marketing00:00:00 Direct Response Marketing Explained00:00:00 The Power of Incentives00:00:01 Creativity in Marketing00:00:01 Digital Marketing Strategies00:00:01 Entrepreneurial Insights
Transcribe →Foolproof FSBO with Tim Street
Jan 2001:02:27Tap to summarizeSummaryIn this episode of Brick by Brick, host Loren Wernette interviews Tim Street, a former Marine turned real estate entrepreneur. Tim shares his journey from the Marines to starting tech companies and eventually moving into real estate. He discusses the challenges and successes he faced along the way, including his transition to real estate investing and his current focus on helping others through Foolproof FSBO.KeywordsTim Street, real estate, entrepreneurship, Marines, Foolproof FSBO, tech startups, real estate investingTakeawaysTim Street's journey from the Marines to entrepreneurship.The importance of self-belief and discipline learned in the Marines.Challenges faced in tech startups and real estate.The concept of Foolproof FSBO and its mission.Tim's insights on the real estate market and DIY projects.The role of networking and education in personal growth.Tim's perspective on college education and entrepreneurship.The impact of authenticity and storytelling in business.Tim's advice on balancing work and personal life.The significance of giving back and helping others succeed.Title OptionsFrom Marine to Real Estate MogulTim Street's Entrepreneurial JourneyBuilding Success Brick by BrickFoolproof FSBO: A New ApproachLessons from the Marines to Real EstateTim Street on Entrepreneurship and GrowthNavigating Challenges in Real EstateThe Power of Self-Belief and DisciplineTim Street's Insights on Real Estate InvestingGiving Back: Tim Street's MissionSound bites"Self-belief is key to success.""Discipline learned in the Marines.""Challenges in tech startups.""Foolproof FSBO's mission.""Real estate market insights.""Networking is crucial.""Education vs. entrepreneurship.""Authenticity in business.""Balancing work and life.""Helping others succeed."Chapters00:00:00 Introduction and Tim's Background00:00:00 Journey from Marines to Entrepreneurship00:00:00 Challenges in Tech Startups00:00:00 Transition to Real Estate00:00:01 Foolproof FSBO and Its Mission00:00:01 Insights on Real Estate and DIY Projects00:00:01 Networking and Education00:00:02 Balancing Work and Personal Life00:00:02 Giving Back and Helping OthersGuest Links🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolprooffsbo 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foolprooffsbo 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyjstreet/
Transcribe →Why Infill Development Is the Future of Triangle Real Estate — with BETTER
Dec 1900:55:37Tap to summarizeEpisode SummaryIn this episode of Brick by Brick Wealth Building Conversations, host Loren Wernette sits down with BETTER, a Triangle-based real estate firm focused on investment analysis and residential infill development.The conversation explores BETTER’s journey into real estate and their strategic evolution from traditional fix-and-flip and fix-to-rent models into new construction, infill development, and build-to-rent (BTR) projects. As lending standards tighten and market volatility increases, BETTER explains why infill development inside established neighborhoods has become a more resilient and scalable strategy in places like Durham and the greater Triangle.The episode dives deep into Durham’s changing urban landscape, including the impact of Expanding Housing Choices and SCAD (Simplifying Codes for Affordable Development). These policy shifts have reshaped zoning, density allowances, and development feasibility — creating both opportunities and new challenges for investors.Listeners will hear real-world examples of subdivision processes, ADUs, and small-scale development projects, along with candid discussion around risk management, underwriting discipline, and market projections. Whether you’re a new investor or an experienced operator, this episode provides a grounded look at how smart developers adapt as markets evolve.Key TakeawaysInfill development is becoming one of the most durable strategies in Triangle real estateThe shift from flips to new construction reflects changing lender and risk dynamicsDurham’s zoning and housing policy changes have unlocked new development opportunitiesUnderstanding the full development process is critical before pursuing infill or ADUsRisk management and realistic underwriting matter more than ever in today’s marketLong-term success comes from aligning strategy with local market demand and regulationGuest InformationLearn more about BETTER’s by-right development philosophy on their website: https://www.betterpropertiesllc.com/ Connect with BETTER on LinkedIn for investor insights and market analysis https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-properties-construction-realty Follow BETTER on Instagram and Facebook for project updates and community events https://www.facebook.com/BetterP.LLC https://www.instagram.com/betterrealtyllcLinkedInFacebookInstagramTagsreal estate investing, Triangle real estate, Durham development, infill development, build to rent, new construction, ADUs, urban development, real estate risk management, Brick by Brick Podcast
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Financial Clarity for a New Generation with Rebecca Irey
Dec 1000:49:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Brick by Brick, Loren Wernette sits down with Rebecca Irey, the founder and CEO of Blue Skye Financial, to talk about the new rules of money, retirement, and financial independence. Rebecca shares her personal journey—from growing up on a ranch to building a national financial planning firm—and how that shaped her belief that the American Dream isn’t broken… most people just never got the roadmap.Together, they dig into why traditional financial advice often fails younger generations, how entrepreneurs overlook their own retirement, and what practical, tax-efficient strategies actually create financial clarity.Financial education is the missing piece. Most people never learned the rules of money, which keeps them stuck.The American Dream still works—but you need non-traditional tools to get there today.Rebecca’s ranch-to-finance journey shows how money can create opportunity for anyone, regardless of where they start.Entrepreneurs are great at making money… but often horrible at planning for themselves.The traditional retirement system is broken for Gen Z and millennials, requiring new strategies.Leverage beats spending. Wealth is built by using money as a tool, not a lifestyle.Retirement isn’t an end. It’s about giving yourself the freedom to do the work you want to do.Long-term care planning matters—people are living longer, and ignoring this creates huge financial strain.Avoiding taxes legally is a civic responsibility, not a cheat code.Money is energy. Creating wealth helps you, your family, and society as a whole.00:00 — Welcome & Introduction03:12 — Rebecca’s upbringing on a ranch & her path into finance10:45 — Why financial education is failing Americans17:20 — The challenges entrepreneurs face planning for themselves25:08 — How retirement planning has changed for younger generations33:50 — Leveraging money vs spending it: what actually builds wealth40:15 — Taxes, long-term care, and planning for longevity48:30 — Rebecca’s message: a roadmap exists no matter where you're starting54:10 — Final thoughts and where to connect with Rebecca🔑 Key Takeaways🎧 Episode Chapters (Corrected & Structured)Website: https://blueskyefinancial.comMeet the Team: https://blueskyefinancial.com/meet-our-team/Instagram: @blueskye_financial
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Balanced Breakthrough with Garrett Maroon
Dec 300:56:19Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Brick by Brick Wealth Building Conversations, Loren Wernette sits down with Garrett Maroon — founder of the 2:10 Collective, host of The Faithful Agent Podcast, and author of The Balanced Breakthrough. Garrett built a seven-figure real estate business entirely by referral, then intentionally restructured his life to protect his faith, marriage, and time with his kids.Today, he teaches entrepreneurs how to build businesses that run on relationships, healthy boundaries, and purposeful systems — not hustle, burnout, or chaos.Garrett shares the mindset shift that happened when his wife challenged him to build a company in under 40 hours a week, what most entrepreneurs get wrong about referrals, and how defining success around your values changes everything.This conversation is real, practical, and packed with wisdom for entrepreneurs who want to grow without losing their life in the process.How Garrett shifted from the grind to a “life-first” businessThe power and simplicity of referral-driven growthWhy boundaries create freedom (not restrictions)How to win at home and in businessIntegrating faith authentically into your workWhy hiring and delegating early is essentialThe mindset change that helped Garrett reclaim his timeHow The Balanced Breakthrough helps entrepreneurs redefine success00:00 – Intro to Garrett and 2:10 Collective03:10 – From higher ed to real estate07:42 – The 40-hour challenge that changed everything13:55 – Building a referral-only business20:18 – Setting boundaries and avoiding burnout27:03 – Faith, family, and redefining success34:22 – Systems that support a life-first business41:50 – Lessons from The Balanced Breakthrough48:15 – Final thoughtsGarrett Maroon — 2:10 CollectiveWebsite: https://www.210collective.comBio: https://www.210collective.com/bioInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrettmaroon/Podcast: The Faithful Agent PodcastBook: The Balanced BreakthroughKey TakeawaysChaptersGuest Contact
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The Power of Open Banking in Today's Economy
Nov 1900:51:37Tap to summarizeEpisode: The Power of Open Banking in Today’s EconomyGuest: Peter Maher — CEO of Ovanti USA & Founder of FloteIn this episode, I sit down with Peter Maher to break down one of the most impactful shifts happening in today’s financial landscape: open banking—and how it’s completely reshaping the way lenders understand financial health.Peter leads Ovanti’s U.S. division and is the founder of Flote, the company’s U.S. rebrand that focuses on using real-time cashflow instead of outdated credit scores to evaluate financial wellbeing. The result? More accurate decisioning and far better access for consumers who've traditionally been boxed out by old credit systems.We dig into:Why credit scores no longer tell the full storyHow open banking gives lenders real-time insightThe evolution from Ovanti to Flote for U.S. expansionHow Flote plans to disrupt payday lending and lease-to-own modelsWhy financial innovation should protect—not exploit—consumersWhat the future of financial accessibility looks like in an open-banking worldKey TakeawaysOpen banking provides a clearer picture of financial health.Ovanti’s U.S. rollout is operating under the new brand: Flote.Flote uses cashflow-based underwriting rather than credit scores.Legacy credit systems are restrictive and often misleading.Open banking is gaining real traction in the U.S. economy.Flote’s mission revolves around transparency and consumer-first design.Sound Bites“Open banking is the future of finance.”“Credit scores don’t define financial health.”“Financial innovation shouldn’t come at the cost of the consumer.”“Real-time cashflow tells the real story.”“Flote is redefining accessibility in modern finance.”Chapters00:00 – Meet Peter Maher & the origins of Ovanti00:05 – What open banking really is00:10 – The problem with traditional credit scoring00:18 – The Flote approach: cashflow over credit00:28 – Financial accessibility and the future of open bankingConnect with PeterOvanti Global — https://www.ovanti.com/U.S. Leadership Bio — https://www.ovanti.com/ovanti-us-leadershipFlote Partnerships — https://getflote.com/LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/ptmaher/Partnerships Email — partnerships@ovanti.com
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