In this episode, Aaron Gordon welcomes Jay Conner, a private money expert, who shares how the 2009 banking crisis forced him to seek alternative funding for his real estate deals. Jay explains his pivot from traditional bank loans to private money and how educating ordinary people about lending enabled him to raise over $2 million in just 90 days. The conversation covers common misconceptions about bank dependence, the critical role of trust and deal management, and why private money isn't the right fit for everyone. Jay and Aaron discuss the resilience required to keep hustling—embracing failure as learning, finding multiple solutions, and taking 100% responsibility for outcomes. Jay's closing advice: "Successes are scheduled," urging listeners to use their calendars to turn goals into reality. This episode inspires by showing how adversity can spark breakthrough innovation and opportunity.
Get To Know Jay Connor
Jay Conner, known as The Private Money Authority, is a nationally recognized real estate investor, author, speaker, and coach who funds high-profit deals without relying on banks, hard money, or his own capital or credit.
Since 2003, Jay and his wife Carol Joy have rehabbed over 450 single-family homes in Eastern North Carolina. He specializes in creative, win-win transactions—helping motivated sellers facing foreclosures, estates, or life transitions—while delivering strong returns to private lenders.
In 2009, when banks abruptly cut off his financing during the financial crisis, Jay raised over $2 million in private capital within his first 90 days. He has since perfected a repeatable system that has funded millions more in deals, allowing him to make fast cash offers and generate consistent seven-figure annual profits with average deal profits of $64,000–$67,000.
Jay is the author of *Where to Get the Money Now*. He hosts the popular podcast *Real Estate Investing with Jay Conner* (also known as *Raising Private Money*), where he shares actionable strategies and interviews industry leaders.
Through his Private Money Academy membership and live coaching, Jay teaches investors how to ethically attract private capital without direct solicitation. He operates his business in under 10 hours per week while maintaining integrity, solving seller problems, and creating mutually beneficial relationships with lenders.
Based in North Carolina, Jay continues to empower thousands through his content, coaching, and community—proving that real estate success is accessible and bank-independent.
Connect with Jay:
Website
Raising Private Money with Jay Connor
LinkedIn
3 Key Listener Takeaways
1. Redefining Funding
Jay Conner illustrates the power of shifting away from traditional banking and embracing private money for real estate investment. His journey from relying solely on bank loans to building a network of private lenders highlights how unconventional approaches can unlock new opportunities and scalability, even during financial crises.
2. The Power of Mindset
The discussion between Aaron Gordon and Jay Conner underscores that how you respond to setbacks is everything. Embracing a victor mentality, taking 100% responsibility for outcomes and seeing failures as lessons, not only builds resilience but fuels long-term success in any field.
3. Preparation Breeds Confidence
Jay Conner stresses the importance of lining up resources before chasing deals. By securing financing in advance, investors gain control and flexibility, enabling them to act decisively and confidently when the right opportunities arise, rather than scrambling at the last minute.
Show Overview
00:00 – Realizing a new approach to finance
05:26 – Discovering private money options
08:25 – Finding funding during the financial crisis
12:49 – Meeting Jack Canfield
16:16 – Trust and private money lending
19:45 – Defining failure in real estate
22:11 – Resilience and the "keep hustling" mindset
25:06 – Using private lenders for deals
27:30 – Supporting the podcast and connecting
