Most 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

Are 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 story
• The real meaning of financial freedom and the importance of passive income exceeding expenses
• Why traditional retirement is a myth and how to embrace ongoing service and purpose
• The formula for financial freedom and actionable steps to get there fast
• How to identify your investor DNA and choose the right investment strategies
• The pitfalls of relying on IRAs and tax deferral vehicles and what to focus on instead
• How AI will revolutionize investing, lending, and business, reshaping margins and opportunities
• Practical approaches beyond real estate, including online businesses, lending, and media assets
• Overcoming misconceptions and making confident investment decisions

Resources & Links:

• Well Without Wall Street Podcast
• Passive Income Lab
• Joey Mure on LinkedIn
• Book: The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason

Connect with Joey Mure:

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Instagram

Remember:

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!

What 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 markets
• How demographic shifts, remote work, and lifestyle changes are reshaping investment priorities
• The Texas advantage: population growth, corporate relocations, and central geography
• Why traditional cyclical models are dead — and what the J curve means for your portfolio
• How to use migration data as a lead indicator before headlines catch up
• Micro-market investing: why precise location and hyper-local data beats macro noise
• How 3D printing and construction innovation could solve the housing shortage
• Active vs. passive investing — and how to build wealth without the operational burden
• Why a down market may be the best time for disciplined investors to act

Timestamps: 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 market

About 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

The 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.

Takeaways

• Tax Liens vs. Tax Deeds
• Transition from Real Estate to Tax Liens
• Risk and Opportunities in Tax Liens Tax Lien vs. Tax Deed
• Tax Sale Resources

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Tax Liens and Tax Deeds
• 27:13 Tax Lien vs. Tax Deed
• 37:33 Tax Sale Resources and Fund Overview

In 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.

Keywords

direct marketing, John Dwyer, incentives, marketing strategies, Jerry Seinfeld, digital marketing, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, customer engagement, price strategy

Takeaways

• Direct 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 Options

• Unlocking the Power of Direct Marketing
• John Dwyer's Marketing Masterclass
• From Seinfeld to Sales: Marketing Insights
• The Art of Incentive-Based Marketing
• Creative Strategies for Modern Marketers
• Direct Response Marketing Unveiled
• Engage and Convert: Marketing Tactics
• Price vs. Value: A Marketing Dilemma
• Entrepreneurial Insights with John Dwyer
• Marketing Evolution: From Traditional to Digital

Sound 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."

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction to John Dwyer
• 00:00:00 The Evolution of Marketing
• 00:00:00 Direct Response Marketing Explained
• 00:00:00 The Power of Incentives
• 00:00:01 Creativity in Marketing
• 00:00:01 Digital Marketing Strategies
• 00:00:01 Entrepreneurial Insights

In 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.

Keywords

Tim Street, real estate, entrepreneurship, Marines, Foolproof FSBO, tech startups, real estate investing

Takeaways

• Tim 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 Options

• From Marine to Real Estate Mogul
• Tim Street's Entrepreneurial Journey
• Building Success Brick by Brick
• Foolproof FSBO: A New Approach
• Lessons from the Marines to Real Estate
• Tim Street on Entrepreneurship and Growth
• Navigating Challenges in Real Estate
• The Power of Self-Belief and Discipline
• Tim Street's Insights on Real Estate Investing
• Giving Back: Tim Street's Mission

Sound 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."

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction and Tim's Background
• 00:00:00 Journey from Marines to Entrepreneurship
• 00:00:00 Challenges in Tech Startups
• 00:00:00 Transition to Real Estate
• 00:00:01 Foolproof FSBO and Its Mission
• 00:00:01 Insights on Real Estate and DIY Projects
• 00:00:01 Networking and Education
• 00:00:02 Balancing Work and Personal Life
• 00:00:02 Giving Back and Helping Others

Guest Links

🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolprooffsbo 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foolprooffsbo 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyjstreet/

In 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.

• Infill development is becoming one of the most durable strategies in Triangle real estate
• The shift from flips to new construction reflects changing lender and risk dynamics
• Durham’s zoning and housing policy changes have unlocked new development opportunities
• Understanding the full development process is critical before pursuing infill or ADUs
• Risk management and realistic underwriting matter more than ever in today’s market
• Long-term success comes from aligning strategy with local market demand and regulation

Learn 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/betterrealtyllc

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

real 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

In this episode of Brick by Brick Wealth Building Conversations, Loren sits down with Caleb Christopher, founder of Creative TC, a firm that specializes in managing nontraditional real estate transactions — from creative finance structures and seller-financing to title and escrow services.

Caleb opens up about the moment in 2024 when his business nearly collapsed, and the mindset shifts, leadership lessons, and operational pivots that helped him rebuild stronger than ever. Known for his ability to ask the right questions, Caleb shares how curiosity, transparency, and calculated risk-taking guide his work in one of real estate’s most misunderstood niches.

• The story behind Creative TC and how it serves investors, agents, and attorneys in creative finance deals

• How a near-failure year became the foundation for new growth

• Why asking great questions is Caleb’s “low-key superpower”

• Lessons on leadership, ethics, and protecting your business in high-liability spaces

• What’s next for Creative TC and the future of creative finance in real estate

📍 Guest Links
Website: creativetc.io
Title & Escrow Division: creativetitle.io
Instagram: @fcalebchristopher
LinkedIn: Creative TC company page

🎙 Host: Loren Wernette
Brick by Brick Wealth Building Conversations explores real estate, private lending, and business growth strategies — one conversation at a time.