Raising Private Money with Jay Conner

***Guest Appearance Credits to: https://www.youtube.com/@dwellynn-realestate                         “DS67 | Finding deals before anybody else does | Jay Conner” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU3F3w5veYM   In today's competitive real estate landscape, innovative funding solutions can be the difference between scaling your business and hitting a financial plateau. On a recent episode of the Dwellynn Show, Ola Dantis sat down with Jay Conner to unpack the practical strategies that have propelled Jay to success as a “private money authority.” Drawing from decades of experience, Jay shared not only the nuts and bolts of his funding system but also actionable tips on lead generation and building lasting relationships in real estate. Jay’s business journey is rooted in small-town North Carolina. Despite focusing on a market of just 40,000 people, he’s managed to build a seven-figure business, primarily refinancing single-family homes and overseeing commercial projects alongside his wife, Carol Joy. What’s remarkable about Jay’s story isn’t the volume of deals—he averages just two to three properties a month—but the consistent, sizable profits that each transaction yields. Over the last year, his average profit per deal reached an impressive $64,000. This higher per-deal profit means he doesn’t have to play the numbers game; instead, he targets quality, high-yield projects. A significant pivot in Jay's career came when he transitioned from relying on traditional banks to leveraging private money. This shift not only gave him control over his business's financial destiny but also allowed him to design a system where money isn’t a constant constraint. His approach is grounded in attracting, rather than chasing, private investors—an attitude he encourages others to adopt. Rather than pleading for funds, Jay underscores the importance of presenting a compelling program that speaks for itself and naturally draws interest from potential lenders. One of the most effective marketing tactics Jay employs is the yellow letter campaign. Unlike generic postcards, his method uses personalized, hand-addressed letters—designed to look like notes from friends or family—which dramatically increase open rates. These letters are especially effective with absentee property owners, targeting those tired of managing tenants and looking for an exit strategy. Jay is meticulous about controlling the mailing process, ensuring letters are sent from his local zip code and handled by a trusted provider, emphasizing accountability and personal touch every step of the way. For those new to the concept, Jay clarifies that private lenders are regular individuals—often from his existing network, new warm contacts, or those referred by current lenders—who invest their capital or retirement funds in real estate deals. More than half of his lenders use self-directed IRAs, which means investors can have control over their retirement funds and potentially earn higher returns than conventional investment vehicles. From the perspective of the private lender, there are three key reasons for choosing Jay’s investment opportunities: higher returns than traditional banks, security through documented and conservative loans, and protection from market volatility. Unlike stocks, where the principal can fluctuate dramatically, the principal amount in Jay's deals remains stable until repayment. The deals are structured to be both safe and transparent, with clear documentation such as promissory notes, mortgages, or deeds of trust, and proper insurance and title coverage. Jay highlights the value of authenticity, collaboration, and education in building a sustainable real estate business. He encourages regular engagement wit