The Lenders Playbook

Today’s episode is a big one.Welcome to the Lenders Playbook! Today is a big day for us. This is our 100th episode, and I honestly couldn’t think of a more fitting way to mark the milestone here at the start of 2026.When I look back at why this podcast started, it was always about bringing real conversations, real operators, and real value to this industry—not hype, not noise, but people who are actually in the arena doing the work.That’s why having Nema and Kevin Kim on for episode 100 feels perfect.They represent exactly what this show is about: long-term thinking, discipline, execution, and building something that lasts. Their journey, the way they operate as a law firm and the impact they’ve had in this space align completely with the standards we try to hold here every single episode.So if you’ve been with us since episode one—or if this is your first time tuning in—this conversation is a powerful one. I’m excited, grateful, and proud to bring you episode 100 with Nema Degbandan and Kevin Kim from Fortra Law.Let’s get into it.

In Episode 98 of The Lenders Playbook, host Matt Rosen dives into what happens when real estate deals don’t go as planned—and how private lenders can protect themselves before problems arise.Our guest today is by Brock Berglund, a specialist in commercial foreclosures and loan workouts, we break down real-world scenarios, common lender misunderstandings, and practical strategies to avoid costly mistakes when deals go sideways.This episode is brought to you by Temple View Capital Funding, LP, a national private money lender offering flexible, common-sense financing for non-owner-occupied residential investment properties—helping investors close faster and scale smarter nationwide.American Lending ConferenceNational Private Lending EventMarch 10-11, 2026Las Vegas, Green Valley Ranchhttps://www.americanlendingconference.com/

Episode 97 of The Lenders Playbook features an in-depth conversation with entrepreneur Chance Wheeler, founder of Asset Allies—a company using advanced AI to transform the way lenders, brokers, and investors underwrite real estate deals.In this episode, we unpack the real problems in today’s underwriting process: slow turnaround times, inconsistent valuations, and decisions often based on gut instead of data. Chance shares the moment he realized AI could outperform traditional methods, how his platform delivers faster and more accurate deal analysis, and why this technology is already reshaping the lending landscape.We also discuss the biggest challenges in scaling a tech company in the real estate space, how users are reacting to AI-driven underwriting, and what deal valuation is likely to look like by 2026.If you’re a private lender, broker, or real estate investor looking for the future of deal analysis, this episode is packed with insights you can use today.

Looking for consistent returns without the headaches of fixing toilets or managing tenants? Promissory notes may be the passive investment strategy you’ve been searching for. In Episode 96, our guest explains how note investing supports real families, delivers strong results, and allows investors to own the asset directly without doing any of the work. If you want to build wealth smarter and faster, this episode will show you how to take the first step.March 10-11, 2026Las VegasAmerican Lending ConferenceNational Private Lending Conferencehttps://www.americanlendingconference.com/

Welcome back to The Lenders Playbook Podcast episode #95. We are you your go-to resource for private lending, real estate, and entrepreneurship. I’m your host, Matt Rosen. Today, I’m joined by Mat Sorensen — attorney, best-selling author, and CEO of Directed IRA, one of the nation’s top self-directed IRA companies.  We’re breaking down how to use your retirement funds to invest in real estate, private lending, and other alternative assets — plus the biggest mistakes to avoid and how to get started.   If you’ve ever wanted to take control of your retirement and invest like the pros, this episode is for you. Thank you to our Episode Sponsors!Doss Law https://www.dosslaw.com/American Lending Conference https://www.americanlendingconference.com/

Welcome back to The Lenders Playbook, Episode #93! I’m your host, Matt Rosen and today’s episode is one every lender needs to hear.We’re joined by Melissa Martorella, Partner at Fortra Law, one of the most respected legal firms in private lending. Melissa shares how she built a powerhouse team serving lenders nationwide, the biggest legal mistakes to avoid, and what it takes to stay protected in a changing market.Grab your notebook this one’s packed with game-changing insights for lenders, brokers, and investors.This episode is brought to you by Temple View Capital, your trusted nationwide private lender offering fast approvals, flexible loan programs, and a common-sense approach to funding.Meet them live at the American Lending Conference, March 10–11 at Green Valley Ranch in Las Vegas. Visit https://www.americanlendingconference.com/ to register.Now, let’s jump in with Melissa Martorella from Fortra Law.

#92: Today, we’re sitting down with Bryce Matheson founder of Lendr, a company that’s transforming how private lenders run their businesses. If you’ve ever felt bogged down by spreadsheets, overwhelmed by managing multiple tools, or stuck trying to scale, this conversation is for you.We’ll unpack the problem that sparked the creation of Lendr, how it streamlines day-to-day operations for lenders, and the biggest transformations they’ve seen in businesses that made the switch. Plus, we’ll talk about the automation features lenders love most, what sets successful entrepreneurs apart, and even the book that’s made the biggest impact on Bryce's journey.So whether you’re looking to save time, scale your business, or just stay ahead of the curve with the right tech and marketing tools, you won’t want to miss this one.Let’s jump in!Do not miss our 5th National American Lending Conference!March 10-11, 2026 in Las Vegas. The best and brightest in private lending will be there! Will you? Register here-->https://www.americanlendingconference.com/

#91: In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of the recent American Lending Conference, our most impactful event yet. From powerful keynote sessions and high-level panels to the incredible networking that brought lenders, brokers, investors, and service providers together, this year’s conference truly raised the bar.I’ll share some of the highlights, the energy in the room, and the key takeaways that are shaping the future of private lending. Whether you were there in person or following from afar, this episode gives you an inside look at what made the event so special and why the American Lending Conference has become the place to be for the lending community. Be sure to mark your calendar! March 10-11, 20265th National American Lending Conference and Golf Tournament!https://www.americanlendingconference.com/

#90: Welcome to The Lender’s Playbook episode 90!,  I’m your host, Matt Rosen and today we’ve got a very special episode. But first a quick yet timely announcement!The American Lending Conference is just around the corner—next week, September 3rd–4th at the beautiful Green Valley Ranch in Las Vegas. This national event is where lenders, brokers, investors, and industry experts come together to connect, learn, and grow.In today’s episode, we’re joined by Chris Donovan from Doss Law, who will be taking the stage at the conference to share some powerful insights on multi-state expansion and the legal strategies lenders need to know. We’ll talk about the challenges, the risks, and the smartest ways to grow your lending business with the right structure in place.So, whether you’re attending the conference or just tuning in from home, you’re going to walk away with real, practical advice you can apply right away. Let’s jump in.”

Welcome to The Lenders Playbook. Your resource for all things private lending, real estate, and entrepreneurship.  In today’s episode, I sit down with Greg Herlean, Founder of Horizon Trust, to talk about how investors can take control of their financial future using Self-Directed IRAs. And how Greg at a very young age was able to raise a significant amount of capital for his real estate projects. Greg breaks down what a Self-Directed IRA is, how it’s different from traditional retirement accounts, and why it’s such a powerful tool for real estate investors and private lenders.  e dive into the benefits, the risks, and even real-life examples of people who’ve used this strategy to grow their wealth.  Whether you’re raising capital, lending, or just getting started in real estate investing, this conversation will give you practical steps and inspiration to put your money to work in more innovative ways.And we are right around the corner from our 4th national private lending conference, Sept 3-4 in Henderson, NV, where you will meet most of our podcast guests, lenders, investors, capital providers, and brokers for great networking opportunities and education.  We're excited to announce an amazing lineup: a kickoff cocktail party, world-class breakfast and lunch, an after-party with a huge exhibitor hall, and some cool surprises for you!  lease go to www.americanlendingconference.com for more detailsAnd now, let's bring on Greg Herlean

In this episode, we sit down with Vince Martinez since, a seasoned mortgage broker with his sights set on expanding into private lending. He shares his take on today’s market, where he sees opportunity in hard money and non-QM, and why this year’s conference is the place to make those deals happen. I love this episode, because I think you will relate to his journey especially if you are a mortgage broker or wanting to enter into our space. Lets bring him on...

Welcome to the lenders playbook podcast, episode 87! I am your host Matt Rosen, and we are your go to podcast for private lending, real estate and entrepreneurship.Today we’re taking a deep dive into the evolving world of valuations and appraisals with Service 1st, a company that’s redefining how private lenders and investors approach the appraisal process. My guest is Pete Gianfransesco who plays a pivotal role in guiding the company’s mission and innovation as the Senior VP of Appraisals.We’ll talk about what Service 1st does, who they serve, how their technology is streamlining the process, what sets them apart from other AMCs, and how they’re tackling some of the biggest challenges in today’s appraisal market. We’ll also cover what private lenders should look for in a great AMC partner, the trends shaping the future of valuations over the next couple of years, and Pete's personal insights on leadership,If you want a clear picture of where the appraisal industry is headed — and how to make sure you’re working with the right partner — this episode is for you.

Today on the show, We are honored to have Craig Stack the founder of Truepic. we’re diving into the future of inspections with Truepic  a technology that’s transforming how lenders, investors, and industries verify information remotely. Borrowers want funding now, but as fraudsters get smarter, skipping due diligence puts your portfolio and your profits at risk. We discuss how verified virtual inspections are replacing slow site visits with a process that protects capital while speeding approvals. Learn how lenders are eliminating inspection bottlenecks, catching AI-generated fakes, and creating a borrower experience that wins repeat business in a competitive market. 

Welcome to the lenders playbook podcast, episode 85. We are your go to podcast for private lending, real estate and entrepreneurship. I am your host Matt RosenToday, we’re catching up with Josh Jensen one of the most innovative forces in the inspection and appraisal valuation world — We had Josh on episode 58, which ironically is 85 backwards....Well, since then they’ve launched a new product that could change the way lenders and investors handle valuations forever.We’re diving into what sparked this game-changing idea, how their hybrid desktop model works, and why it’s winning over the non-QM space. We’ll talk turn times that could save you days, how they’re keeping data rock-solid and compliant, and the surprising feedback that’s already reshaping the product. If you’ve ever wanted a faster, smarter way to handle appraisals without cutting corners — you’re going to want to hear this one.”

This episode is brought to you my The American Lending Conference. The premier private lending conference that brings you high level networking, practical education and support from a growing community. Join us Sept 3-4 in las vegas at the green valley ranch. Go to american lending conference.com. and dont miss this!Today on we’re talking with Trey Markel with Centrex — the fintech platform helping alternative lenders streamline operations, win more clients, and scale fast.We’ll cover what makes Centrex different, real success stories, and where fintech is heading next. If you want to ditch clunky systems and close more deals, this episode is for you. Lets bring on Trey Markel

Welcome to The Lenders Playbook, Episode 83 where we dive into the minds of the top performers in private lending and real estate. I am your host, Matt Rosen.Today’s guest is none other than Anthony Geraci. Anthony has scaled multiple companies Geraci Law, Stratus Finance, and Move and services as the Vice chair and Founder of AAPL— Anthin d brings a wealth of insight on leadership, strategy, and the future of lending.We’ll cover how he spots great opportunities, the biggest mistakes lenders make, and how AI and regulation are reshaping the industry.Quick heads up: If you haven’t grabbed your seat for the American Lending Conference, its happening Sept. 3–4 in Las Vegas, now’s the time. This is where capital, deal flow, and a thriving community connects. Visit AmericanLendingConference.com—seats are almost gone.Lets bring him on...

#82: If you've ever thought about getting into private lending or scaling what you’ve already started today’s episode is a must-listen. Even if you have no money! This conversation could easily be a paid workshop. It’s that good.I’m sitting down with Logan Richetti someone who’s built world class systems, communities, and platforms that are shaping the future of it. From Finley Capital to LendSafe to LendPrivate, he’s architecting one of the most practical, scalable paths I have seen in private lending.We talk about how to start lending without a big team, how to raise money the right way (especially from friends and family), what kind of lifestyle this business can create, and the core reasons some lenders thrive while others stall out.Whether you're a broker, an investor with capital, or someone ready to make lending your main thing,  this episode will give you the tools, mindset, and clarity to move forward fast. Please share this with your friends. National Private Lending Conferencehttps://www.americanlendingconference.com/Show notes, resources, replays here

#81: What if I told you a simple licensing delay cost a broker not just one deal… but an entire market?I am your host, Matt Rosen. This is the Lenders Playbook Podcast. Your go to resource for private lending, real estate and entrepreneurship, episode #81!In today’s episode, we’re diving into the hidden world of licensing with Catalina Stepanov! We are talking about CE renewals, multi-state expansionwhere one missed deadline or wrong assumption can cost you time, money, and momentum. Our guest has seen it all,  from brokers losing six-figure opportunities due to paperwork mistakes, to the surprising ways companies slow themselves down without even realizing it.If you’re a broker, lender, or investor looking to grow across state lines  or just stay ahead of your CE renewals this episode will give you the roadmap. You'll learn what to do before you touch the paperwork, how to stay compliant without the stress, and where to go for clear, hands-on helpLet’s jump in!Dont Miss The National Private Lending Conference Of The Year!https://www.americanlendingconference.com/

Today we share with you 3 of the core reasons why you should attend the American Lending Conference, Sept. 3-4 in Las Vegas. We discuss networking,  practical education, and the benefits of a thriving community.Join us! Register here -->https://www.americanlendingconference.com/register-vegas

#79: Welcome to the Lenders Playbook Podcast episode # 79, I am your host Matt Rosen and in today’s episode, we sit down with Marcus Carter the founder of La Mesa Fund Control, a company that’s become a crucial ally for lenders looking to protect their capital in construction projects. You’ll hear how they got started, what fund control really is, and why it’s the difference between successful builds and nightmare loans.We break down their Pre-Construction Review process, real-world red flags, and what a “healthy” project should actually look like.Plus—mindset, business advice, game-changing tools, and the books that helped shape his journey.And if you're serious about growing in this space, don’t miss our National Private Lending Conference, happening Sept 3–4 in Las Vegas. We will have a a room stacked with capital providers, lenders, brokers, investors and serivce providers. If you need more reliable funding sources, or looking to grow your pipeline of investors and brokers this is your event! check us out and get your tickets soon! We are almost sold out! https://www.americanlendingconference.com/