After eight years as a travel nurse, Ian Duffy — better known as Scrubs2Estates — walked away from the bedside to pursue real estate investing and multifamily development. In this conversation, we dive into the reality of nursing burnout, the toll healthcare can take on your health and life balance, and the pivotal moments that pushed Ian to step away from a “safe” career to bet on himself. He opens up about the lessons learned from failures, what it really takes to transition into entrepreneurship, and how he’s building long-term wealth and freedom through development projects.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in your W-2, questioned whether nursing (or any job) is sustainable for the long haul, or wondered if there’s a path to more freedom, this episode will resonate. Ian’s journey is proof that you don’t have to spend a lifetime in a career that doesn’t fulfill you — and that with action, education, and community, you can build a new life outside of scrubs.
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Things We Talk About in This Episode:
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🎯 Follow Ian Duffy
Instagram: @Scrubs2Estates
Ian's Email:
Ian's Website:
Ian's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scrubs2estates-podcast/id1788976707
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🚀 Connect with Lorenzo Mercado
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_/
Website: www.mercasaventures.com & www.ascentcapital.llc
🎙️ Listen to The Lo-Down
🎙️Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761
🎙️Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado
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Chapters
00:00
From Nursing to Real Estate: A Journey of Change
03:05
The Reality of Nursing: Challenges and Insights
07:46
The Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Workers
19:43
A Pivotal Moment: Realizing the Need for Change
24:39
Healthcare Misconceptions: A Nurse's Perspective
26:41
Empathy in Nursing: Lessons from the ER
28:00
The Decision to Leave Nursing: A Personal Journey
30:24
Discovering Real Estate: A New Path
32:48
Transitioning from Nursing to Entrepreneurship
35:44
Overcoming Doubts: The Importance of Self-Belief
38:06
Life After Nursing: Finding Peace and Purpose
40:30
Owning Your Time: The Freedom of Entrepreneurship
43:04
Skills from Nursing that Benefit Business
44:14
Choosing Real Estate Development: A Strategic Decision
46:55
Understanding Development Deals: From Single Family to Multifamily
51:04
Innovative Housing Solutions
53:42
Navigating the Development Process
57:52
Lessons from Experience
01:02:05
The Value of Risk and Resilience
01:07:35
Vision for the Future
What if you could build a 184-unit Airbnb portfolio without owning a single property in just two years?
In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Leong, who scaled from 0 to 184 Airbnb arbitrage units in just two years. At his peak, his business pulled in over $1.1M in a single month. After grinding through the early days, Kevin built systems, hired a team of 20+ VAs, and now runs the entire operation in under 10 hours a week.
We dive into how Kevin went from a cannabis warehouse job and side hustles to building one of the fastest-growing Airbnb arbitrage companies out there. He shares the credit card hacks that helped him fund his first deal, the 200+ cold calls it took to land his first “yes,” and the mistakes new operators should avoid.
If you’re into real estate, Airbnb, or just want to learn how to scale a business fast—this one’s a masterclass.
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We talk about:
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🎯 Follow Kevin Leong
Instagram: @kevinleong_bnb
🚀 Connect with Lorenzo Mercado
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_/
Website: www.mercasaventures.com
www.AscentCapital.llc
🎙️ Listen to The Lo-Down
🎙️Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761
🎙️Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado
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Share it with a friend who needs to hear it!
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Airbnb Arbitrage
02:49 Understanding the Business Model
05:38 Revenue Insights and Financials
08:35 Background and Early Career
11:25 First Deal Experience
14:01 Choosing Locations and Market Research
17:08. Scaling the Business
20:02 Operational Strategies and Team Structure
22:55 Challenges and Learning Lessons
25:39 Future Plans and Vision
28:45 Final Thoughts and Advice
What if homes could be printed instead of built?
In this episode, I sit down with Nan Lin, founder of 4DIFY and Kaizen Capital, who built California’s first fully permitted 3D-printed housing community.
We get into how he went from mortgage lending to real estate investing, and how that journey led him to launching a company that’s changing how we think about construction. Nan shares how they got local approvals, solved major problems in housing, and built something no one thought was possible.
If you're into real estate, construction innovation, or just love bold ideas—this one’s a must-listen.
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We talk about:
-How 3D printing could solve labor shortages and reduce build costs
-What it took to get city and county approval for something no one’s seen before
-Raising capital from people who believed in the vision
-The mindset it takes to bet big on innovation
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🎯 Follow Nan Lin
Instagram: @nanunlimited
4DIFY Website: https://www.4dify.com
🚀 Connect with Lorenzo Mercado
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_
Website: https://www.mercasaventures.com
🎙️Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761
🎙️Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado
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Timestamps:
00:19 – Introduction to Nan Lin and Fortify
01:49 – The Genesis of Fortify: From Idea to Reality
07:54 – The 3D Printing Process: Building the Future of Homes
13:40 – Navigating Permits and City Approvals
19:08 – Financial Insights: Costs and Profitability
25:00 – Raising Capital: Strategies and Advice
26:56 – Expanding Horizons: Multifamily and ADUs
28:37 – Collaborative Design Challenges in Construction
31:23 – Future Vision: Scaling Fortify's Operations
32:34 – Investment and Operational Challenges in 3D Printing
33:43 – Nan Lin's Journey into Real Estate
39:15 – Lessons from Early Real Estate Investments
49:53 – Founding Kaizen Capital: A Collective Investment Approach
52:12 – Building a Team: Hiring for Success
54:06 – Mindset and Philosophy for Continuous Improvement
In this deeply personal soLo episode, I share the raw, unfiltered story behind one of the best decisions I’ve ever made: quitting alcohol and all other drugs — and how that choice transformed every area of my life.
From blacking out in Vegas to losing myself to weekend benders, drinking was more than just a habit… it was my identity. But two years ago, everything changed.
In this episode, I dive into:
• When and why I started drinking
• The night that finally broke me
• The social pressure and FOMO of sobriety
• How I handled cravings and temptation
• The myths people believe about sober life
• And how going alcohol-free helped me become a better husband, entrepreneur, and human being
Whether you’re sober curious, struggling with balance, or just love a story of personal growth — this one’s for you.
🔗 If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with alcohol, I hope this episode brings clarity, encouragement, and hope.
Please give a 5 STAR REVIEW on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and SHARE this episode.
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🚀 Connect with Lorenzo Mercado
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_
Website: https://www.mercasaventures.com
🎙️Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761
🎙️Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado
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Share it with a friend who needs to hear it!
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Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Sobriety Journey
01:02
The Struggles with Alcohol
03:52
Life Before Sobriety
06:42
The Challenges of Going Sober
09:37
Transformations After Sobriety
12:20
Myths About Sobriety
13:08
Encouragement for Those Considering Sobriety
In episode 30 of The Lo-Down, Lorenzo Mercado sits down with Nick Rossi — a former chief engineer on tugboats, turned real estate investor and construction business owner — to unpack how he leveraged grit, mentorship, and a 3.5% FHA loan to break into multifamily real estate and scale a construction company.
Nick shares practical advice on managing contractors, buying or building businesses, and using hands-on experience to fuel growth. If you're in real estate, construction, or just looking to transition into entrepreneurship, this is your episode.
We cover:
Please give a 5 STAR REVIEW on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and SHARE this episode.
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👥 Connect with Nick Rossi:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nlrossi
🚀 Connect with Lorenzo Mercado
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_
Website: https://www.mercasaventures.com
🎙️Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761
🎙️Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado
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Share it with a friend who needs to hear it!
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Chapters
01:14 – From Tugboats to Real Estate: A Unique Journey
05:18 – Transitioning to Real Estate: Finding a Mentor
12:00 – Building a Construction Business: Lessons Learned
17:54 – Managing Contractors: Communication is Key
23:53 – Navigating Business Growth: Learning from Mistakes
28:56 – Buying vs. Starting a Business: Insights on Acquisition
31:00 – Navigating Non-Compete Clauses
31:30 – The Journey of the First Multifamily Deal
33:21 – Lessons Learned in Real Estate
34:41 – Financial Insights from the First Deal
36:50 – Advice for First-Time Investors
38:06 – Permitting and Construction Challenges
40:58 – Transitioning to Short-Term Rentals
42:28 – Exploring Hospitality Opportunities
45:52 – Hotel Acquisition Strategies
50:02 – Advice for Aspiring Hotel Owners
52:36 – Time Management for Multiple Ventures
In this episode of The Lo-Down, Lorenzo Mercado sits down with Tony Hoong — better known as The CPA Dude — to break down practical, legal tax strategies that can help you keep more of what you earn in 2025 and beyond.
Whether you’re a W2 employee, side hustler, small business owner, or real estate investor, this episode is packed with actionable tips your CPA probably isn’t telling you. Stick around to the end so you don't miss any key strategies that could save you thousands of dollars.
We cover:
-The Building of the CPADude Tax Firm
-How W2 workers can reduce taxes
-Deductions most people miss and how to audit-proof your finances
-How to use the Augusta Rule to rent your home to your business — tax-free
-Real estate investor strategies like bonus depreciation and cost segregation
-Property Business & Entity Formation
Tony simplifies the complex and delivers strategies you can start implementing today.
Please give a 5 STAR REVIEW on Spotify or Apple Podcast and SHARE this episode.
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👥 Connect with Tony Hoong:
Website: https://thecpadude.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheCPADude_
🚀 Connect with Lorenzo Mercado
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_
Website: https://www.mercasaventures.com
🎙️Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761
🎙️Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado
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Share it with a friend who needs to hear it!
💡 Ready to stop overpaying the IRS? Hit play.
In this episode of The Lo-Down, Lorenzo Mercado sits down with Charles Lee, founder and CEO of Palmetto Superfoods — one of the fastest-growing açaí bowl brands in California.
What started as a single store in San Francisco has quickly become one of the most talked-about health food brands in California. Charles shares how he went from concept to execution, the mindset it took to scale brick-and-mortar, and why a focus on product quality over hype has been the key to long-term growth. From lessons in branding and leadership to scaling a brick-and-mortar business the right way, this episode is packed with insight for anyone looking to build a multi-million dollar brand from the ground up.
If you're an entrepreneur, real estate investor, or aspiring founder — this one's for you.
Topics Include:
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🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on Real Estate, Business, and Taking Action:
👥 Connect with Charles Lee:
Website: https://www.palmettosuperfoods.com
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chacharleslee/
🚀 Let’s Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_/
Website: https://www.mercasaventures.com
🎙️Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761
🎙️Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado
💬 Like this episode?
Leave a five star review on your favorite streaming platform and share with a friend who would find value.
In this solo episode, Lorenzo Mercado pulls back the curtain on his latest moves in real estate. He shares real lessons from his recent house flips—including costly delays—and how those setbacks are shaping his mindset. Lorenzo also dives into his next big play: boutique hotel investing. He breaks down why he’s making the shift, what he’s learning, and how it fits into his long-term vision of building wealth and freedom. The episode wraps with a candid Q&A where Lorenzo answers listener questions on flipping mistakes, turning pro, and what success really looks like.
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Like what you hear?
Subscribe to The Lo-Down, drop a 5-star review, and share it with someone who would find value. Thanks for tuning in.
🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on Real estate, Business, and Taking Action👥
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🚀 Let’s Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_/
Website: https://www.mercasaventures.com
Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761
Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado
In this episode, Lorenzo Mercado sits down with Clay and Jonathan Velarde—brother entrepreneurs who turned a $15K investment into Parking Pros, a thriving valet and parking shuttle company.
They share how they went from working in their father’s valet business to launching their own operation during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation dives deep into their growth journey, the challenges of standing out in a competitive industry, and the strategies that helped them scale.
Clay and Jonathan open up about the power of teamwork, customer service, and adapting to market shifts. They also talk about documenting their startup journey on social media, making smart investments, and the importance of marketing in business success. Plus, they share wild stories from the valet world—and a few game-changing books that shaped their entrepreneurial mindset.
If you're building a business, thinking about starting one, or just love real stories about grit and growth—this one’s for you.
Like what you hear?
Subscribe to The Lo-Down, drop a 5-star review, and share it with someone who would find value. Thanks for tuning in.
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🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on Real estate, Business, and Taking Action👥
Connect with Jonathan Velarde:
Website: https://valetparkingpros.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkingmogul
Connect with Clay Velarde:
Website: https://valetparkingpros.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clayvelarde
Listen to the Get After It Podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/show/2H4HRXUN8IEhs79vtgmcaU?si=7bdb6d0500574763
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🚀 Let’s Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_/
Website: https://www.mercasaventures.com
Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761
Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado
This week on The Lo-Down, we dive into the powerful journey of a Alex Kamenetsky, who went from heroin addiction and hitting rock bottom… to rebuilding his life with clarity, purpose, and action.
It wasn’t real estate that saved him—it was his brother, who stepped in when no one else could, and a rehab program in Israel that gave him a second chance. Once sober, he poured himself into learning the ins and outs of creative finance. That knowledge laid the foundation for where he is now: flipping houses, staying clean, and using his story to inspire others.
This episode is about more than real estate. It’s about redemption, second chances, and what’s possible when someone refuses to stay stuck in their past.
If you are someone who’s struggling with addiction, thinking about getting sober, or just ready for a change—this conversation is for you. You’re not alone. There’s hope, and there’s help. And no matter how far gone you feel, your story isn’t over.
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👥 Connect with Alex Kamenetsky:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexkamenetsky/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-kamenetsky-6a3611230/
🚀 Let’s Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_/
Website: https://www.mercasaventures.com
🎙️Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761
🎙️Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3
💬 Like this episode?
Please leave a 5 star review and SHARE with someone who would find value.
In this episode of The Lo-Down, I sit down with Abbas Mohammed, founder of RemoteLeverage.com and a powerhouse real estate entrepreneur. Abbas shares his journey from humble beginnings as a real estate agent to becoming one of the top producers in the Bay Area, CA—all by working smarter, not harder.
We dive into how Abbas used virtual assistants (VAs) to multiply his productivity, build systems, and scale his business beyond what he could have imagined. He walks us through the exact ways VAs helped him gain back his time, increase efficiency, and ultimately grow a multi-seven-figure operation.
We also talk about the inspiration behind starting Remote Leverage, his VA staffing company, and how business owners across different industries can benefit from hiring VAs—whether it's for lead generation, admin tasks, marketing, or beyond.
If you're a real estate professional, entrepreneur, or just someone looking to optimize your business and reclaim your time, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won't want to miss. Please SUBSCRIBE, SHARE AND GIVE A 5 STAR REVIEW for the show if you found any value.
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👥 Connect with Abbas Mohammed:
Website: https://remoteleverage.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbasmohammedre
🚀 Let’s Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_
Website: https://www.mercasaventures.com
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🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on Real estate, Business, and Taking Action:
https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado
🎙️Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761
🎙️Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3
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💬 Like this episode?
Please share or give a 5 star review on the listening platform of your choice!
In this episode of the Lo-Down, I sit down with Neil Shah, who brings 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry and now owns 10 hotels. We dive into his journey from hotel management to ownership and what it really takes to build and operate successful hospitality businesses.
Neil breaks down the differences between independent, soft-branded, and flagged hotels, and shares the pros and cons of each. We also talk about the importance of guest experience, team retention, and having a long-term vision when it comes to portfolio growth.
He shares how his financing strategies have evolved over time, what he looks for in investment partners, and why treating real estate like a serious business is key. If you're interested in hospitality or want to scale in real estate, there’s a ton of value in this one.
💥 If you got value from this episode, please share it with a friend who's interested in real estate or hospitality, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next one. Please give a thumbs up or 5 Star Review for the Podcast.
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👥 Connect with Neil Shah:
Website: www.inntechhospitality.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nilang007/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilangs/
🚀 Let’s Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_
Website: https://www.mercasaventures.com
-----
🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on Real estate, Business, and Taking Action:
https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado
🎙️ Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761
🎙️ Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3
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Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Neil Shaw and His Portfolio
02:45
Understanding Hotel Branding: Independent, Soft, and Flagged
05:55
Pros and Cons of Different Hotel Types
08:48
Transitioning Between Hotel Types
11:59
Starting in Hospitality: Neil's Journey
15:08
Key Traits for Potential Hotel Partners
18:10
The Importance of Guest Experience
20:55
Mindset Shift: From Manager to Owner
24:06
Common Pitfalls for New Hotel Owners
26:12
Building a Serious Business Structure
27:32
Effective Management and Staff Retention
30:43
Challenges in Scaling Operations
34:48
The Importance of Patience in Growth
37:28
Evolving Financing Strategies
40:51
Navigating Market Opportunities
43:31
Long-Term Vision and Portfolio Management
45:09
Defining the Ideal Investment Criteria
47:38
Unique Experiences in Hospitality
50:09
Final Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Investors
In this episode of The Lo-Down, Lorenzo Mercado sits down with hotel investor and entrepreneur Alex Kang, who shares his inspiring journey from a 15 year career in consulting and tech into full time real estate and business ownership.
Alex opens up about his transition into short-term rentals 🏡, scaling into hotel acquisitions 🏨, and the critical lessons he's learned along the way—from raising capital 💰 through friends and family, building your business in public, navigating complex seller financing structures, and dealing with the realities of hotel operations.
Alex also dives into:
🔑 Why scalability matters in real estate investing
🤝 The power of trustworthy partners and broker relationships
🧠 The value of experienced mentors and teams
📢 Building in public and effective communication for fundraising
🕒Alex's bold leap into full-time entrepreneurship and how he manages time and focus to build wealth
If you're curious about hotels, this is your episode ! If you found value or loved the episode, please give a FIVE STAR REVIEW and SHARE the show. Thank you and enjoy!
Follow Alex Kang on instagram @s.alex.kang
https://www.linkedin.com/in/salexkang/
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Follow Lorenzo Mercado on instagram @lorenzo.mercado_
Join in on this episode of The Lo-Down as we welcome Kristiana Torregosa, a passionate Filipina fitness coach who transitioned from corporate to thriving fitness entrepreneurship. With over seven years in bodybuilding and powerlifting, Kristiana reveals how fitness and a disciplined mindset directly enhance your productivity and success in business. 🚀🏋️♀️
In this episode, we discuss:
-Kristiana’s inspiring corporate-to-fitness journey
-Why prioritizing fitness supercharges your business performance
-Crafting personalized fitness & nutrition plans
-Proven strategies for growing a successful online coaching business
-Tips for building a personal brand
Packed with actionable advice, motivation, and practical strategies, this episode shows why investing in your health is the best thing you can do for yourself and your business.
If you enjoy the show, please LIKE, SHARE, SUBSCRIBE and leave a 5 STAR review on your favorite streaming platform. Enjoy!
Follow Kristiana Torregosa on IG @kristianaliftss
Follow Kristiana on Youtube @kristianatorregosa
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Follow Lorenzo Mercado on IG @Lorenzo.Mercado_
On this episode of The Lo-Down, we explore the ins and outs of real estate lending with Brenda Chen, Managing Director at Conventus Lending and Founder of Venus Ventures. Brenda demystifies the lending process, offering practical advice for anyone looking to dive into real estate investments or expand their portfolio. We talk about hard money loans, DSCR loans and other loan products offered by Conventus. Brenda discusses the challenges and opportunities in today’s market, giving listeners the tools they need to navigate this complex industry successfully. Brenda also discusses the importance of building a great network through hosting meetup and events, empowering investors and entrepreneurs. We dive into Venus Ventures and Brenda's experiences as a real estate investor focusing on house flipping. Please share and subscribe and give a 5 star review on your favorite listening channel! Hope you guys enjoy the show!
Follow Brenda Chen on IG @Brendachen.re
Brenda@cvlending.com
cvlending.com/brendachen
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Follow Lorenzo Mercado on IG @Lorenzo.Mercado_
In this episode of the Lo-Down, Lorenzo Mercado interviews Chris Luna, a multifamily developer and founder of the Backyard Billionaires community. Chris shares his journey from running a cell phone repair business to becoming a successful real estate investor. He discusses the importance of cash flow versus equity, the differences between multifamily and single-family investments, and his strategies for financing ADUs. Chris emphasizes the significance of delegation, building a team, and raising capital through trust and transparency. In this conversation, Chris shares his journey through significant setbacks in real estate, emphasizing the importance of learning from failures. He discusses the power of mindset and resilience, revealing how early morning routines and personal experiences shape his approach to challenges. The discussion also highlights the value of building connections through social media and networking events, as well as insights gained from interviewing influential figures in the industry. Chris reflects on the role of faith in his success and outlines his future aspirations in real estate development. Enjoy the show!
📌 Topics Covered:
✅ How to raise money for your first deal 💵
✅ The power of networking & mentorship 🤝
✅ Finding and structuring multifamily deals 🏢
✅ Mindset shifts for financial freedom 🚀
👍 If you enjoy, please share to anyone who would find value in the episode. Also please give a 5 star review on whichever platform you are listening on.
Subscribe on Youtube To Stay Notified For New Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado
🔗 Follow Us:
Chris Luna
📷 instagram.com/chrisj.luna
📺 youtube.com/@chrisjluna
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Lorenzo Mercado
📷 instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Chris Luna and His Journey
01:07 From Cell Phones to Real Estate: The First Deal
04:11 Understanding Cash Flow vs. Equity in Real Estate
08:14 The Differences Between Multifamily and Single Family Investments
10:06 Defining the Buy Box for Real Estate Investments
12:08 Navigating Permits and Construction Timelines
14:14 Strategies for Financing ADUs and Scaling Up
16:34 Overcoming Challenges in Scaling Real Estate Ventures
18:40 The Importance of Delegation and Team Building
20:50 Raising Capital: Building Trust and Transparency
23:24 Learning from Setbacks
27:40 The Power of Mindset
31:06 Building Connections through Social Media
35:39 Insights from Influencers
37:34 The Role of Faith in Success
41:12 Future Aspirations and Growth
In this episode of The Lo-Down, I sit down with Bay Area real estate flipper and residential developer Tom Tran. Tom started his journey as a realtor before diving into the world of fix-and-flips. Over time, he transitioned into larger projects, including home extensions, additions, and ADUs.
We dive into how he’s scaled his business, the key partnerships that have helped him grow, and the systems he’s put in place to manage longer, more complex projects. Tom shares valuable insights on leveraging relationships, structuring deals, and adapting to market changes as he’s moved from quick flips to high-value renovations.
If you're looking to learn how to level up your real estate game and move from small deals to bigger development projects, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Enjoy the show.
Follow Tom Tran on IG: @Tomasthebuilder
@flippingthebayarea
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Follow Lorenzo Mercado on IG: @Lorenzo.Mercado_
Follow on Youtube @TheLo-Down
What does it take to build a successful winery from the ground up?
In this episode, Lorenzo Mercado interviews Akash Patel, the owner and operator of Akash Winery- a successful winery in Temecula, California. Akash shares the inspiring journey of how his family transitioned from the motel business to establishing a winery, emphasizing the importance of vision, hard work, and resilience. We discuss the challenges faced in the wine industry, including navigating permits and funding, building a strong team culture, and the significance of marketing and distribution strategies. Akash also discusses the unique offerings of his winery, future plans for expansion, and provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, a real estate investor, or just someone who enjoys a good glass of wine, this episode is for you. Tune in, pour yourself a glass and enjoy!
Follow Akash Patel on IG: @A_cassh
Akash Winery: @akashwinery
Akash Brewery: @akashbrewing
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Follow Lorenzo Mercado on IG @Lorenzo.Mercado_
Youtube: TheLo-Down
In this episode, Lorenzo Mercado interviews Nick Sehy, an investor based in Seattle who has made big moves in the Detroit real estate market. Nick shares his journey from working at Microsoft to becoming a successful real estate investor, detailing his experiences with the BRRRR strategy, the challenges of investing in Detroit, and the importance of having solid contracts in place. He discusses his first deal, the lessons learned from various investments, and how he navigates the complexities of property management and theft in the market. Nick emphasizes the need for a strong support system and the value of taking action in real estate investing. Nick shares his journey in real estate, focusing on his transition from wholesaling to flipping properties. He discusses strategies for finding deals, the importance of good partnerships, and the systems he has implemented to scale his business. Nick emphasizes the significance of setting ambitious goals and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the real estate market. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring investors, highlighting the importance of passion and persistence in achieving success. Thanks for tuning in. Hope you enjoy the show!
Follow Nick Sehy on IG: @nick.sehy
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Follow Lorenzo Mercado on IG: @Lorenzo.Mercado_
Follow on Youtube: @TheLo-Down
Takeaways
In this soLo episode, I’m sharing what’s been going on behind the scenes and how I’m making moves to grow my real estate business. First, I talk about my decision to switch real estate brokerages—what led to the change, how it’s helping me align with my goals, and why being surrounded by like-minded, action-oriented people is a game-changer.
I also dive into my latest projects: two new flips, and I’m excited to walk you through how I found these opportunities, what I’ve learned, and what’s next for the properties.
Another big win- Hiring my first cold caller. This was a huge step for me because it’s allowed me to buy back time and focus on the bigger picture—analyzing deals, building partnerships, and scaling MERCASA Ventures.
This episode is all about taking action, embracing change, and building the systems and team you need to level up. If you’re growing in real estate, business, or any other area of life, this episode will inspire you to make moves and keep pushing forward. Thanks for tuning in. Enjoy the show.
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Follow Lorenzo Mercado on instagram: @Lorenzo.Mercado_
Follow Lorenzo on Youtube @TheLo-Down
