In a world where career changes are increasingly common, the story of Dan Cantillana stands out as an inspiring example of how one can transition from a seemingly unrelated profession into a remarkable success in real estate. From the busy corridors of a fourth-grade classroom to the dynamic world of real estate investment, Dan’s journey is one fueled by passion, purpose, and the drive to uplift others through his ventures.
Dan’s career began as a fourth-grade teacher, a role that instilled in him a love for educating and helping others. However, his path took an exciting turn when he connected with real estate mogul Jay Conner’s podcast and book on raising private money—a pivotal moment that encouraged him to dive into the real estate market. What started as a curiosity soon transformed into a calling. Inspired by what he learned, Dan immersed himself in the world of real estate, flipping properties and improving communities while simultaneously offering investors double-digit returns.
One of the most striking aspects of Dan’s story is his approach to raising private money. He began by simply sharing what he was learning and doing with his network. By leveraging his ability to communicate effectively—a skill honed in his teaching years—Dan garnered attention and interest from potential investors. Embracing the power of storytelling, Dan utilized short videos and email marketing to capture the essence of each property deal, making his investors feel a part of the journey. His mantra, “Do you like making money in your sleep? Call me,” encapsulates the appealing simplicity and honesty of his approach.
Dan’s business thrives on relationships and transparency. His commitment to his investors, whom he considers partners, is evident in his dedication to making the real estate investment experience both profitable and enjoyable. It’s not just about the financial returns; it’s about being part of a story that transforms communities and uplifts neighborhoods. Dan’s emphasis on customer experience and communication has grown his referral-based business, building a robust network of satisfied investors.
The foundation of Dan’s success lies not only in his teaching skills and ability to communicate but also in his unwavering dedication to his values. His master’s degree in Christian leadership underscores a life guided by principles that he applies both personally and professionally. Dan’s real estate ventures are not just about making money; they are about making a difference, reinforcing community strength, and helping others build wealth.
Technology and networking play a significant role in Dan’s business model. From attending meetups to leveraging social media and tapping into the power of search engine optimization, his approach is multifaceted, much like a perfectly prepared dish of chicken gumbo. Every element adds flavor, culminating in a successful strategy for finding off-market properties and raising private money.
Dan Cantillana’s journey from a fourth-grade teacher to a real estate entrepreneur showcases the potential that lies within career transitions. His story is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and the impact of mentorship—a theme he consistently returns to, continually crediting his success to the support and guidance of those around him. By courageously stepping into real estate and sharing his journey, Dan has not only transformed his own life but has also created opportunities for others to grow and prosper. His story serves as an inspiration to anyone seeking to pivot their career toward new horizons.
In conclusion, whether you’re a seasoned investor or a curious beginner, the lessons from Dan’s journey are clear: embrace learning, leverage your existing skills, communicate your vision, and above all, remain committed to helping others. With these principles, success is not just a goal; it’s a journey worth pursuing.
If you’re inspired by Dan’s journey and are interested in entering the world of real estate investing, attending Jay Conner’s Private Money Conference might be your next step. Transform stories into reality, just as Dan did, and explore the potential of real estate to build not just wealth, but meaningful impact.
10 Discussion Questions from this Episode:
- How did Dan Cantillana transition from being a fourth-grade teacher to a successful real estate entrepreneur, and what motivated this career change?
- Dan mentioned the role of personal connections and community in his journey. How important do you think personal relationships are in real estate investing?
- Discuss the significance of Dan’s discovery of Jay Conner’s book and podcast in his real estate journey. How do educational resources impact new investors?
- What are some unique strategies that Dan uses to raise private money without directly asking for it, and how effective do you think these strategies are?
- Dan mentions leveraging his network by sharing stories through short videos about properties. How does storytelling enhance investor engagement and trust?
- With a diverse background in sales and teaching, how do you think Dan’s previous careers have influenced his success in real estate investing?
- What role do you think faith and community play in Dan’s approach to business and investing, based on his background in Christian leadership?
- Dan discussed the importance of helping the community through real estate investing. Why is this aspect significant for investors and local neighborhoods?
- How do Dan’s proprietary deal-finding systems differ from traditional methods, and what advantages do they offer in finding off-market properties?
- Dan emphasizes creating a positive experience for his investors. Why is investor experience important, and how can other real estate investors implement similar practices?
Fun facts that were revealed in the episode:
- Podcast Discovery While Doing Chores: Dan’s journey into real estate investing took a pivotal turn while he was doing some yard work. As he was spreading bark in his yard, he decided to make it an educational experience by listening to a podcast. A search for “private money” on Apple Podcasts led him to Jay Conner’s show, where he became an avid listener. That day of yard work became life-changing, setting him on a path to raise over $7 million in private money for real estate investments.
- Family Affair in Real Estate: Real estate isn’t just a solo venture for Dan; it’s a family affair. His 17-year-old son once helped source a property while at their country club. By striking up a conversation with a former employee who had become a real estate agent, his son learned about an off-market opportunity. This interaction exemplifies the power of networking and how Dan’s family shares his enthusiasm and involvement in the real estate business.
- Unique Incentives for Wholesalers: Dan has a creative approach to building strong relationships with wholesalers. He doesn’t just stop at buying properties—the connection continues with unique tokens of appreciation. Dan likes to build goodwill by gifting concert and Gonzaga basketball game tickets to wholesalers he works with. These thoughtful gestures not only show appreciation but also keep Dan top of mind, ensuring he’s the first to know about new off-market deals.
Timestamps:
00:01 Raising Private Money Success Story
03:57 Jay’s “Where To Get The Money Now” Book
https://www.JayConner.com/Book
06:22 From Teaching to Sales Success
07:23 Real Estate Investment Passion
12:13 Inspiration for Wealth and Community
14:20 Investing Success Through Communication
18:10 Real Estate Success with Off-Market Properties
20:54 Jay’s Live Events
https://www.ThePrivateMoneyConference.com
23:18 Real Estate Acquisition Strategies
24:12 High Referral Marketing Strategy
28:40 Connect with Dan Cantillana
29:11 Investing Experience with Double Digit Returns
31:07 Download Jay Conner’s Free Guide
https://www.JayConner.com/MoneyGuide
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It is available FREE (all you pay is the shipping and handling) at
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What is Private Money? Real Estate Investing with Jay Conner
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Jay Conner is a proven real estate investment leader. He maximizes creative methods to buy and sell properties with profits averaging $67,000 per deal without using his money or credit.
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