If you’re exploring strategies to build wealth, especially through real estate, the recent conversation between Jay Conner and Kenneth Gee on the “Raising Private Money” podcast is a must-watch. Kenneth Gee, a seasoned real estate investor, CPA, and commercial lender, has over 26 years of experience, has raised more than $50 million in private money, and has been involved in transactions totaling over $2 billion. In this episode, Ken shares his journey, insights on raising and leveraging private money, and actionable strategies for both active and passive investors.
From a 3 AM Epiphany to Real Estate Success
Ken’s story begins with a deeply personal motivator: time with family. While working grueling hours as a CPA at Deloitte, he found his only quality time with his newborn daughter was at 3 AM feedings. This realization sparked his pursuit of better financial freedom and work-life balance. Surrounded by successful real estate clients during his lending and accounting career, he decided to dive headfirst into the multifamily property space.
His start wasn’t glamorous—three small apartment buildings financed using a mix of seller financing, a home equity line, and support from his in-laws. What’s notable is Ken’s emphasis on starting where you are, using creativity, and not waiting for perfect conditions. He warns against being paralyzed by inexperience; instead, leverage what you have and learn as you go.
Why Multifamily?
While many consider starting in single-family homes, Ken chose multifamily from the get-go. His logic was straightforward: scalability and risk management. With multifamily, one vacancy doesn’t devastate your income stream the way it might with a single-family unit. Plus, greater cash flow allows you to hire help, freeing up your own time—a crucial consideration for those juggling busy careers or family life.
Raising Private Money—Built on Trust and Transparency
One of the most powerful sections of the podcast focuses on Ken’s approach to raising private money. Early deals were funded via personal connections, but over time, his network and credibility expanded. Now, Ken runs regular webinars—open and education-focused—for potential investors.
This outreach isn’t about high-pressure sales. Instead, he invites people to observe, learn, and engage at their own pace. Many followers tune in for months—even years—before choosing to invest. Ken’s approach is a model in building trust: provide value, answer questions, and empower investors to make informed decisions.
Education and Mentorship: The Real Difference-Makers
Both Ken and Jay stress a critical but often overlooked step: get educated before diving in. Ken’s advanced multifamily acquisition program is a year-long commitment with weekly group coaching calls, resources, and hands-on support. The curriculum guides students from developing their personal financial statement and business plan, all the way through underwriting deals and asset management.
Why so much focus on the details? Because, as Ken says, lenders and private investors will “sniff out” gaps in your knowledge. Being detail-oriented signals trustworthiness. It’s also the key to building your confidence and making sound decisions—cornerstones for long-term success.
Common Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them
Ken has seen many new investors stumble by underestimating the importance of due diligence and accurate underwriting. Treat real estate as a business, not a side hustle. Those who ignore the details, rush deals, or skip coaching often pay dearly, both in lost money and missed opportunities.
Jay adds an important point: don’t go it alone, especially early on. A coach or mentor can help you avoid unseen pitfalls and accelerate your learning curve. The resources and podcasts available today can save you the hard lessons Ken had to learn the slow way decades ago.
Final Thoughts: Your Path to Wealth
Ken’s message is clear: real estate, particularly multifamily, offers a path to wealth that’s accessible, scalable, and time-tested. Whether you want to be an active investor or a passive one, education, diligence, and building real relationships will get you there.
10 Discussion Questions from this Episode:
- How did Kenneth Gee’s experiences as a commercial lender and CPA shape his approach to real estate investing?
- What were the key challenges Kenneth faced when he initially entered the world of real estate, and how did he overcome them?
- Discuss the significance of trust in raising private money, as emphasized by Kenneth Gee during his conversation with Jay Conner.
- Why did Kenneth choose multifamily investments over single-family properties for his real estate ventures?
- Kenneth mentions the importance of understanding details in real estate transactions. How can this attention to detail impact investor confidence and success?
- What strategies does Kenneth Gee use to attract new investors to his webinars, and how might these be effective in building a network?
- How has the approach to finding real estate deals evolved from Kenneth’s early days to the current market landscape?
- Discuss the importance of having a mentor or coach in the realm of real estate investing, as highlighted in the podcast episode.
- What are some common mistakes new real estate investors make according to Kenneth, and how can these be avoided?
- How does Kenneth Gee’s advanced multifamily acquisition program support new investors, and what benefits does it offer to someone entering the field?
Fun facts that were revealed in the episode:
- Kenneth Gee’s first real estate deal was found in a newspaper ad.
Before online listings and podcasts were the norm, Ken kickstarted his real estate journey by responding to a simple ad in the local paper, a reminder that opportunities are everywhere if you’re paying attention! - His initial funding came from a home equity line AND his in-laws.
Ken admits he didn’t have the down payment for his first apartment building, so he creatively combined a home equity loan with an investment from his (very trusting!) in-laws, proving that private money can start right at home. - Ken’s path to investing was inspired by feeding his daughter at 3 AM.
It was those quiet mornings, bottle in hand, that made Ken realize he wanted more time with his family and set him on the path from CPA to successful real estate investor. Sometimes, life-changing ideas come at the quietest moments!
Timestamps:
00:00 $50M Private Money Insights
04:07 Re-evaluating Success and Family Priorities
07:47 Risky Investment with In-Laws
12:57 Guided Steps to First Deal
13:56 Deal Underwriting Essentials
17:20 Yearlong Multifamily Acquisition Coaching
22:49 Importance of Understanding Details
26:07 Importance of Mentors in Success
28:33 Connect with Kenneth Gee
30:15 Jay Conner’s Free Money Guide:
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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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