All Forum Posts by: Jennie Berger

Hey @Derek Simkins!

Couldn't help but notice that you do NOT lend in Chicago. So, for any inquiries you get for this marvelous city, would you consider sending them my way? I'm based here and love lending in this area. :) If it's helpful, I'd be happy to connect outside of BP on a video chat so we can ensure a good fit. Let me know your thoughts!

-Jennie

Quote from @Jacob Thorpe:

Quote from @Jennie Berger:

Have you considered private lending, @Shane Finnegan?

If you invested $1.4 million at around a 12% APR, you'd be earning about $168,000 per year—that’s roughly $14,000 per month in passive income. More than double your $6,000/month cash flow goal.

The best part? You get those returns without dealing with tenants, property managers, or contractors. Your investment is secured by real estate (the same way a bank is protected when you get a mortgage), and you stay hands-off—perfect if you want to minimize risk and free up your time.

If you’re interested, I’d be happy to share how private lending works and the types of deals I fund. It could be a great way to diversify your portfolio and earn strong returns without owning physical property.

-Jennie Berger

That is a good idea however I am not sure 1.4m wont stretch very far without collateralizing it and using bank money imo, single family homes for moms and pops raising their families are about 6/700k in my area. Although my market is very unique in terms of value add and building.. Shane it might be a good idea for you to find someone you can partner up with as a HML if you want 100% passive. Especially if you dont have a network or knowledge about the broader industry or your market. Alternatively Id consider minibonds.. Retain liquidity and kick back some dividends and speak with a financial advisor (who wont steer you) while you plan your next move.

Not quite sure what you mean. Forgive me if I'm misinterpreting - Being a private lender earning 12-14% APR (average we see for our capital partners) is a solid way to earn passive income backed by concrete assets (real estate). If I understood the post correctly, he has this amount available in cash. 

Quote from @Amy Widdis:

Hi Jennie, thank you so much for taking the time to reach out! I really appreciate your kind words.

Love that you have ties to South Florida and that you’re focused on capital raising and private lending now. I’d absolutely be interested in a video chat to connect and explore goals on both sides to see if there’s a fit or if we can support each other’s networks.

Are you able to send me a private message here?

Looking forward to it 

Amy

Messaging you now @Amy Widdis :)

@Andrew Jones Some good advice here. I'd start by asking them for some borrower references. Three people they have funded loans for within the last year or so. Then, speak with those borrowers (video chat or on the phone only, no text/email) to get some good insight into their experience with this lender. You'll want to validate that they actually did business with this lender sucessfully, too, so ask for some sort of proof, like a HUD statement or similar.

Good luck!

-Jennie

Hey @Tyler Park!

We have capital ready to deploy. Would love to connect via video chat to learn more about you, your business, and the deal. I'll send you a message now.

-Jennie

Hi @Amy Widdis!

Thanks for sharing your background—it’s impressive! While I don’t have deep market expertise in South Florida, I’ve lived there twice and my dad has been in Sunrise/Plantation for over 40 years, so I’m familiar with the area and visit regularly.

My background over the last 5 years is in design, development, and construction, and more recently, I’ve been focused on raising capital and private lending.

I’d love to connect—maybe a video chat to learn more about your goals and see if there’s a way I can support you or introduce you to someone in my network?

Looking forward to hearing from you!

-Jennie

Have you considered private lending, @Shane Finnegan?

If you invested $1.4 million at around a 12% APR, you'd be earning about $168,000 per year—that’s roughly $14,000 per month in passive income. More than double your $6,000/month cash flow goal.

The best part? You get those returns without dealing with tenants, property managers, or contractors. Your investment is secured by real estate (the same way a bank is protected when you get a mortgage), and you stay hands-off—perfect if you want to minimize risk and free up your time.

If you’re interested, I’d be happy to share how private lending works and the types of deals I fund. It could be a great way to diversify your portfolio and earn strong returns without owning physical property.

-Jennie Berger

Quote from @Brie Schmidt:

Quote from @James Wise:

Quote from @Remington Lyman:

Quote from @James Wise:

Quote from @Brie Schmidt:

@James Wise - that's the truth though.  Cook County is roughly half the population of the state of Ohio.  So if someone comes to you quoting stats for the state of Ohio like they know your area, what are you going to do? Laugh at them.  

We have like 100 different markets within cook county and they are all very different

 lol Brie you're easier to wind up than a Timex.

 I agree with James. Cleveland is better than Chicago

 Now you're really winding up her bro. 

 I'm not wound up.  It's funny for us TBH.  It's like tourists coming here and eating pizzeria uno and saying they have had the best deep dish.  Nobody here eats that and knows it's because they read some stupid travel blog.  

When we see someone use general market stats we know they are a tourist

Side note: I grew up in Northern NJ and we had Pizzeria Uno nearby. It was the only deep dish we could find and I was IN LOVE with it. Though I've been in Chicago or almost 6 years now, I still haven't found better deep dish hahaha

Hey @Gal Dagan - welcome to BP and your investing journey!

So much great advice already, but here’s one thing I always ask: What’s your budget? If you don’t know what you can (or want to) spend, it’s tough to choose the right market or strategy. Have you gotten prequalified yet?

Chicago has a ton of great opportunities—whether you’re flipping, holding, or house hacking—but parts of it can get pricey. That’s why I always suggest: if you can, start local. There’s huge value in being able to walk the property, meet the crew, and learn hands-on—especially on your first deal.

You got this!

Quote from @Jade Frank:

Hey everyone, I'm looking for investors with experience in STR, currently enrolled in a master class, to get a head start in real estate STR. What areas in the USA seem to be doing the best with STR? I know that's a broad question,3 but we have no clue where even to look. I know New Jersey is doing very well, and it seems like California does too. Any advice on where to start our market analysis? We were located in Wisconsin, but are currently renting out our property as an LTR and are in the RV near NM. TIA

My best advice for narrowing down the huge list of potential STR markets is to start where you already are. Either look within 30 mins–2 hours of where you're currently living, or focus on an area you know well—maybe somewhere you've lived before, have family or friends, or just understand on a deeper level.

If that’s not realistic (due to pricing, local restrictions, etc.), the next best thing is to choose a place you genuinely enjoy visiting—ideally one you’ve been to several times and would happily return to. From there, connect with local resources, starting with a Realtor who truly understands both the market and STRs specifically. That local insight is key.

And hey—if all else fails, at least you'll have a part-time vacation home you actually like spending time in. :) Best of luck with this!

-Jennie