Advertise on podcast: From Adversity to Abundance

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Michael Rebelo, founder of Ever Forward Capital Partners, for a conversation about breaking into multifamily real estate at a young age — with purpose, grit, and the right mindset. Michael and his mother started their multifamily business after a candid kitchen table conversation about their finances and the limitations of the traditional investment path. Since then, they've helped raise capital on over 200 units across Texas and Oklahoma, launched a new townhome project in Phoenix, and celebrated Michael's mother stepping away from her W-2 to become a full-time entrepreneur. But this episode goes beyond the deal count. Jamie and Michael dig into the critical importance of mindset as a capital raiser and entrepreneur — why knowing your investor avatar, leading with your personal story, and saying no to the wrong opportunities are just as important as finding the right deals. For anyone looking to raise capital, launch a fund, or understand the current multifamily landscape, this episode delivers practical value and genuine inspiration. Guest Introduction: Michael Rebelo Michael Rebelo is the founder of Ever Forward Capital Partners, a Phoenix, Arizona-based firm focused on multifamily syndications and private real estate projects. Starting his journey at 17 alongside his mother after watching their family get hit by the 2008 financial crisis, Michael has helped raise capital on 152-unit and 64-unit apartment projects and is currently raising for a 14-unit Class A townhome deal in Phoenix. He is also the host of the Ever Forward Mindset Podcast. Episode Highlights: From Kitchen Table to Capital Raiser: Michael shares how a frank family conversation about the 2008 financial crisis sparked his and his mother's decision to pursue multifamily real estate — and how a near-breaking point became the fire that accelerated everything.Raising Capital for Multifamily: Michael breaks down what has worked — defining your investor avatar, leading with your personal story and your why, and learning SEC compliance before you need it.Mindset as a Business Strategy: Why mental discipline, the ability to say no, and showing up consistently are the real differentiators between entrepreneurs who build lasting businesses and those who don't.Key Takeaways: People invest in people first — your story and your why matter more to potential investors than projected returns alone.Define your investor avatar early — serving everyone means serving no one, and the right relationships will strengthen your business far beyond any marketing campaign.Mindset is not optional in entrepreneurship — the discipline to show up and say no to distractions separates those who build from those who quit.Connect with Michael Rebelo: Instagram: @therealMichaelRebelo Facebook: www.facebook.com/michael.rebelo.2025 Website: www.everforwardcapitalpartners.com Podcast: Ever Forward Mindset Podcast Are you an accredited passive investor? Learn more about the Integrity Income Fund: https://labradorlending.com/investors/passive-investors/ Purchase The From Adversity to Abundance Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 Leave us a REVIEW: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1 https://www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/ Connect with us: Website: https://www.adversity2abundance.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/labradorlending/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labradorlendingllc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q Connect with Jamie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/batemanjames

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Craig Eppler, founder and CEO of Eppler Capital Funds, for a conversation that is equal parts practical and inspiring. Craig comes from a rare background — having worked his way up from analyst to Chief Investment Officer at a financial advisory firm, with a stint at Vanguard along the way. That front-row seat to the world of alternative investing eventually led him to launch his own private debt fund, which has crossed the $10 million mark in just three and a half years. On top of that, Craig has quietly built a rental portfolio of 59 doors across Pennsylvania — all while running a fund that provides investors with consistent monthly income. But this episode isn't just a highlight reel. Craig opens up about a $50,000 loss on a second lien deal that went to zero a painful but important lesson about property valuation, position risk, and the danger of trusting social proof over due diligence. Whether you're a passive investor, an aspiring fund manager, or a rental property owner, this episode delivers hard-earned wisdom and a refreshingly honest look at what building a private debt fund really takes. Guest Introduction: Craig Eppler Craig Eppler is the founder and CEO of Eppler Capital Funds, a Philadelphia-area private debt fund that crossed $10 million in capital under management after launching in March 2023. With a background as a derivatives trader at Vanguard and later as Chief Investment Officer at an investment advisory firm, Craig brings institutional-level thinking to private credit investing. Episode Highlights: From Vanguard to Private Debt Fund: Craig shares how his background in institutional finance, managing alternative investments for high-net-worth clients, gave him the blueprint — and the conviction — to launch his own fund and serve investors seeking consistent monthly income.The $50,000 Loss: Craig breaks down a second lien deal in Texas that went to zero — a pastor-investor with attractive yield and trusted social proof that ultimately couldn't hold up under scrutiny of the actual property value.Building a $10M Fund in 3.5 Years: From personal outreach and chamber events to email newsletters and podcasts, Craig walks through exactly how he grew his investor base to 50 people and crossed the $10 million milestone.59 Doors and a Debt Fund: Craig explains why he never abandoned his rental portfolio even as his fund took off — and why holding both equity and debt positions creates a more balanced and resilient investing strategy.Key Takeaways: If you've been investing long enough, you're going to lose money on a deal — what matters is what you learn and how you adjust your criteria going forward.Second lien lending carries real risk; understanding property value and lien position isn't optional — it's the foundation of protecting investor capital.Raising capital is harder than it looks, even with an institutional background — relationships, consistency, and showing up are what actually move the needle.Connect with Craig Eppler: Website: eplercapital.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ceppler Are you an accredited passive investor? Learn more about the Integrity Income Fund: labradorlending.com/investors/passive-investors Purchase The From Adversity to Abundance Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1 adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new Connect with us: Website: adversity2abundance.com Facebook: facebook.com/labradorlending Instagram: instagram.com/labradorlendingllc LinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q Connect with Jamie: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811 Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Brooke Kaine, owner of Kaine Investments and a seasoned real estate veteran with decades of experience across land development, ground-up construction, rehabs, and private lending in Maryland. Brooke is the kind of guest who is as generous with his wisdom as he has been with his time — a self-described evangelist for private lending who discovered hard money about 13 years ago and hasn't looked back since. His story spans multiple real estate strategies, a pivotal geographic move that changed his trajectory, and a business model that ultimately gave him something more valuable than profit: consistent cashflow and deeply meaningful relationships. But this episode isn't just about the mechanics of private lending. It's about the mindset shifts, the inflection points, and the hard-won lessons that come from living through market crashes, government overreach, and the quiet courage it takes to uproot your life and start over in a new city. Brooke brings warmth, candor, and a lifetime of stories to this conversation — and saves one of the most powerful observations about relationships and impact for the very end. Guest Introduction: Brooke Kaine Brooke Kaine is the owner of Kaine Investments, a Baltimore-area private lending operation he built from the ground up over the last 13 years. After decades in land development and home building in Southern Maryland, Brooke pivoted to hard money lending and grew his business from 20 loans in his first year to nearly 250 at his peak. Today he operates as a capital investor, lending to other hard money lenders while staying connected to the business he loves through relationships built one lunch at a time. Episode Highlights: From Land Developer to Private Lender: Brooke shares how government overreach in Calvert County slowly strangled his land development business — and how a cold February night and one honest question from a friend pushed him to make the move to Baltimore that changed everything.The Power of Inflection Points: Inspired by a chance dinner conversation with a self-made executive, Brooke reflects on how the moments things looked the worst were often the very moments that launched the biggest leaps forward.Building a Lending Business on Relationships: From 20 loans to nearly 250 a year, Brooke breaks down how his entire business growth came not from Facebook ads or social media — but from showing up, nurturing relationships, and genuinely caring about the people across the table.Key Takeaways: Indecision is still a decision — more is lost by waiting for the stars to align than by making an imperfect move and adjusting along the way.Cash flow beats profit. Consistent monthly income is what actually funds your life and lets you sleep at night — lumpy profits don't.Relationships are the real business. Word of mouth, trust, and genuine care for people will outlast any marketing strategy you can buy.Connect with Brooke Kaine: Phone/Text: 301-943-1407 Email: [email protected] Are you an accredited passive investor? Learn more about the Integrity Income Fund: https://labradorlending.com/investors/passive-investors/ Purchase The From Adversity to Abundance Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 Leave us a REVIEW: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1 https://www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/ Connect with us: Website: https://www.adversity2abundance.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/labradorlending/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labradorlendingllc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q Connect with Jamie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/batemanjames

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Nate Hare, Vice President at Directed IRA, who knows firsthand what it means to lose it all and rebuild. In 2007–2008, Nate lost all 17 of his rental properties and was forced to file for bankruptcy — and if that wasn't enough, he simultaneously lost his job in the mortgage industry. Two crushing blows at once. But rather than staying down, Nate used that painful chapter as a launchpad to discover one of the most underutilized wealth-building tools available to everyday investors: the self-directed IRA. Today, Nate travels the country educating real estate investors on how to use self-directed accounts to invest in rental properties, mortgage notes, note funds, private lending, and beyond. Most people don't even know this product exists — and that's exactly the gap Nate has made it his mission to close. This episode is packed with real client stories, hard-learned lessons, and a breakdown of the six account types Directed IRA manages — all designed to help you better understand your options and take true ownership of your financial future. Guest Introduction: Nate Hare Nate Hare is Vice President at Directed IRA and a passionate advocate for self-directed retirement account investing. After losing 17 rental properties and filing for bankruptcy during the 2008 financial crisis, Nate discovered the power of self-directed IRAs in 2012 and never looked back. With over 15 years in the industry, he now speaks at real estate investor associations and events across the country, helping investors understand how to grow wealth tax-free through alternative investments.  Episode Highlights: From $500K in Rental Income to Bankruptcy: Nate shares his raw story of losing 17 Las Vegas rentals and his mortgage job simultaneously during the 2008 crash — and how it reshaped everything he knew about investing.The Self-Directed IRA Unpacked: Nate breaks down what a self-directed IRA actually is, why most financial advisors won't tell you about it, and how it allows you to invest retirement dollars into real estate, notes, and private lending — tax-free.The Six Account Types: Nate gives a clear breakdown of the six self-directed account types Directed IRA manages — from traditional and Roth IRAs to HSAs and Coverdell ESAs — and how each one can work for different financial goals.Key Takeaways: Losing everything can be the catalyst that leads you to smarter, more intentional investing — Nate's bankruptcy ultimately led him to a wealth strategy he now teaches nationwide.Most people have never heard of self-directed IRAs because the financial advisory industry has little incentive to promote them — educating yourself is the first step.Buying real estate or lending money inside a retirement account eliminates the tax drag that quietly erodes wealth for most investors over time.Connect with Nate Hare & Directed IRA:  Website: directedira.com  Instagram: @natehareofficicial Are you an accredited passive investor? Learn more about the Integrity Income Fund: https://labradorlending.com/investors/passive-investors/ Purchase The From Adversity to Abundance Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 Leave us a REVIEW: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1 https://www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/ Connect with us: Website: https://www.adversity2abundance.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/labradorlending/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labradorlendingllc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q Connect with Jamie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/batemanjames

In this special crossover episode, Jamie Bateman — host of the From Adversity to Abundance Podcast and fund manager at Labrador Lending — steps to the other side of the mic as a featured guest on the Real Estate Pros Show with host Michelle Tack. Jamie pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to build and operate a mortgage note investing business, from sourcing deals and raising capital to the day-to-day realities of asset management. Jamie shares candid stories from the field, including borrower situations that took unexpected turns and deals that tested his problem-solving skills. Whether you're new to the concept of note investing or looking to deepen your understanding of this niche, this episode gives you an honest and grounded look at what it means to operate at the intersection of real estate and finance. Episode Highlights: Note Investing Unpacked: Jamie breaks down what mortgage note investing actually is — stepping into the shoes of the bank, buying existing debt, and managing the paper rather than the property.The Realities of Asset Management: From active foreclosures to bankruptcy cases, Jamie reveals just how hands-on running a note portfolio can really be.When Deals Go Sideways: Jamie shares real case studies, including a borrower who passed away mid-bankruptcy and a hard money loan gone wrong — and how he navigated both.Originating vs. Buying Notes: Jamie discusses his pivot toward originating more loans and why bridging the gap between note originators and note buyers is a major opportunity.Key Takeaways: Projections are a starting point, not a guarantee — every note has a story and rarely plays out exactly as planned.Buying correctly gives you options; even when things go wrong, a well-purchased note leaves room to recover.The human element in owner-occupied note investing is real — people skills matter just as much as financial acumen.Intentional networking, not just social media presence, is what drives deal flow and capital in the note space.Are you an accredited passive investor? Learn more about the Integrity Income Fund: https://labradorlending.com/investors/passive-investors/ Purchase The From Adversity to Abundance Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 Leave us a REVIEW: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1 https://www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/ Connect with us: Website: https://www.adversity2abundance.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/labradorlending/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labradorlendingllc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q Connect with Jamie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/batemanjames

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Will Harvey of Harvey Capital for a practical, in-depth conversation on private lending, hard money, and what it really takes to run a real estate fund. Will shares his journey from working in the mortgage business to flipping houses—and ultimately finding his niche in private lending and fund management. As he prepares to launch his first 506C fund, Will breaks down how these structures work, why he chose to focus on lending, and how his strategy compares to Jamie’s approach in the note investing space. But this episode goes beyond strategy. Will opens up about a painful $70,000 loss on a deal that didn’t go as planned, unpacking the critical mistakes and lessons that reshaped how he evaluates risk and opportunity. From discipline in deal selection to building scalable systems and raising capital, this conversation is packed with real-world insights for both active and passive investors looking to navigate the lending and fund space more effectively. Guest Introduction: Will Harvey Will Harvey is a real estate investor and founder of Harvey Capital, a hard money lending business based in Virginia. After starting his career in the mortgage industry in 2015, Will transitioned into house flipping and eventually private lending, where he now focuses on running funds and deploying capital through short-term real estate loans. He is currently preparing to launch his first 506C fund, designed to provide passive investment opportunities while scaling his lending operations. Episode Highlights: The Shift to Private Lending – Why Will moved from flipping houses to focusing on hard money lending and fund management.Launching a 506C Fund – How Will is structuring his new fund and key differences compared to other lending funds.A Costly $70K Mistake – The deal that went wrong and the hard lessons learned about discipline and risk.Scaling a Lending Business – Building systems, raising capital, and positioning a fund as a bond alternative.Key Takeaways: Hard money lending can provide consistent opportunities, but success depends on disciplined underwriting and deal selection.Fund structures like 506C can offer scalability, but require clarity in strategy and investor communication.Losses often come from stepping outside your proven model—staying within your expertise is critical.Building a successful fund is as much about operations, systems, and capital raising as it is about finding deals. Learn More about Will Harvey: Website: harvey-capital.com Twitter: x.com/wharvey1993 Learn More about Labrador Lending: Integrity Income Fund: labradorlending.com/passive-investors/ Labrador Mentorship: labradorlending.com/active-investors/ Asset Management Service: labradorlending.com/hybrid-investors/ — Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 — Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1 www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/ Connect with us Website: www.adversity2abundance.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/labradorlending/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/labradorlendingllc/ LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q Connect with Jamie LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/ Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Kaaren Hall, Founder and CEO of UDirect IRA Services, to unpack an incredible journey that began in the depths of the 2008–2009 financial crisis. From being a single mother navigating divorce and job loss to building a company that now oversees more than $1.3 billion in assets, Kaaren’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and long-term vision. What started with just $2,000 and a small office setup grew into one of the most recognized self-directed IRA custodial services in the country. Along the way, Kaaren faced major personal and professional challenges—including regulatory scrutiny and an FBI investigation—before ultimately being fully cleared and continuing to scale UDirect into a trusted platform for alternative retirement investing. Guest Introduction: Kaaren HallKaaren Hall is the Founder and CEO of UDirect IRA Services, a self-directed IRA custodian she launched in 2009 during the Great Recession. Starting from extremely humble beginnings as a recently divorced mother with limited resources, she built the company into a leading platform in the self-directed retirement space, now servicing over $1.3 billion in assets. She is also an author of The BiggerPockets Guide to Self-Directed IRA Investing and an active educator in the alternative investing space, helping investors understand how retirement funds can be used for real estate, mortgage notes, and other non-traditional assets. Episode HighlightsFrom Crisis to Founding UDirect IRA Services – How Kaaren launched her company during the 2008–2009 financial crisis with only $2,000 and a strong belief in the opportunity within self-directed IRAs.Personal Rock Bottom to Business Breakthrough – Navigating divorce, job loss, and financial instability while building the foundation for her entrepreneurial journey.Regulatory Scrutiny and FBI Investigation – The challenges of being investigated after client-related fraud cases and how she was ultimately fully exonerated.Making Self-Directed IRAs Accessible – Breaking down how IRA custodians work, what investors can (and can’t) do, and how UDirect supports alternative investing strategies like real estate and mortgage notes.Key TakeawaysMajor financial and personal setbacks can become the foundation for long-term entrepreneurial success when paired with resilience and execution.Self-directed IRAs open the door for alternative investments like real estate and mortgage notes, but require proper structure and compliance.Even experienced operators can face regulatory scrutiny—having strong processes and integrity is critical for long-term trust.Education is still a major gap in the retirement investing space, creating opportunities for investors willing to learn and act. Learn More about Kaaren Hall: Website: https://udirectira.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/kaaren.hall LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaarenhall/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ladybossgritgrowthgenerosity/ Learn More about Labrador Lending: Integrity Income Fund: labradorlending.com/passive-investors/ Labrador Mentorship: labradorlending.com/active-investors/ Asset Management Service: labradorlending.com/hybrid-investors/ — Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 — Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1 www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/ Connect with us Website: www.adversity2abundance.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/labradorlending/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/labradorlendingllc/ LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q Connect with Jamie LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/ Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Matt Stevens, known as “the franchise guy,” for a candid conversation about business, real estate, and the realities behind both. Matt shares his early entrepreneurial success—building a painting franchise to 5,000 hours in just three months—before opening up about his much tougher experience in real estate, where fires, insurance issues, and other setbacks led to roughly $50,000 in losses. This episode offers a grounded perspective that challenges the idea of any “perfect” investment strategy. After stepping away from real estate, Matt refocused on his franchise consulting business, where clarity and focus led to massive growth—ultimately increasing his revenue sixfold. He breaks down his relationship-first approach to helping clients find the right franchise opportunities, along with practical insights on financial requirements, time commitments, and what makes a strong candidate. The conversation also explores industries poised for growth, particularly service-based and healthcare sectors, making this episode both a reality check and a forward-looking guide for investors and entrepreneurs. Guest Introduction: Matt Stevens Matt Stevens, known as “the franchise guy,” is a franchise consultant and business strategist who helps individuals identify and invest in franchise opportunities aligned with their goals. With decades of experience across industries, he focuses on relationship-driven guidance, helping clients make informed, strategic decisions about business ownership. Episode Highlights: Real Estate Reality Check – Matt shares how he lost around $50K due to fires, insurance issues, and property challengesEarly Entrepreneurial Success – Growing a painting franchise to 5,000 hours in just three monthsThe Power of Focus – How cutting distractions led to a 6x increase in revenueFranchising as a Path – How Matt helps clients find the right business opportunitiesRelationship-Driven Business – Why Matt prioritizes people over transactions Key Takeaways: No investment strategy is foolproof—real estate comes with real risksEarly success doesn’t guarantee long-term wins without the right systems and protectionsFocus and simplification can dramatically accelerate business growthFranchising can be a viable path, but requires alignment with financial and lifestyle goalsStrong relationships and honest conversations drive better long-term outcomesLearn More about Matt Stevens: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamthefranchiseguy/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/heisthefranchiseguy/ Website:https://heisthefranchiseguy.com/ Learn More about Labrador Lending: Integrity Income Fund: labradorlending.com/passive-investors/ Labrador Mentorship: labradorlending.com/active-investors/ Asset Management Service: labradorlending.com/hybrid-investors/ — Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 — Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1 www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/ Connect with us Website: www.adversity2abundance.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/labradorlending/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/labradorlendingllc/ LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q Connect with Jamie LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/ Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Dr. Adam Link, certified financial planner and founder of Fireweed Capital, for a candid conversation about the realities of investing and building wealth. Adam shares his journey from post-2008 financial adversity to becoming a multimillionaire, including high-profile career roles at Coinbase and multiple entrepreneurial ventures. He dives into his personal investment challenges, having lost over $800,000 across various real estate deals—including syndications and fraud—offering hard-earned lessons for navigating risk and operational pitfalls in real estate. Beyond real estate, Adam discusses the importance of identifying your investor avatar, understanding risk capacity versus risk tolerance, and aligning investments with personal financial goals. The episode also explores career pivots, salary negotiation strategies, and how leveraging both hands-on experience and professional expertise can support long-term wealth. With insights on AI in finance and practical guidance for tech professionals seeking wealth growth, this conversation blends inspiration with actionable advice for any investor looking to avoid costly mistakes and think critically about their financial journey. Guest Introduction: Dr. Adam Link Dr. Adam Link is a certified financial planner and founder of Fireweed Capital. With experience in tech, finance, and entrepreneurship—including a key role at Coinbase—Adam has navigated both significant financial wins and losses. He is the author of Why Real Estate Sucks, sharing lessons learned from his $800,000 in investment setbacks, and works closely with clients, particularly tech professionals, to grow and manage wealth strategically. Episode Highlights: From Adversity to Abundance – Dr. Adam Link shares his journey from post-2008 financial struggles to becoming a multimillionaire financial planner and founder of Fireweed Capital.High-Stakes Real Estate Lessons – He recounts losing $50,000 to fraud and $600,000 in a multifamily syndication, offering practical takeaways on due diligence and risk.Investor Avatar & Philosophy – Adam explains the importance of aligning investments with personal risk capacity versus risk tolerance, especially for tech professionals.Career & Wealth Insights – Discussion of career pivots, negotiation strategies, and how AI and hands-on portfolio management play into long-term wealth building.Key Takeaways: Losses and setbacks are part of investing; learning from them is critical to long-term success.Choosing reliable partners and understanding operational risks is essential in real estate syndications.Identifying your investor avatar before choosing asset classes ensures strategy aligns with personal goals and risk capacity.Career moves, negotiation skills, and leveraging professional expertise complement investment strategies for building lasting wealth. Learn More about Adam Link: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamlink/ Website: https://fireweedcapital.com/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fireweedcapital/ Learn More about Labrador Lending: Integrity Income Fund: labradorlending.com/passive-investors/ Labrador Mentorship: labradorlending.com/active-investors/ Asset Management Service: labradorlending.com/hybrid-investors/ — Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 — Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1 www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/ Connect with us Website: www.adversity2abundance.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/labradorlending/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/labradorlendingllc/ LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q Connect with Jamie LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/ Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman shares a presentation from the 8th Annual Cash Flow Expo, where he breaks down one of the most overlooked steps in real estate investing: identifying your investor avatar. Too often, investors jump straight into mortgage note investing, rental properties, or passive deals without first asking a critical question—what type of investor am I? Skipping this step can lead to frustration, misaligned strategies, and unnecessary risk. Drawing from his experience at Labrador Lending, Jamie outlines the three primary investor avatars they serve and explains how to determine which approach best fits your goals, risk tolerance, time availability, and desire for control. Whether you focus on notes, rentals, commercial real estate, or passive income opportunities, the principles in this episode will help you align your strategy with who you are—so you can make clearer, wiser investment decisions. Guest Introduction: Jamie Bateman Jamie Bateman is a mortgage note investor, fund manager, and founder of Labrador Lending. He is also the host of From Adversity to Abundance, where he helps real estate investors build mental fitness and make informed investment decisions. Through his work with both active and passive investors, Jamie focuses on helping individuals align their investment strategy with their goals, resources, and risk tolerance. Episode Highlights: • The Cash Flow Expo Presentation – Jamie shares insights from his talk at the 8th Annual Cash Flow Expo. • Why Most Investors Skip This Step – The dangers of jumping into deals without first identifying your investor avatar. • The Three Investor Avatars – A breakdown of the core investor types Labrador Lending serves. • Aligning Strategy with Personality – How time, risk tolerance, capital, and control preferences impact your investment approach. • Active vs. Passive Investing – When each path makes sense—and when it doesn’t. • Avoiding Misalignment – How self-awareness can prevent costly investing mistakes. Key Takeaways: • Not every investment strategy is right for every investor. • Identifying your investor avatar creates clarity and confidence. • Self-awareness is a competitive advantage in real estate investing. • Active and passive strategies both work—but only if aligned with your goals and resources. • The best investment strategy is the one that fits you, not what’s trending. Learn More about Labrador Lending: Integrity Income Fund: labradorlending.com/passive-investors/ Labrador Mentorship: labradorlending.com/active-investors/ Asset Management Service: labradorlending.com/hybrid-investors/ — Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 — Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1 www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/ Connect with us Website: www.adversity2abundance.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/labradorlending/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/labradorlendingllc/ LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q Connect with Jamie LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/ Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Robert Rolih, an international bestselling author, financial educator, and entrepreneur living in Slovenia. This conversation takes a different turn than many past episodes, focusing on financial ownership, personal responsibility, and the hard lessons that come from trusting the wrong “experts.” Robert shares how growing up without much money shaped his drive to build a web development and software business from a young age, finally becoming profitable after five years of persistence. That success, however, was followed by a major setback. After reinvesting nearly all of his business profits with financial experts and gurus, Robert suffered significant losses — forcing a powerful mindset shift. In this episode, he breaks down the three key steps he took to educate himself on investing, how he rebuilt and grew his portfolio, and what he learned along the way. The discussion spans stocks, crypto, and real estate, while also calling out Wall Street and guru culture. Today, Robert runs a lifestyle-focused business that allows him to work flexibly, travel with his family, and experience a level of financial abundance that didn’t feel possible before. Guest Introduction: Robert Rolih Robert Rolih is an international bestselling author, financial educator, and entrepreneur based in Slovenia. After building and selling software and web-based businesses, Robert experienced major financial setbacks by relying on financial experts and gurus. That turning point led him to take full ownership of his investing education, rebuild his portfolio, and design a lifestyle-centered business that prioritizes freedom, flexibility, and financial abundance. Episode Highlights: Growing Up Without Money – Robert shares how his early financial background shaped his mindset.Building a Business from Scratch – Five years of persistence before finally becoming profitable.Costly Lessons with “Experts” – What Robert learned from trusting financial gurus.Taking Ownership of Investing – The mindset shift that changed everything.Three Steps to Financial Education – How Robert re-educated himself and rebuilt his portfolio.Rejecting Wall Street & Guru Culture – Why Robert is skeptical of traditional financial systems.Designing a Lifestyle Business – Creating flexibility, freedom, and family time through smarter investing.Key Takeaways: Outsourcing financial responsibility can be costly if you don’t understand what you’re investing in.Taking ownership of your financial education is critical to long-term success.Financial setbacks can become turning points when paired with the right mindset.You don’t need gurus or Wall Street to build financial abundance — education and accountability matter most.A lifestyle-driven approach to investing can create both freedom and fulfillment.Learn More about Robert Rolih: Website: robertrolih.com Twitter: x.com/RobertRolih Instagram: www.instagram.com/robertrolih/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/robert.rolih Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/RobertRolih LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/robert-rolih-685a6893/ Learn More about Labrador Lending: Integrity Income Fund: labradorlending.com/passive-investors/ Labrador Mentorship: labradorlending.com/active-investors/ Asset Management Service: labradorlending.com/hybrid-investors/ — Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 — Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1 www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/ Connect with us Website: www.adversity2abundance.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/labradorlending/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/labradorlendingllc/ LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q Connect with Jamie LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/ Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Dan Deppen, owner of Call the Underwriter, a company that works closely with seller-finance and owner-finance real estate investors to help create loans for owner-occupied borrowers. But this conversation goes well beyond underwriting and real estate mechanics. Dan opens up about a season of personal and professional transition that many listeners will find deeply relatable. He shares his experience navigating a recent divorce while simultaneously moving between life as a W-2 employee and entrepreneurship—more than once. Rather than framing these shifts as failures, Dan reflects on how each transition shaped his perspective on work, stability, and what real abundance actually looks like. Today, Dan is building Call the Underwriter with intention, balancing the demands of scaling a business with the priorities of family, flexibility, and freedom of choice. This episode explores the emotional and mental side of entrepreneurship, the realities of starting over, and how abundance isn’t always about doing less—but about having alignment, options, and purpose. Listeners can expect practical wisdom, grounded insights, and an honest look at what it means to redefine success on your own terms. Guest Introduction:Dan Deppen is the owner of Call the Underwriter, a company that supports seller-finance and owner-finance real estate investors by helping structure loans for owner-occupied borrowers. With experience moving between W-2 employment and entrepreneurship, Dan brings a grounded, real-world perspective to business ownership, personal resilience, and redefining abundance through family, freedom, and flexibility. Episode Highlights:Dan’s journey through divorce and major life transitionsMoving from W-2 employment to entrepreneurship—and back againLessons learned from rebuilding professionally and personallyWhat “abundance” looks like beyond money and business growthScaling Call the Underwriter while prioritizing family and flexibilityFinding stability, purpose, and clarity through changeKey Takeaways:Career paths are rarely linear, and transitions don’t equal failureAbundance can be defined by freedom, choice, and alignment—not just incomeEntrepreneurship comes with seasons of rebuilding and recalibrationPersonal challenges often shape stronger, more intentional businessesTrue success is about designing a life that supports what matters most Learn More about Stephen Predmore: Website: https://fusionnotes.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dandeppen/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-note-investor-podcast/id1480182717 Learn More about Labrador Lending: Integrity Income Fund: https://labradorlending.com/investors/passive-investors/ Labrador Mentorship: labradorlending.com/investors/active-investors/ — Haven Financial Services: Learn more: jamie.myfinancialhaven.com/ — Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 — Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1 www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/ Connect with us Website: www.adversity2abundance.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/labradorlending/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labradorlendingllc/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q Connect with Jamie LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/ Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Stephen Predmore, a long-time engineer who discovered firsthand how fragile job security can be—and how real estate investing can provide true financial stability. After decades in a W-2 role, Stephen described himself as “fat, dumb, and happy,” comfortable in his career until an unexpected financial blow upended everything he thought was secure. In an instant, his primary income source dried up, forcing him to rethink his entire approach to wealth and security. Instead of retreating, Stephen took action. He began building multiple streams of income through single-family and multifamily real estate investments—first as an active investor, and later by helping others invest passively. Today, he focuses on empowering fellow engineers and professionals to diversify their income and invest with confidence. This episode is deeply relatable and practical, showing how adversity can serve as the wake-up call that pushes us toward abundance. Stephen’s journey highlights how anyone—no matter their background—can take control of their financial future with the right mindset and plan. Guest Introduction: Stephen PredmoreStephen Predmore is a veteran engineer turned real estate investor who helps professionals, particularly engineers, transition from relying solely on W-2 income to building wealth through real estate. Having experienced sudden job loss himself, Stephen now invests in both single-family and multifamily assets and mentors others on creating passive income streams. Episode HighlightsThe Wake-Up Call – How Stephen’s sense of financial security vanished overnight and forced him to take control.From Active to Passive Investing – Why Stephen shifted from hands-on property management to multifamily syndications.Diversifying Income Streams – How he built stability by creating multiple sources of income.Helping Other Engineers Invest – Stephen’s mission to guide fellow professionals toward financial independence.Mindset Shift After Adversity – The lessons that transformed how he views money, risk, and opportunity.Key TakeawaysJob security can be an illusion—diversification is essential for true financial freedom.Real estate investing offers practical ways to build stability outside your W-2 job.Adversity can be the turning point that fuels growth and clarity.Helping others invest can multiply your own sense of purpose and abundance.Learn More about Stephen Predmore: Website: http://www.TalbottInvestments.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/stephenpredmore Facebook: http://facebook.com/stephen.predmore.7 LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/stephen-predmore Learn More about Labrador Lending: Integrity Income Fund: https://labradorlending.com/investors/passive-investors/ Labrador Mentorship: labradorlending.com/investors/active-investors/ — Haven Financial Services: Learn more: jamie.myfinancialhaven.com/ — Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 — Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1 www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/ Connect with us Website: www.adversity2abundance.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/labradorlending/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labradorlendingllc/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q Connect with Jamie LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/ Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Brad Andrus, a Texas-based entrepreneur who’s built, lost, and rebuilt multiple businesses across both real estate and other industries. Brad’s journey is a powerful story of perseverance, adaptability, and the enduring value of strong relationships. After building a net worth of nearly $1 million by his late 20s, Brad was hit hard by the 2008 financial crash—losing nearly everything and finding himself deep in debt. But instead of walking away, he rebuilt from the ground up. Today, Brad owns and operates several successful companies, proving that setbacks don’t define you—your response to them does. Jamie and Brad explore how early success shaped his mindset, what he learned from losing it all, and how he’s leveraged lessons from failure to grow into a seasoned entrepreneur. Toward the end of the episode, the conversation takes an exciting turn into the world of AI, where Brad shares how he’s helping businesses harness artificial intelligence—without needing to be the “AI expert in the room.” More than anything, this episode underscores the importance of people—how healthy, win-win relationships and collaboration can drive long-term success and fulfillment. Guest Introduction: Brad Andrus Brad Andrus is a Texas-based entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host who has founded and managed multiple businesses in and outside of real estate. After losing nearly everything in the 2008 financial crisis, Brad rebuilt his wealth and continues to innovate—most recently through ventures exploring the practical use of AI in business. His story embodies grit, reinvention, and the power of relationships. Episode Highlights: Losing It All in 2008 – How the financial crash took Brad from millionaire to nearly broke—and the lessons it taught him.Rebuilding from Zero – The mindset and strategies Brad used to climb back and create multiple thriving businesses.Beyond Real Estate – Why Brad expanded into non-real-estate ventures and how diversification fuels his entrepreneurial drive.The Power of Relationships – How genuine, mutually beneficial relationships became Brad’s greatest asset.AI and the Future of Business – Insights from Brad’s new ventures helping companies integrate AI effectively.Entrepreneurial Fulfillment – Why Brad continues to build, create, and lead even after achieving financial freedom.Key Takeaways: Setbacks are inevitable—but how you respond determines your long-term success.Relationships and community are often more valuable than money or strategy.Diversification can lead to greater resilience in business and life.You don’t have to be an AI expert to start using it meaningfully in your business.True abundance comes from creating value, helping others, and staying adaptable. Learn More about Brad Andrus: Website:https://northbridge.inc/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-andrus/ Learn More about Labrador Lending: Integrity Income Fund: https://labradorlending.com/investors/passive-investors/ Labrador Mentorship: labradorlending.com/investors/active-investors/ — Haven Financial Services: Learn more: jamie.myfinancialhaven.com/ — Purchase Jamie’s Book: www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 — Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1 www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/ Connect with us Website: www.adversity2abundance.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/labradorlending/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labradorlendingllc/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q Connect with Jamie LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/ Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames

In this episode of From Adversity to Abundance, host Jamie Bateman takes listeners deep into the world of mortgage note investing—an often overlooked but powerful alternative for investors seeking stability, clarity, and predictable income. If you've ever said: “I want steady income without the volatility.…” “I want control, but not another job…” “I want hands-on upside with real stability.…” —this episode answers that exact call. Jamie breaks down the three types of investors Labrador Lending serves—Passive, Hybrid, and Active—and explains how each can participate in mortgage notes without the confusion or overwhelm that often stops people from getting started. Unlike the inspirational guest interviews the show is known for, this is a highly actionable, clarity-driven episode designed to help investors make informed decisions and take their next step with confidence. Episode Highlights• Why Mortgage Notes Offer Stability & Control Jamie explains why mortgage notes provide predictable returns, reduced volatility, and freedom from property management headaches. • The Three Types of Investors Labrador Lending Serves A breakdown of Passive, Hybrid, and Active investors—and how Jamie determined these categories through real client needs. • The Integrity Income Fund Explained How accredited investors earn an 8–10% preferred return, why the fund has never missed a monthly distribution, and what makes note-backed assets so durable. • Introducing the Asset Management Service Why hybrid investors often get stuck—and how this new service helps them own notes while outsourcing the operational heavy lifting. • One-on-One Mentorship for Active Investors What active investors need to succeed, why many fail without guidance, and how mentorship provides clarity, systems, and mistake avoidance. • Why Mortgage Notes Beat Stock Market Volatility Jamie breaks down what makes notes both stable and scalable for the everyday investor. • Moving From Inspiration to Practical Action Jamie shares why he shifted the podcast toward more actionable episodes and how this one is designed to give listeners a “next step.” Key TakeawaysMortgage note investing offers stability, security, and predictability—without the headaches of managing tenants.Labrador Lending serves three distinct investor profiles, ensuring that nearly anyone interested in notes has a clear path forwardThe Integrity Income Fund provides hands-off monthly income with consistent, transparent reporting.The new Asset Management Service supports investors who want to own notes but prefer experienced operators to manage them.Mentorship accelerates learning, helps avoid costly mistakes, and empowers investors to build long-term systems and confidence.Today’s episode shifts from inspiration to practical clarity—giving listeners real direction for choosing their investing path.Learn More about Labrador Lending: Integrity Income Fund: labradorlending.com/passive-investors Asset Management Service: labradorlending.com/hybrid-investors Labrador Mentorship: labradorlending.com/investors/active-investors — Haven Financial Services: Learn more: jamie.myfinancialhaven.com Ideal Project Analyzer: Learn more: labradorlending.com/ideal-project-analyzer — Purchase Jamie’s Book:  www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGTWJY1D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 Checkout Our Blogs: labradorlending.com/blog — Leave us a REVIEW: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-adversity-to-abundance/id1618672867?mt=2&ls=1 www.adversity2abundance.com/reviews/new/ Connect with us Website: www.adversity2abundance.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/labradorlending/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labradorlendingllc/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/labrador-lending/?viewAsMember=true Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChYrpCUlqFYLy4HngRrmU9Q Connect with Jamie LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bateman-5359a811/ Twitter: twitter.com/batemanjames