Unconventional with Bill Tessar

From Credit Repair to Capital Strategy: The Bladimir Mercedes Story

Having capital is one thing but knowing how to leverage it so you don’t miss the next opportunity is what separates good investors from great ones.   Today’s guest, Bladimir Mercedes, CEO of American Capital Express, built his career on that principle. From immigrating to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic to being accepted into MIT but unable to afford it, Bladimir faced an early turning point that led him to make a life-altering decision to reset and serve six years in the United States Marine Corps.   Bladimir turned every setback into a lesson and kept moving forward. From failed ventures to hard-earned wins, that persistence led him to launch a credit repair company, which ultimately opened the door to the mortgage industry where he found his stride. Today, he helps others understand how to stay liquid, avoid overleveraging, and use financing as a tool to unlock more opportunities.   This conversation dives into calculated risk, resilience, and why trusting the process matters. A man who wears many hats, entrepreneur, veteran, professional poker player, and strategist—Bladimir’s story is anything but conventional.   This is a story about: * Turning setbacks into a full life reset and second chance * Building a business rooted in access to capital—not just income * Navigating failure, partnerships, and persistence in entrepreneurship * Playing the long game in business, money, and life   If you’re navigating adversity, building your path in business or real estate, or looking to expand how you think about money and opportunity—this episode is for you.   Get in touch with Bladimir on social media: @bladimirmercedes   About the Podcast: Unconventional inspires wealth through real estate by sharing the raw, unfiltered success stories forged outside the lines. Prepare for a masterclass in overcoming obstacles, defying conventions, and shifting your perspective on what’s possible.   Learn more at: https://cv3financial.com/unconventional/ [https://cv3financial.com/unconventional/]

The Career Reset That Built a Better Life

Success doesn’t come from doing everything, it comes from doing the right things, with intent and with purpose.   Today’s guest, Alex Bekeza, Loan Originator at Investor Property Loan embodies that philosophy. From his early days in restaurant management to originating over $250 million in DSCR loans, Alex made a rapid and intentional career change into the mortgage industry, rooted in his mission to create long-term security and opportunity for his family.   This conversation dives into saying "yes" to a new opportunity, how to thrive as a loan originator in the world of real estate investing, and why discipline is a true driver of growth. Alex also shares how becoming a father—and raising a child with autism—reshaped his definition of success, pushing him to build not just a career, but a future designed to support the people who matter most.   This is a story about: * Making a high-stakes career pivot with confidence * Building a thriving business in investment property DSCR loans branding himself as the BRRRR lender * Redefining success through family, responsibility, and long-term vision * How he got started with his own BRRRR strategy during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic   If you’re considering a career change, growing in the mortgage or real estate industry, or looking for inspiration on how to align your work with what matters most—this episode is for you.   * Get in touch with Alex here: alex@investorpropertyloan.com * Instagram: @alexbekezathebrrrrlender   About the Podcast: Unconventional inspires wealth through real estate by sharing the raw, unfiltered success stories forged outside the lines. Prepare for a masterclass in overcoming obstacles, defying conventions, and shifting your perspective on what’s possible.   Learn more at: https://cv3financial.com/unconventional/ [https://cv3financial.com/unconventional/]

Becoming One of the Most Trusted Mortgage Fund Lawyers in Private Lending

In this episode of Unconventional with Bill Tessar, Kevin Kim, Partner and Head of Corporate & Securities at Fortra Law, shares how a Craigslist job ad led him into private lending and ultimately to becoming one of the industry’s most trusted legal minds.   Today, Kevin is a nationally recognized expert in mortgage fund formation and a trusted advisor to lenders, fund managers, and investors across the country.   While Kevin’s expertise lies in the legal world, he’s equally known for being a community builder in the industry. Through industry events and his podcast, The Lender Lounge, he’s built a reputation as a connector—someone committed to helping lenders, investors, and operators form meaningful relationships across the private lending space.   You can find Kevin's podcast, The Lender Lounge, here: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hWAoKllVgUQmWJX9elIzo [https://open.spotify.com/show/4hWAoKllVgUQmWJX9elIzo] Connect with Kevin via email at: k.kim@fortralaw.com   About the Podcast: Unconventional inspires wealth through real estate by sharing the raw, unfiltered success stories forged outside the lines. Prepare for a masterclass in overcoming obstacles, defying conventions, and shifting your perspective on what’s possible.   Learn more at: https://cv3financial.com/unconventional/ [https://cv3financial.com/unconventional/]

Trump's New Tax Bill - 10 Big Changes that Could Affect Your Wallet

What does Trump’s “big, beautiful” new tax bill really mean for real estate professionals and business owners?   In this special edition episode of webinar-turned-podcast episode, CV3 Financial Services CEO, Bill Tessar, sits down with Tony Watson, renowned real estate tax expert and Managing Partner at Robert Hall & Associates, to break down the most impactful changes in the new tax legislation and why they matter right now. From potential tax advantages to strategic planning opportunities, Tony explains how savvy real estate professionals and business owners can position themselves to benefit.   Whether you’re an investor, broker, or entrepreneur, this conversation offers clear insights, practical takeaways, and expert perspective on how this sweeping tax bill could reshape your financial strategy.   About the Podcast: Unconventional inspires wealth through real estate by sharing the raw, unfiltered success stories forged outside the lines. Prepare for a masterclass in overcoming obstacles, defying conventions, and shifting your perspective on what’s possible.   -- If you're interested in getting a free 30 minute online or in-person consultation, head to RobertHallTaxes.com and click on new consultation! -- You can also reach out to Tony here: Tonywatson@roberthalltaxes.com   Learn more at: https://cv3financial.com/unconventional/ [https://cv3financial.com/unconventional/]   Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the program participants and do not necessarily reflect the official position of CV3 Financial Services, LLC. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. Please consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisor for tax advice.

Nema Daghbandan, CEO of Lightning Docs and Partner at Fortra Law - Unconventional with Bill Tessar EP 014

When legal expertise meets technology, transformation follows.   In this episode of Unconventional with Bill Tessar, Nema Daghbandan, Partner at Fortra Law and CEO of Lightning Docs, shares his journey from practicing law in the early days of private lending to pioneering a technology-driven revolution in how deals get done.   When the financial crisis hit, Nema’s first job in law school disappeared overnight. But that setback led him to a new opportunity — one that placed him at the forefront of an emerging financing sector: private lending. What began as a pivot soon became a defining moment, helping shape the modern private lending industry as we know it today.   Now, he’s leading the charge again — this time with Lightning Docs™, a next-generation platform that uses AI and automation to streamline loan documents, reduce risk, and unlock new levels of efficiency for lenders nationwide. Nema’s story is proof of the challenges that disrupt us often become the opportunities that define us.   About the Podcast: Unconventional inspires wealth through real estate by sharing the raw, unfiltered success stories forged outside the lines. Prepare for a masterclass in overcoming obstacles, defying conventions, and shifting your perspective on what’s possible.   For information on Lightning Docs email: www.lightningdocs.ai [https://lightningdocs.ai/] For more information on Fortra visit: https://fortralaw.com/ [https://fortralaw.com/] Learn more at: https://cv3financial.com/unconventional/ [https://cv3financial.com/unconventional/]   Unconventional with Bill Tessar is a podcast powered by CV3 Financial Services.   . . .   About CV3 Financial Services CV3 Financial Services, LLC (CV3) is a private lender providing business purpose loans for non-owner-occupied properties to real estate investors in 47 states. Financing options include bridge, fix-and-flip rehab loans, rental property financing, and new construction loans. With a digital lending platform designed to simplify the loan process, and all processing, underwriting, funding and servicing handled under one roof, CV3 delivers direct answers and quick closings for clients’ real estate investment financing needs. For more information, visit https://www.cv3financial.com [https://www.cv3financial.com/].