2025 in Review with Kevin Kim: Defaults, Discipline, and What Comes Next

From Brokers to Balance Sheet Lenders: The Dynamo Capital Story

Matt Medrano and Justin Rocheleau, co-founders of Dynamo Capital, join Kevin Kim live at Fortra Con in Las Vegas to discuss their rapid rise as a Midwest-based private lender. Starting from residential mortgage and brokerage backgrounds, the duo share how frustrations with traditional lending channels led them to launch their own fund and build a balance sheet lending business. They unpack their evolution from brokering deals to becoming a direct lender, the challenges of operating in overlooked Midwest markets, and their philosophy around autonomy, disciplined underwriting, and borrower relationships. The conversation also explores team building, market expansion, and maintaining consistency while scaling a fast-growing lending platform. Bullet Points: [00:00:00] Introduction and live recording at Fortra Con in Las Vegas. [00:01:56] Dynamo Capital overview and transition from brokerage to direct lending. [00:03:30] Challenges operating in Midwest markets and lack of lender coverage. [00:05:31] Early days juggling residential and BPL businesses simultaneously. [00:06:00] Building internal infrastructure and refining underwriting after early loans. [00:07:35] Entering DSCR lending and competing with local "rich uncle" lenders. [00:10:42] Matt and Justin's origin story and transition into mortgage lending. [00:14:44] Justin's background in finance and move into non-QM lending. [00:17:25] Discovering BPL through client demand and learning via Scotsman Guide. [00:18:46] First attempt at large commercial deal and lessons learned. [00:23:32] Mapping BPL lending structures to residential mortgage frameworks. [00:24:54] Realization of loan buyers and secondary market dynamics. [00:27:01] Early confusion around lender vs. fund identity and business model. [00:30:29] Capital challenges and lessons from losing an early funding partner. [00:32:28] Building a balance sheet to maintain autonomy and consistency. [00:33:27] Avoiding reliance on external capital partners and loan buyers. [00:39:26] Scaling from two founders to a 45-person team. [00:40:15] Fully transitioning to fund-based lending and eliminating brokering. [00:41:12] Hiring outside the industry and building a service-driven culture. [00:42:26] Early struggles with remote teams and improving cultural alignment. [00:44:32] Expansion strategy focused on strong operators and local presence. [00:46:25] Importance of boots-on-the-ground approach in new markets. [00:47:46] Emphasis on disciplined lending over volume growth. [00:49:00] Portfolio structure, bundled loans, and construction lending growth. [00:51:20] Value of working with experienced builders over rigid guidelines. [00:52:06] Midwest market dynamics and relationship-driven lending culture. [00:53:12] Commitment to borrower trust and long-term relationships over pricing. Links: Learn more about Dynamo Capital at https://dynamocapital.com/ [https://dynamocapital.com/] Learn more about Fortra Law at: https://fortralaw.com [https://fortralaw.com/] Subscribe to the Lender Lounge newsletter for episode notifications and exclusive content at: https://fortralaw.com/lender-lounge-podcast/ [https://fortralaw.com/lender-lounge-podcast/] Subscribe to the Fortra Law newsletter at: https://fortralaw.com/sign-up/ [https://fortralaw.com/sign-up/] Follow Lender Lounge with Kevin Kim on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lender-lounge-with-kevin-kim/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@lenderloungewithkevinkim] Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com [https://thepodcastconsultant.com/])

The Rain City Way: How a Lifestyle Lender Became a National Platform

Fred Rea, Founder of Rain City Capital, and Ian Morell, Partner since 2013, join Kevin Kim to trace Rain City's path from courthouse-step hard money lending in Washington to becoming a national private lender. They discuss their early days funding foreclosure auctions, the decision during COVID to expand beyond the Pacific Northwest, and the push to access institutional capital through securitization. The conversation covers growth challenges, lessons learned in DSCR lending, culture-driven leadership, and how Rain City balances portfolio flexibility with scalable capital markets execution. Fred Rea is the Founder and President of Rain City Capital, one of the Pacific Northwest's leading private lenders — and an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company two years in a row. Since founding Rain City in 2009, Fred has grown the firm from a regional hard money lender into a scaled lending platform, having now funded over $3 billion across thousands of transactions for real estate investors nationwide. With 20+ years in the mortgage industry, Fred brings rare hands-on perspective to the lending world — having personally flipped 50+ homes and developed 15+ ground-up construction projects. In 2024, he led Rain City through its first institutional securitization, a $200M milestone that cemented the company's position among the most sophisticated private lenders in the country. Beyond building Rain City, Fred is the host of the Good Nuggets podcast and the founder of Flip It Forward, a charitable initiative that donates fix-and-flip profits to community causes. He lives in Bothell, Washington with his wife and two children. -------- Ian Morell is a partner and Chief Revenue Officer at Rain City Capital, as well as the founder of Caliber Real Estate, which he successfully built into one of Washington's fastest-growing companies before its acquisition in 2020. With a lifelong passion for entrepreneurship and recognition as a former 40 Under 40 honoree, Ian's impact in the real estate and lending world is impressive, he has personally funded over $600 million in loans and manages a 200-door rental portfolio spanning Seattle, Nashville, and Austin. Bullet Points: [00:00:00] Introduction to Fred Rea and Ian Morrell of Rain City Capital. [00:02:26] Fred's start in hard money lending and early foreclosure auction experience. [00:03:45] Competing at the courthouse steps and the origins of their partnership. [00:06:43] Launching with a fund model and lessons from the 2008 crash. [00:10:00] COVID as the inflection point for national expansion. [00:11:14] From hyper-local lending to scaling beyond Washington and Oregon. [00:15:37] Early exposure to the secondary market and loan sales. [00:17:28] Balancing portfolio flexibility with institutional capital access. [00:21:17] Setting the goal to become a top 10 lender nationally. [00:22:44] Company culture: "Have fun and get it done" as a core operating philosophy. [00:26:38] Team growth from 25–30 employees to a nationwide footprint. [00:28:15] Staying focused on fix-and-flip as core business while expanding vertically. [00:33:17] Lessons learned from DSCR lending losses and underwriting discipline. [00:37:19] Advice for lenders entering DSCR: broker first and understand buyback risk. [00:41:41] Ground-up construction and ADU lending opportunities. [00:42:39] Entering securitization: preparation, roadshows, and operational demands. [00:52:42] Payoff speeds, portfolio management, and structural considerations in rated deals. [00:54:45] Market outlook for 2026: flat RTL, opportunity in DSCR and construction. [00:58:04] Expansion plans: broker channel growth, table funding, and California entry. [01:00:00] How brokers and borrowers can connect with Rain City Capital. Links: Learn more about Rain City Capital at https://raincitycapital.com [https://raincitycapital.com] Learn more about Fortra Law at: https://fortralaw.com [https://fortralaw.com/] Subscribe to the Lender Lounge newsletter for episode notifications and exclusive content at: https://fortralaw.com/lender-lounge-podcast/ [https://fortralaw.com/lender-lounge-podcast/] Subscribe to the Fortra Law newsletter at: https://fortralaw.com/sign-up/ [https://fortralaw.com/sign-up/] Follow Lender Lounge with Kevin Kim on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lender-lounge-with-kevin-kim/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@lenderloungewithkevinkim] Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com [https://thepodcastconsultant.com/])

S6E1 | Building The Future of Private Lending featuring Linda Hyde

Linda Hyde, President of the American Association of Private Lenders (AAPL), joins Kevin Kim to kick off Season 6 of Lender Lounge. In this episode, Linda shares her journey from leading a call center to spearheading one of the most influential organizations in private lending. She reflects on transforming AAPL from a niche "good old boys club" into a national platform for ethics, education, and advocacy in the industry. The conversation explores the association's evolution, grassroots legislative efforts, and its commitment to building a more inclusive, accountable private lending community. Linda also offers a behind-the-scenes look at AAPL's growth, upcoming initiatives, and her personal leadership philosophy. Linda Hyde serves as the President of the American Association of Private Lenders (AAPL), the nation's leading organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the private lending industry. With a deep commitment to professional standards, advocacy, and education, Linda brings a wealth of leadership experience and industry insight to her role. Under her guidance, AAPL continues to champion ethical practices, foster meaningful connections, and provide valuable resources to private lenders, brokers, and service providers nationwide. Her vision is centered on empowering members and promoting sustainable growth in the evolving landscape of private real estate finance. Bullet Points: [00:00:00] Introduction [00:01:06] Linda Hyde introduces her role as President of AAPL and her early days behind the scenes. [00:02:26] Record turnout at the 2025 AAPL Annual Conference and reflections on the event's growth. [00:03:59] How Linda took leadership and shifted AAPL away from exclusionary roots. [00:06:52] Emphasis on inclusivity and attracting a broad range of companies, from small shops to institutions. [00:08:34] Key turning point around 2015 as AAPL began offering education and certifications. [00:11:42] AAPL's year-round programming and expanded member resources beyond the annual event. [00:13:21] Importance of in-person connections at events and their role in shaping industry direction. [00:15:23] AAPL's formal ethics complaint process and how it protects the industry. [00:18:26] The ethics committee's philosophy on accountability and rehabilitation. [00:19:52] AAPL's grassroots approach to legislation and how it differs from lobbying. [00:21:35] Growing recognition of private lending's role in affordable housing by policymakers. [00:24:59] Balancing the needs of institutional players and emerging lenders within AAPL. [00:28:21] How Linda handles competing priorities and pressures from larger sponsors. [00:31:31] Linda's background running call centers and how those skills translated into AAPL leadership. [00:36:25] Linda's approach to learning the industry through observation and asking questions. [00:39:35] How new lenders and brokers can get involved with AAPL through writing, webinars, and committees. [00:41:09] Creation of the fraud committee in response to increasing concerns in the market. [00:43:11] Why AAPL declined to create or support a "blacklist" of industry participants. [00:46:08] The fraud committee's focus on providing tools and standards—not policing behavior. [00:47:31] Recognizing the community effort behind AAPL's growth and Linda's appreciation for her team. [00:50:50] Linda's perspective on the current market cycle and continued opportunity in private lending. [00:53:05] AAPL's plan to remain nimble and responsive in times of crisis. [00:54:17] How Fortra and AAPL partnered closely during COVID to support the industry. [00:56:44] Education and university partnerships as key initiatives for 2026. [00:57:40] A call for members to volunteer as educators and get more involved with AAPL. Links: Learn more about American Association of Private Lenders at: https://aaplonline.com/ [https://aaplonline.com/] Learn more about Geraci Law Firm at: https://www.geracilawfirm.com [https://www.geracilawfirm.com/] Subscribe to the Lender Lounge newsletter for episode notifications and exclusive content at https://www.geracilawfirm.com/lender-lounge-podcast [https://www.geracilawfirm.com/lender-lounge-podcast] Subscribe to the Fortra Law newsletter at https://www.fortralaw.com/sign-up [https://www.fortralaw.com/sign-up] Follow Lender Lounge with Kevin Kim on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lender-lounge-with-kevin-kim/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@lenderloungewithkevinkim] Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠ [https://thepodcastconsultant.com/]https://thepodcastconsultant.com [https://thepodcastconsultant.com]⁠ [https://thepodcastconsultant.com/])

2025 in Review with Kevin Kim: Defaults, Discipline, and What Comes Next

In this solo wrap-up episode, Kevin Kim reflects on key trends and challenges the private lending industry faced in 2025 while sharing predictions and recommendations for 2026. From increased borrower fraud and rising defaults in major markets to the growth of in-house servicing and securitization opportunities for independent lenders, Kevin explores how lenders can adapt to shifting conditions. He also emphasizes operational discipline, compliance, and technology adoption—including blockchain and AI—as essential strategies for staying competitive in the year ahead. Bullet Points: [00:00:00] 2025's winners, losers, and the rise of borrower and vendor fraud. [00:02:08] Regional default trends, with Texas, Florida, and Northeast hit hardest. [00:03:00] Securitization expands among independent lenders. [00:04:10] Expansion of verticals like wholesale, table funding, and servicing. [00:05:10] DSCR lending becomes a borrower retention tool. [00:06:00] Growth and risk in construction lending. [00:07:05] Secondary and tertiary markets see rising volume. [00:08:10] 2026 outlook: cautious Fed, ongoing fraud risk, and use of AI. [00:09:20] Increased adoption of in-house and third-party servicing. [00:10:00] Rise of blockchain and tokenization in private lending. [00:11:00] SEC regulatory shifts: finder's fees, private fund rules, and accredited investor definition. [00:12:10] Operational discipline: reporting, licensing, and compliance reminders. [00:13:25] Growth of wholesale programs and the need for licensing clarity. [00:14:20] Risks of automation: operational errors in document production. [00:15:00] FortraCon 2026 returns to the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. Links: Learn more about Geraci Law Firm at: https://www.geracilawfirm.com/https://www.geracilawfirm.com [https://www.geracilawfirm.com/] Subscribe to the Lender Lounge newsletter for episode notifications and exclusive content at https://www.geracilawfirm.com/lender-lounge-podcast [https://www.geracilawfirm.com/lender-lounge-podcast] Subscribe to the Geraci Law Firm newsletter at https://www.geracilawfirm.com/sign-up [https://www.geracilawfirm.com/sign-up] Follow Lender Lounge with Kevin Kim on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lender-lounge-with-kevin-kim/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@lenderloungewithkevinkim]

From Regulation to Resilience: How CMA Champions California Lenders

In this episode of Lender Lounge, host Kevin Kim sits down with Brad Laddusaw of SNL Capital Group and Brock VandenBerg of Talamar Financial for a dynamic discussion on the realities of private lending in California. Both guests bring unique perspectives—Brad as the President of the California Mortgage Association (CMA) and Brock as a seasoned fund manager. They explore topics such as the complexities of lending regulation in California, the role and value of CMA in advocacy and education, the evolution of loan products, and the importance of industry collaboration. The episode offers candid insights into the challenges, nuances, and opportunities in one of the country's most tightly regulated yet influential lending markets. Brad Laddusaw, CPA and CA DRE Broker, graduated CSUF in Accounting & Finance. He began at Ernst & Young, became VP Finance at a private lending firm, and in 2017 co-founded S&L Capital Group, providing asset-based bridge loans in California. He has underwritten $300M+ in trust deed investments and serves as President of the California Mortgage Association. Brock VandenBerg is President of TaliMar Financial and Fund manager for TaliMar Income Fund I. TaliMar Financial is a leading private lender funding residential and commercial bridge Fix and Flip, Bridge, and New Construction loans throughout California. Bullet Points: [00:00:00] Introduction [00:01:13] Guest introductions and lending model overviews. [00:03:22] SNL Capital Group's trustee-to-investor lending strategy. [00:05:30] Growth of Talamar Financial's mortgage fund and investor base. [00:06:21] Lending focus areas and geographical footprint for both guests. [00:08:56] California's regulatory environment and its national significance. [00:10:39] Overview and mission of the California Mortgage Association (CMA). [00:13:17] Fragmentation in private lending and differences in business models. [00:14:22] Perception and branding of "hard money" vs. asset-based lending. [00:16:34] CMA's diverse lender base and its value in bridging niche markets. [00:18:33] Importance of CMA for both California and national lenders. [00:19:05] CMA's relevance for mortgage brokers, brokers, and compliance staff. [00:20:49] California's dominance at national lending conferences. [00:22:39] Experience and knowledge-sharing among CMA's "old guard." [00:24:00] Educational value of CMA's legislative panel and private money basics. [00:25:31] Working relationship with California's DRE and regulatory transparency. [00:28:03] Importance of proactive compliance to avoid audits and exams. [00:29:43] Pros and cons of California's transparency vs. regulatory complexity. [00:31:43] Need for specialized legal counsel in California private lending. [00:32:25] Risk of regulatory non-compliance and misadvice from general counsel. [00:33:40] Misconceptions about CMA and expanding national relevance. [00:35:54] CMA's role in trend forecasting and regional market insights. [00:37:03] Ground-level issues in ADU projects and construction timelines. [00:39:09] Conservative underwriting as a safeguard in volatile markets. [00:40:13] Institutional shops' hesitation toward non-box-conforming loans. [00:41:48] Strategies for attracting new blood to CMA and growing membership. [00:42:50] Pop-up events and localized education as membership drivers. [00:43:31] Positive shift in CMA's atmosphere and member engagement. [00:46:35] Launch of CMA's Fund Manager Committee for peer discussion. [00:47:23] Opportunities for institutional involvement and education at CMA. [00:49:29] Importance of promoting CMA's advocacy wins and impact. [00:51:18] California's influence on national legislative trends in real estate. [00:52:50] Overview of CMA's Lobby Day and legislative engagement. [00:54:22] The importance of direct outreach to local legislators. [00:56:02] How listeners can get involved in CMA and advocacy efforts. Links: Learn more about SNL Capital Group at: https://snlcap.com/ [https://snlcap.com/] Learn more about Talamar Financial at: https://www.talamarfinancial.com/ [https://www.talamarfinancial.com/] Learn more about Geraci Law Firm at: https://www.geracilawfirm.com/https://www.geracilawfirm.com [https://www.geracilawfirm.com/] Subscribe to the Lender Lounge newsletter for episode notifications and exclusive content at https://www.geracilawfirm.com/lender-lounge-podcast [https://www.geracilawfirm.com/lender-lounge-podcast] Subscribe to the Geraci Law Firm newsletter at https://www.geracilawfirm.com/sign-up [https://www.geracilawfirm.com/sign-up] Follow Lender Lounge with Kevin Kim on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lender-lounge-with-kevin-kim/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@lenderloungewithkevinkim]