Raise the Bar

Jay Scott explains that what separates him in the top 1 percent is intellectual humility, openly admitting what he does not know and deliberately surrounding himself with people smarter than him rather than letting ego drive his decisions. He rejects the “fake it till you make it” mentality, saying he would rather “fake being dumb” so others are more inclined to help and share what he is missing. Jay shares that his biggest risk was walking away from his Silicon Valley technology career, recognizing that after a certain point he and his wife would likely never be able to return, making it an all-in decision to fully commit to real estate. He reflects that while the choice carried significant weight and uncertainty, it was ultimately a decision they have never regretted as they built their careers beyond that moment.Bullet Point Highlights:- Why admitting what you don’t know is a superpower - Rejecting the “fake it till you make it” mentality - Surrounding yourself with people smarter than you - Learning faster by asking questions and seeking feedback - Starting in real estate by being willing to be an intern - Taking an all-in career risk by leaving tech behind - Why irreversible decisions can accelerate success - Humility, mentorship, and commitment as competitive edges Links from theShow and Guest Info and Links: Seth Bradley’s Links:https://x.com/sethbradleyesqhttps://www.youtube.com/@sethbradleyesq www.facebook.com/sethbradleyesq https://www.threads.com/@sethbradleyesqhttps://www.instagram.com/sethbradleyesq/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethbradleyesq/https://passiveincomeattorney.com/seth-bradley/https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/sethbradleyesq https://medium.com/@sethbradleyesq https://www.tiktok.com/@sethbradleyesq?lang=en
J Scott's Links: https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/ https://www.bardowninvestments.com/ https://www.facebook.com/jscottinvestor/ https://x.com/jscottinvestor? https://www.instagram.com/jscottinvestor/ https://linktr.ee/jscottinvestor

In this engaging conversation, Seth Bradley and Jay Scott discuss the evolution of Jay's real estate career, from flipping houses to multifamily investments. They explore the challenges faced in the current market, the importance of treating real estate as a business, and the dynamics of raising capital in a changing landscape. Jay shares insights on leveraging skills from his tech background, the legal considerations in capital raising, and the shift in investor behavior. The discussion culminates in personal reflections on overcoming limiting beliefs and the risks taken in their entrepreneurial journeys.Bullet Points and Highlights: - Flipping houses can lead to burnout due to its demanding nature. - Real estate should be treated as a business, not just an investment. - Understanding financial statements is crucial for success in real estate. - The multifamily market has seen significant value drops recently. - Raising capital is challenging in a market where many investors are hesitant.- New investors are entering the market, but often with smaller investments. - Legal compliance in capital raising is essential to avoid penalties. - Admitting what you don't know can lead to better learning and growth. - Transitioning from a W-2 job to real estate requires careful consideration of risks. - Building relationships and reputation is key to success in real estate. Links from the Show and Guest Info and Links: Seth Bradley’s Links: https://x.com/sethbradleyesq https://www.youtube.com/@sethbradleyesq www.facebook.com/sethbradleyesq https://www.threads.com/@sethbradleyesq https://www.instagram.com/sethbradleyesq/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethbradleyesq/ https://passiveincomeattorney.com/seth-bradley/ https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/sethbradleyesqhttps://medium.com/@sethbradleyesq https://www.tiktok.com/@sethbradleyesq?lang=en J Scott's Links: https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/ https://www.bardowninvestments.com/ https://www.facebook.com/jscottinvestor/ https://x.com/jscottinvestor? https://www.instagram.com/jscottinvestor/https://linktr.ee/jscottinvestor

Richard and Chris attribute their success to disciplined, high-quality execution rather than flash or shortcuts, arguing that consistent focus and effort aligned with favorable market trends is what separates the top 1% from the rest. Chris reflects that one of his most significant recent risks was shutting down a highly successful brokerage team that was generating nearly $100 million in annual transactions, choosing instead to fully pivot toward his passive fund business as market dynamics shifted, a decision that ultimately paid off. Richard shares that his biggest risk was deliberately stepping into something entirely new in real estate, partnering with Chris and committing nearly all of his net worth to a handful of properties and a new venture that initially struggled before gaining traction. He concludes that, beyond strategy, the real determinant of success has been persistence, knowing when to adapt but refusing to quit on something he truly believes in.Bullet Point Highlights:• How Chris and Richard made their first million • Early wins in enterprise software & internet marketing • Celebrating a fresh million with Propion / All-McCapital Group• Scaling aggressively through debt funds• Exploring fund-of-funds strategies for the next growth phase• To the moon” mindset for what’s next Links from the Show and Guest Info and Links:Seth Bradley’s Links: https://x.com/sethbradleyesq https://www.youtube.com/@sethbradleyesq www.facebook.com/sethbradleyesq https://www.threads.com/@sethbradleyesqhttps://www.instagram.com/sethbradleyesq/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethbradleyesq/https://passiveincomeattorney.com/seth-bradley/https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/sethbradleyesqhttps://medium.com/@sethbradleyesq https://www.tiktok.com/@sethbradleyesq?lang=enRichard McGirr/Chris Lopez's Links:https://denverinvestmentrealestate.com/author/chris-lopezhttps://propertyllama.com/2024-annual-shareholder-meetinghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/property-llama

Richard McGirr and Chris Lopez explain that what places them in the top 1 percent is disciplined execution and an uncompromising focus on quality, paired with the ability to work hard while staying aligned with major market trends rather than forcing outcomes against the current. Chris shares that one of his biggest risks was shutting down a highly successful brokerage organization that was doing nearly $100 million in annual transactions, choosing instead to pivot fully toward his passive fund business as market conditions shifted, a difficult decision that ultimately paid off. Richard reflects that his greatest risk was intentionally stepping into something completely new by moving into real estate, partnering with Chris, and committing nearly all of his net worth to a handful of properties and a new venture that initially struggled before gaining momentum. He concludes that beyond strategy, the true differentiator has been persistence, knowing when to adapt but refusing to quit on something he believes in.Bullet Point Highlights - What separates the top 1% performers- The power of discipline and relentless focus on quality - Working hard with macro trends, not against them - Making tough pivots when market conditions change - Walking away from a $100M+/year brokerage business - Betting personal net worth on a new real estate venture- Why not quitting is often the real competitive advantage - The value of strategic partnerships when taking big risks Seth Bradley’s Links: https://x.com/sethbradleyesqhttps://www.youtube.com/@sethbradleyesq www.facebook.com/sethbradleyesq https://www.threads.com/@sethbradleyesqhttps://www.instagram.com/sethbradleyesq/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethbradleyesq/https://passiveincomeattorney.com/seth-bradley/https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/sethbradleyesqhttps://medium.com/@sethbradleyesq https://www.tiktok.com/@sethbradleyesq?lang=en Richard McGirr/Chris Lopez's Links:https://denverinvestmentrealestate.com/author/chris-lopezhttps://propertyllama.com/2024-annual-shareholder-meetinghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/property-llama

This podcast is a masterclass in modern capital raising. Richard and Chris break down why small landlords are equity rich but cashflow poor, and how repositioning into debt funds solves that problem. They walk through the rise of Independent Capital Aggregators, the importance of choosing the right avatar, and their own journey to more than $1M in annual recurring carried interest. The core themes: simplify, focus, double down on what works, and stay relentlessly consistent. They show how a normal high-income professional with the right network can raise seven figures simply by following a proven system.
Bullet Points and Highlights:
Most small landlords have huge equity but terrible cashflow, averaging –1% cash-on-equity.
Richard and Chris help these investors pivot into higher-income vehicles, primarily debt funds.
Debt funds provide immediate monthly distributions and far less hassle than rentals.
A massive demographic shift is underway as aging landlords move from active to passive investing.
1031s are unattractive in today’s rate environment, pushing investors toward selling or refinancing.
Their business hit over $1M in recurring carried interest by focusing heavily on debt products.
Ideal Independent Capital Aggregators are professionals with strong networks and prior investing experience.
One ICA student raised $1.1M in 30 days using a simple warm-network script.
Their formula is one avatar, one product, one channel, executed with discipline.
Investor trust grows through consistency, deep product understanding, and risk-focused education.
Links from the Show and Guest Info and Links:
Links to watch and subscribe:
Seth Bradley’s Links:
https://x.com/sethbradleyesq/https://www.youtube.com/@sethbradleyesq/www.facebook.com/sethbradleyesq/https://www.threads.com/@sethbradleyesq/https://www.instagram.com/sethbradleyesq/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethbradleyesq/https://passiveincomeattorney.com/seth-bradley/https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/sethbradleyesqhttps://medium.com/@sethbradleyesq/https://www.tiktok.com/@sethbradleyesq?lang=en
 
Richard McGirr/Chris Lopez's Links:https://denverinvestmentrealestate.com/author/chris-lopezhttps://propertyllama.com/2024-annual-shareholder-meetinghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/property-llama
 

In this episode, Adapia explains that she made her first million through real estate investing, and her last million came the exact same way. Right now, she is in an in-between season, deciding whether her next million will come from scaling a business to seven-figure revenue or from returning to investing after a challenging few years. Adapia emphasizes that growth is not always linear and that taking time to pause, reflect, and reassess is essential. She believes periods of stillness are necessary to evaluate what went wrong, what needs to change, and what direction feels aligned moving forward. Adapia notes that she is less risk-tolerant now than she was in her twenties, and she is deliberate about taking the time needed to make major long-term decisions.
Bullet Points and Highlights:- Adapia made the first million through real estate investing.- Adapia also made the last million through real estate investing.- Adapia is currently deciding whether to scale a business to seven-figure revenue or return to investing.- Adapia acknowledges the challenges of recent years that affected her investment outcomes.- Adapia believes it is healthy to pause and reassess rather than forcing constant forward motion.- Adapia sees downturns and setbacks as periods for reflection and recalibration.- Adapia believes people evolve, so career paths naturally shift over time.- Adapia says major decisions require time, intention, and space to think clearly.- Adapia recognizes she is now less risk-tolerant than she was earlier in her career.- Adapia is focused on aligning her next move with long-term sustainability and personal evolution.
Links from the Show and Guest Info and Links:
Seth Bradley’s Links:https://x.com/sethbradleyesqhttps://www.youtube.com/@sethbradleyesqwww.facebook.com/sethbradleyesqhttps://www.threads.com/@sethbradleyesqhttps://www.instagram.com/sethbradleyesq/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethbradleyesq/https://passiveincomeattorney.com/seth-bradley/https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/sethbradleyesqhttps://medium.com/@sethbradleyesqhttps://www.tiktok.com/@sethbradleyesq?lang=en
AdaPia d'Errico's Linkhttps://www.adapiaderrico.com/?utmhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/adapia/?utmhttps://www.instagram.com/adapiaderrico/?utm

In this episode, Adapia explains that what separates Adapia in the top 1 percent is the refusal to ever think of Adapia as being in the top 1 percent. Adapia never rests on past achievements and constantly pushes to learn, adapt, and stay sharp in a rapidly changing world, especially with the speed of AI. Adapia shares that the biggest risk ever taken was jumping into the real estate crowdfunding space in 2013 before the industry existed. Traditional real estate voices insisted it would not work, yet Adapia helped launch one of the first firms in the space, which ultimately built a long-term career in real estate private equity and private credit. Adapia made the first and last million through real estate investing. For the next chapter, Adapia is in a strategic transition, deciding whether to scale a business or re-enter investing after challenging years. Adapia emphasizes the value of taking intentional time to reflect, evolve, and make thoughtful long-term decisions.
Bullet Points and Highlights:- Adapia says what separates Adapia is never believing that Adapia has reached the top 1 percent.- Adapia continually pushes to improve rather than resting on past successes.- Adapia stays in motion and keeps learning due to rapid industry and technological changes.- Adapia’s biggest risk was entering real estate crowdfunding in 2013 when the industry was unproven.- Traditional real estate professionals doubted the model, but Adapia helped launch one of the first firms in the space.- That risk established Adapia’s long-term career in real estate private equity and private credit.- Adapia made the first million through real estate investing.- Adapia made the last million through real estate investing as well.- Adapia is currently evaluating whether to scale a business or return to investing after difficult recent years.- Adapia believes reflection and intentional decision-making are essential for major long-term moves.
Links from the Show and Guest Info and Links:
Seth Bradley’s Links:https://x.com/sethbradleyesqhttps://www.youtube.com/@sethbradleyesqwww.facebook.com/sethbradleyesqhttps://www.threads.com/@sethbradleyesqhttps://www.instagram.com/sethbradleyesq/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethbradleyesq/https://passiveincomeattorney.com/seth-bradley/https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/sethbradleyesqhttps://medium.com/@sethbradleyesqhttps://www.tiktok.com/@sethbradleyesq?lang=en
AdaPia d'Errico's Linkhttps://www.adapiaderrico.com/?utmhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/adapia/?utmhttps://www.instagram.com/adapiaderrico/?utm

Raising capital is easy when times are good but maintaining investor confidence when the market tightens takes a different skillset. In this episode of Raise the Bar, AdaPia D’Errico investor relations strategist, fintech pioneer, and leadership advisor joins Seth Bradley to reveal the systems and mindsets that create lasting investor trust. AdaPia unpacks what authentic communication really looks like, how emotional intelligence drives capital growth, and why consistency is the most underrated form of marketing. If you raise capital, lead a team, or manage investor relationships, this conversation will completely shift your perspective on what “professional” IR looks like.
Bullet Points and Highlights:- The real foundation of trust in investor relations- How fintech changed the way investors communicate- Why emotional intelligence is your biggest advantage- Creating systems that simplify IR and investor follow-up- How to retain and re-engage your investor base- Communicating through uncertainty and market change- The “alignment factor” behind sustainable capital raising- What AdaPia learned from scaling a crowdfunding platform to 9 figures- Why modern investors crave authenticity, not hype
Links from the Show and Guest Info and Links:
Seth Bradley’s Links:https://x.com/sethbradleyesqhttps://www.youtube.com/@sethbradleyesqwww.facebook.com/sethbradleyesqhttps://www.threads.com/@sethbradleyesqhttps://www.instagram.com/sethbradleyesq/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethbradleyesq/https://passiveincomeattorney.com/seth-bradley/ https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/sethbradleyesqhttps://medium.com/@sethbradleyesqhttps://www.tiktok.com/@sethbradleyesq?lang=en
AdaPia d'Errico's Linkhttps://www.adapiaderrico.com/?utmhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/adapia/?utmhttps://www.instagram.com/adapiaderrico/?utm

In this episode, Jennings explains that he made his first million by buying apartment complexes, stabilizing them, improving operations, and exiting for profit. His last million came from the same business model, continuing to buy, fix, and sell multifamily properties. Looking ahead, Jennings plans to make his next million through a flex warehouse development project. Jennings  building a 37,000 square foot industrial property, dividing it into smaller contractor garage units, and selling them individually under a condo structure. Jennings expects to be all-in for about $4.2 million with a projected exit around $9 million.
Bullet Points and Highlights:- Jennings made the first million by buying, stabilizing, and improving apartment complexes.- Jennings generated profits by exiting repositioned multifamily properties.- Jennings made the last million through the same multifamily investment strategy.- Jennings continues to operate heavily in apartment acquisitions and dispositions.- Jennings says the next million will come from flex warehouse development.- Jennings is developing a 37,000 square foot industrial flex property.- Jennings is breaking the space into 1,100 square foot contractor garage units.- Jennings plans to sell the units individually under a condo association structure.- Jennings expects to be all-in for about $4.2 million on the project.- Jennings projects an exit of roughly $9 million, creating substantial upside.
Links from the Show and Guest Info and Links:
Seth Bradley’s Links:https://x.com/sethbradleyesqhttps://www.youtube.com/@sethbradleyesqwww.facebook.com/sethbradleyesqhttps://www.threads.com/@sethbradleyesqhttps://www.instagram.com/sethbradleyesq/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethbradleyesq/https://passiveincomeattorney.com/seth-bradley/https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/sethbradleyesqhttps://medium.com/@sethbradleyesqhttps://www.tiktok.com/@sethbradleyesq?lang=en
Jennings Smith Jr.'s Linkhttps://www.instagram.com/jenningsfostersmithjr/?hl=en&utmhttps://x.com/Jenningsfosterhttps://www.facebook.com/jennings.smith.50/?utm

In this episode, Jennings explains that the biggest risk he ever took was a highly distressed 208-unit property in Oklahoma. The asset was half vacant, most of the remaining tenants weren’t paying rent, and it required a $2.5 million rehab while being located halfway across the country. The deal demanded consistent oversight, weekly calls, and frequent trips to Tulsa to keep the project on track. Jennings and his team bought it for roughly $5 to $5.5 million, were all-in for about $8 million, and ultimately exited for $12.6 million. For Jennings, this deal is the perfect example of big risk producing big reward.
Bullet Points and Highlights:- Jennings’s biggest risk was a distressed 208-unit property in Oklahoma.- The property was 50 percent vacant when acquired.- Many of the remaining tenants were not paying rent.- The project required a $2.5 million renovation.- The property was halfway across the country, increasing operational difficulty.- Jennings and his team bought it for about $5 to $5.5 million.- They were all-in for roughly $8 million after rehab.- They exited the deal for $12.6 million.- The project required two years of consistent focus, weekly calls, and regular trips to Tulsa.- Jennings views the deal as a clear example of big risk leading to big reward.
Links from the Show and Guest Info and Links:
Seth Bradley’s Links:https://x.com/sethbradleyesqhttps://www.youtube.com/@sethbradleyesqwww.facebook.com/sethbradleyesqhttps://www.threads.com/@sethbradleyesqhttps://www.instagram.com/sethbradleyesq/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethbradleyesq/https://passiveincomeattorney.com/seth-bradley/https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/sethbradleyesqhttps://medium.com/@sethbradleyesqhttps://www.tiktok.com/@sethbradleyesq?lang=en
Jennings Smith Jr.'s Linkhttps://www.instagram.com/jenningsfostersmithjr/?hl=en&utmhttps://x.com/Jenningsfosterhttps://www.facebook.com/jennings.smith.50/?utm