Funding
verification and same-day approval. Jon’s experience with RFG was very positive with personal service every step of the way. He particularly appreciated the responsiveness and the clear communication. “If I sent an email, it was answered in 30 minutes or less. Someone answered me right away,” he says. The draw process, how funds are released during a project, was a little more structured than he was used to in that there was a budget analyst involved and it initially meant some extra steps. Jon’s perspective, however, is that the coaching and extra set of eyes actually helped, especially on a large project. STRATEGY: ALWAYS VALUE-ADD Jon doesn’t mess with turnkey properties. “I only buy houses that need rehab,” he says. His approach is simple; find properties where he can add value through renovations, then either flip them or hold them as rentals. This is a tried-and-true way to build wealth in real estate. Value-add investing means buying low, improving the property, and either selling at a profit or holding for long- term rental income and appreciation, a strategy that’s recommended by real estate experts for building generational wealth. He knows his markets inside and out, runs comps quickly, and trusts his instincts. In the beginning, Jon visited every property in person, but now he can make decisions off photos and numbers alone. For new investors, though, he still recommends seeing the property firsthand. THE ROLE OF NETWORKING AND SEMINARS Networking isn’t just about finding deals or lenders, it’s about staying sharp. Jon
still goes to meetups, expos, and deal pitch nights, even if he’s not actively looking for partnerships. “It keeps me fresh,” he says. He also gives back by running seminars, encouraging new investors to stop sitting on the sidelines and start taking action. “Once you’re in the space, the deals follow you,” he likes to say. And it’s true; credibility and visibility in your network mean opportunities come your way. WHAT SURPRISED HIM MOST What amazes Jon, and what he believes will amaze most individuals, is how attainable real estate investing truly is. “When people inquire about it, it appears daunting... but that’s not accurate. If you’re prepared to embrace some uncertainty and invest effort, it’s quite achievable.” He’s also consistently astonished by lenders’ eagerness to offer funding, and how minimal personal capital is actually required to begin. ADVICE FOR NEW INVESTORS Jon’s advice is blunt: “Take action.” It’s the #1, #2, and #3 rule he gives to new investors. Too many people get caught in analysis paralysis, attending seminars for years without ever closing a deal. He also tells newcomers to stop worrying about owning 100% of their first deal. “Find a partner. Bring what value you have, money, knowledge, contractor connections, learn from others, and don’t be greedy, be willing to share”
He pays people what they’re worth and follows through on his promises. He stresses the point that in an industry built on trust, reputation is everything. IN SUMMARY Jon’s story exemplifies the key factors that make property investment a leading path to multi-generational prosperity. Real estate delivers consistent income, value growth and new opportunities. Properties and their accumulated worth can transfer to descendants, establishing lasting financial security. You don’t have to be the smartest or the hardest-working person in the room to build generational wealth through real estate investing. You do have to act, surround yourself with the right people, focus on adding value, and protect your reputation. For Jon M, these are the real foundations of a legacy that lasts
EVAN BRODY
Evan Brody is the controller at Rehab Financial Group LP. Before joining RFG, he held several senior accounting and finance positions in the real estate and lending industries, and spent significant time with a large family office in New York. Brody is responsible for all servicing and accounting functions.
THE IMPORTANCE OF REPUTATION
Jon credits much of his success to having a good name in the business. “Everyone thinks highly of me. Realtors, contractors, anyone, they trust me.”
He is a member of the AICPA and is a licensed CPA in New York and Pennsylvania.
42 | think realty magazine :: december - january 2026
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