Deeds in the Desert

In this episode of Deeds in the Desert , Ignite Funding’s underwriting team breaks down what truly matters to borrowers seeking private capital: certainty to close, speed, responsiveness, transparency, and real value beyond just money. We also dive deep into how private lenders evaluate deals, why some borrowers get funded repeatedly, and why others never make it past the first call. You’ll learn:...

In this episode of Deeds in the Desert , Carrie Cook, President of Ignite Funding, sits down with her son Hunter for a rare and insightful conversation about trust deed investing , real estate lending, risk management, investor confidence, and the disciplined approach that has guided Ignite Funding for nearly two decades. Hunter brings a fresh generational perspective, while Carrie shares real-wor...

Texas continues to dominate as one of the strongest real estate markets in the U.S.—and in this episode of Deeds in the Desert , we break down why . Host Pat Vassar  sits down with Addison Thom , Owner-Operator of SDIRA Wealth , to unpack how build-to-rent projects across Texas are delivering consistent cash flow , strong rent growth , and powerful tax advantages for real estate investors. From po...

In this episode of Deeds In The Desert, Carrie Cook (President of Ignite Funding) sits down with Registered Investment Advisor Lance Howard and he shares how he blends Trust Deed investing, indexed annuities, and long-term income planning to help retirees navigate market volatility and create predictable retirement income. This conversation covers retirement risk management, 401(k) rollover planni...

In this episode of Deeds in the Desert , we introduce you to John , Ignite Funding’s new Chief Legal Officer , and pull back the curtain on how having in-house counsel elevates investor protection, accelerates default resolutions, and improves communication throughout the entire lifecycle of your trust deed investments. John shares what he’s already changed inside Ignite Funding—from negotiating d...

Discover how construction and homebuilding have evolved over the past two decades with Ryan Lantz of Lokal Homes . In this episode, host Pat Vassar and Ryan discuss the changing landscape of building codes, sustainability mandates, post-COVID homebuyer preferences, and how volatility in materials and tariffs are reshaping pricing strategies. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to real estate...

In this episode of Deeds in the Desert, we sit down with Ryan Lantz, Co-Owner of Lokal Homes, to discuss how this Colorado-based builder navigates a changing housing market while continuing to deliver strong returns. Discover how Lokal Homes adapted its strategy—from developing its own land to purchasing finished lots—and why smart partnerships like those with Ignite Funding continue to fuel their...

In this episode of Deeds In The Desert, Carrie and Pat take a look back at what went down in 2008 — and how those lessons shaped the way Ignite Funding evaluates deals today. Spoiler alert: sexy deals don’t last — but solid underwriting does. ️ Whether you're an experienced trust deed investor or just learning about passive income through real estate-backed loans, this one’s for you! Topics includ...

In this episode of Deeds in the Desert, Pat Vassar (Director of Underwriting) and Tjaden Durham (Junior Underwriter) break down the golden rule of real estate—location, location, location—and how it impacts valuation for both borrowers and investors. We cover: ✅ Macro factors like migration, employment drivers, and government investment ✅ Primary, secondary, tertiary, and emerging markets explai...

In this episode of Deeds in the Desert , Carrie and Pat dig into the often misunderstood world of appraisals —when they’re useful, when they fail, and why Ignite Funding leans on Broker Price Opinions (BPOs) and strong internal underwriting instead. What you’ll learn: Why appraisals are often inflated How BPOs provide real boots-on-the-ground insight The role of underwriting and loan-to-value rati...

In Part 2 of this Deeds in the Desert episode , we continue translating the real meaning behind investor questions, and the answers you need to make informed decisions. From foreclosure timelines and investor risks, to diversification, reporting, and whether Ignite Funding employees invest in their own deals, this episode pulls back the curtain on what investors are really thinking. Ready to take...

In this episode of Deeds in the Desert, we’re pulling back the curtain on the real meaning behind the questions investors ask, and the ones they don’t. From due diligence to loan-to-value ratios, personal guarantees, and defaults, we’re breaking down what you’re actually wondering, and giving you the answers you need to make informed investment decisions. Whether you’re a seasoned real estate inve...

Meet the Borrower! In this episode of Deeds in the Desert, we sit down with a returning guest, Sanjiv from Rhino Investments, a value-add developer who's seen it all. From retail centers to office buildings, Rhino has leveraged private lending to win deals others miss. Sanjiv breaks down why speed, certainty, and trust matter more than ever in today’s real estate market, and why Ignite Funding is...

In this episode of Deeds in the Desert, Misty and Pat dive deep into what truly matters in private lending: Collateral vs. Credit Worthiness. Discover why Ignite Funding prioritizes property value — not just a credit score — when evaluating deals, and how this approach protects investors while ensuring smarter lending decisions. What You’ll Learn: The 80/20 rule: why 80% of underwriting is collate...

In this episode of Deeds in the Desert, we bring our Dirt to Door series to a close with a deep dive into the final — and most critical — stages of a real estate project: design, construction, and the exit strategy. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or exploring your first deal, this episode unpacks real-world insights on maximizing returns, minimizing construction risk, and making sure the exit...

In this episode our Dirt to Door series, we’re financing the dream—literally. This episode of Deeds in the Desert dives deep into what makes Ignite Funding a preferred private lending partner for real estate developers across the country. We unpack the three pillars of private lending success: speed, ease, and flexibility—and how these translate into smarter, faster financing without sacrificing q...

In this episode of Deeds in the Desert, President Carrie Cook sits down with Director of Underwriting, Patrick Vasser, to uncover the real journey of a real estate projects. From raw land acquisition to full entitlement, development, and eventual sale. Learn what developers (and lenders) must consider at every stage: site selection, feasibility studies, entitlements, zoning laws, community input,...

In this episode of Deeds In The Desert: The Ignite Funding Podcast, Pat Vassar and Tjaden Durham explore how inflation historically affects real estate—and what that means for today’s investors and borrowers. Learn how property values, exit strategies, interest rates, and debt service coverage ratios shift in high-inflation environments. The Ignite Funding team shares expert insights on risk mitig...

YouTube Description: In this episode of Deeds in the Desert, Chief Compliance Officer Misty Bethany and President, Carrie Cook, joins us to break down how Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) can leverage Ignite Funding as a strategic alternative investment solution for their clients. We dive deep into how due diligence is conducted, how onboarding works, how advisors maintain control of client r...

What happens when your name gets hijacked by scammers? In this eye-opening episode of Deeds in the Desert, Carrie Cook and Misty, Chief Compliance Officer at Ignite Funding, dive deep into the world of imposters, phishing scams, fake social media profiles, and shocking real-life encounters — including employees unknowingly buying gift cards and investors transferring Bitcoin to fraudsters.   Learn...

Defaults. No one likes them, but they’re a reality in real estate investing. In this special episode of Deeds in the Desert, Pat Vasser and Carrie Cook tackle the tough questions on investor concerns, underwriting scrutiny, and the path forward. Inside this episode: ✅ Why Ignite Funding openly discusses defaults and investor concerns ✅ How economic conditions and borrower decisions impact loan p...

In the world of investments, building strong relationships with your investors is the key to success. Investor relations play a crucial role in guiding your investment journey, shaping decisions, and ensuring transparency. On this episode of Deeds in the Desert, Izzy and Misty delve into why investor relations matter and how they can impact your overall investment experience. Ignite Funding, LLC |...

In this episode of Deeds in the Desert, host Izzy Irizarry and Ignite Funding President Carrie Cook discuss the reasons why potential investors hesitate to invest in trust deeds. They explore various perspectives, including misconceptions about trust deeds, the importance of understanding the investment landscape, and the impact of personal experiences on investment decisions. The conversation emp...

In this episode of Deeds in the Desert, the hosts discuss their experience at the Limitless Expo in Dallas, Texas. They highlight the diverse range of attendees, including self-directed custodians, funds, oil and energy investors, and syndicators. The hosts emphasize how Ignite Funding stands out from other investment options, such as syndications, and the importance of educating investors about t...

Sanjiv Chopra, CEO of Rhino Investments, discusses his experience in the real estate space. Sanjiv has extensive experience in acquiring and leasing properties with value-added potential throughout the West Coast, some of which Ignite Funding has been a part of. In this episode he discusses the key to his success during economic downturns and the importance of building strong relationships. Since...