Real estate debt funds have grown in popularity since the 2008 financial crisis offering smaller investors an alternative source of funding apart from banks with more stringent loan requirements. Not only have debt funds risen in popularity among borrowers but they have also become a favored form of investment for investors with the steady returns that they provide. But, how does one start a private debt fund?Ruben Izgelov of We Lend, LLC enlightens us about real estate debt funds in today’s episode. With decades of experience in real estate investing, Ruben saw the need to step up the private lending space and decided to put up his own private lending platform. Achieving major success funding a thousand loans worth $400 million in just a few years, Ruben has now shifted to debt funds. Find out what prompted the shift, what makes debt funds different from private lending, and why investors should take notice.Key Points From This Episode: How Ruben was introduced to real estate at the age of 10.How his family became a private lender for real estate developers and flippers.Dropping out of junior high school, how did Ruben manage to buy and flip houses?Why did Ruben eventually decide to go back to school?How has Ruben started and grown their private lending business?How does the debt fund operate differently from the loans they offer?Ruben compares the economic and market conditions of 2008 with that of today and how he plans to navigate uncertain periods.With the benefit of hindsight, what would Ruben do differently in his real estate career?Ruben’s predictions on the economy for the next six to twelve months and how he prepares for a downturn.How does Ruben find top talent and source new investors?The metrics that Ruben tracks and habits that have produced the highest return for him.The biggest contributor to Ruben’s success, his way of giving back, and his contacAfter interviewing thousands of entrepreneurs, one truth is clear: business success means little if it costs your marriage, family, or faith.I'm now hosting the Courageous Men podcast for men who want to lead well at home and at work. I'm looking for five men to walk closely with who want to lead well at home and work.  Email me at whitney@whitneysewell.com and tell me why you should be one of the five. whitneysewell.com  VISIT OUR WEBSITEhttps://lifebridgecapital.com/Here are ways you can work with us here at Life Bridge Capital:⚡️START INVESTING TODAY: If you think that real estate syndication may be right for you, contact us today to learn more about our current investment opportunities: https://lifebridgecapital.com/investwithlbc⚡️Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealEstateSyndicationShow📝 JOIN THE DISCUSSIONhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/realestatesyndication➡️ FOLLOW UShttps://twitter.com/whitney_sewell https://www.instagram.com/whitneysewell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-sewell/ ⭐ Be Our Guest!We are continuously working hard to help our listeners with their journey to real estate syndication. If you think you can add value in any way to our listeners who are in commercial real estate, then we’d love to have you over. Apply here: https://lifebridgecapital.com/join-our-podcast/