Darius McClelland has lent out over $620,000 of his own money and built a six-figure passive income business doing it. In this conversation, he breaks down exactly how private money lending works, how he made $20,000 on his first deal without lifting a finger, and why this strategy might be one of the most overlooked wealth-building tools in real estate.

He also reveals how one Instagram post helped him raise over $600,000, his exact process for vetting borrowers and protecting his capital, and why transparency is everything when it comes to raising money online.

Whether you're sitting on cash you want to put to work, curious about becoming the bank instead of going to one, or just want to understand how private lending actually works behind the scenes, this episode delivers.

What You'll Learn:

• How Darius built a six-figure lending business by deploying $620K
• The mechanics of private money lending explained simply
• His step-by-step process for vetting deals and protecting investments
• Red flags to watch for when someone asks to borrow your money
• Why private lending can outperform rental properties for cash flow
• How he raised $600K from a single Instagram reel
• Payment structures: monthly, quarterly, and balloon options
• Scaling from individual loans to starting a fund
• How to use social media to raise capital and build trust
• The mindset shift required to show up online consistently

Key Topics:Private money lending | Real estate investing | Social media for capital raising | Building trust online | Self-directed IRAs | Starting a fund | Passive income systems | Lifestyle freedom

Connect With Darius

Instagram:@dariusmcclelland (https://www.instagram.com/dariusmcclelland/)

Connect with Lorenzo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado

Website: https://www.mercasaventures.com | www.AscentCapital.llc

Listen to The Lo-Down Podcast

🎙Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lodown/id1764777761

🎙Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983