He Made $20,000 on One Real Estate Loan....Here’s the Catch

What if the fastest path to wealth wasn’t buying more rentals, but learning how to turn your money into a private lending machine? Darius McClellan shares how he went from baseball coach and realtor to private money lender and why he’s now selling off rentals to focus on this strategy. Rodney Harris sits down with Darius, who has lent over $600,000, completed 25+ deals, raised $4 million, and built multiple income streams while running a baseball training organization. He shares how a $20,000 return on a private loan changed his approach to money—and how he’s working toward more freedom and less time spent hustling. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why Darius believes active income can help build passive wealth How private money lending became a new path for him Why he looks for first-position lending opportunities The beginner mistake of chasing high returns How he approaches vetting borrowers and deals Why he considers $100,000 a useful benchmark for private lending How he structures deals to create more consistent payouts Darius also talks about the risks and stress that can come with lending, including a delayed payout and a deal that promised a 50% return but became a legal headache. His experience is a reminder to understand the risks, do your research, and avoid investing money you can’t afford to lose. This conversation is for entrepreneurs and real estate investors curious about private lending, passive income, and what it takes to build financial flexibility. Darius McClelland is a real estate investor, private money lender, realtor, and founder of a baseball training organization in the Bay Area. Rodney Harris hosts The Harris Show: Fast Track to Wealth, where he talks with people building businesses and creating wealth. Follow Darius on Instagram: @invest_with_darius #PrivateMoneyLending #RealEstateInvesting #PassiveIncome