In episode 30 of The Lo-Down, Lorenzo Mercado sits down with Nick Rossi — a former chief engineer on tugboats, turned real estate investor and construction business owner — to unpack how he leveraged grit, mentorship, and a 3.5% FHA loan to break into multifamily real estate and scale a construction company.

Nick shares practical advice on managing contractors, buying or building businesses, and using hands-on experience to fuel growth. If you're in real estate, construction, or just looking to transition into entrepreneurship, this is your episode.

We cover:

• Nick’s journey from tugboats in Alaska to real estate investing
• How he used an FHA loan to kickstart his first multifamily deal
• Managing contractors the right way: scope, systems, and communication
• Lessons from building a scalable painting and construction business
• The pros and cons of acquiring a business vs. starting from scratch
• Why education, networking, and time management are game changers
• The transition into short-term rentals and the future of hospitality

Please give a 5 STAR REVIEW on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and SHARE this episode.

-----

👥 Connect with Nick Rossi:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nlrossi

🚀 Connect with Lorenzo Mercado
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_
Website: https://www.mercasaventures.com

🎙️Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761
🎙️Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado

-----

💬 Like this episode?
Share it with a friend who needs to hear it!

-----

Chapters
01:14 – From Tugboats to Real Estate: A Unique Journey
05:18 – Transitioning to Real Estate: Finding a Mentor
12:00 – Building a Construction Business: Lessons Learned
17:54 – Managing Contractors: Communication is Key
23:53 – Navigating Business Growth: Learning from Mistakes
28:56 – Buying vs. Starting a Business: Insights on Acquisition
31:00 – Navigating Non-Compete Clauses
31:30 – The Journey of the First Multifamily Deal
33:21 – Lessons Learned in Real Estate
34:41 – Financial Insights from the First Deal
36:50 – Advice for First-Time Investors
38:06 – Permitting and Construction Challenges
40:58 – Transitioning to Short-Term Rentals
42:28 – Exploring Hospitality Opportunities
45:52 – Hotel Acquisition Strategies
50:02 – Advice for Aspiring Hotel Owners
52:36 – Time Management for Multiple Ventures