Next Level 295: How Small Business Owners are Using Private Credit to Grow with Ian Samlin

Every entrepreneur knows the feeling: the deal that fell apart at the finish line, the project that took longer than expected, the market shift that changed the rules overnight. On this episode of the Next Level Income podcast, we sit down with Jose Miguel Berlanga to unpack a simple but powerful truth—grit is good, but only when it’s paired with clarity, humility, and the willingness to get back up again.With more than 35 years of experience as an entrepreneur, Jose Miguel Berlanga brings a global perspective shaped by his roots in Mexico City and his impact on Houston’s real estate market. As a co-founder of Tricon Homes, he has seen cycles come and go, markets boom and cool, and teams rise through adversity. His story is a masterclass in resilience—one that goes beyond motivational quotes and dives into the daily disciplines that keep leaders steady when pressure is high.

On this episode of the Next Level Income Podcast, we unpack one of the most misunderstood money strategies out there: how the wealthy legally minimize taxes—not through shady loopholes, but by structuring their wealth differently than the average earner.Most people are trained to focus on income. Work harder, earn more, pay more taxes. The wealthy play a different game. They focus on building assets that grow over time and are treated more favorably by the tax code. This shift in mindset—from income to wealth—is the foundation of how high-net-worth individuals keep more of what they earn.One powerful concept discussed is turning debt into income. That sounds backwards at first, but here’s the strategy: instead of selling assets and triggering taxes, the wealthy borrow against assets they already own. Because loans are not considered taxable income, this allows them to access cash without creating a tax bill.

Access to capital is one of the biggest hurdles small business owners face when trying to grow. Traditional bank loans can be slow, restrictive, and often out of reach for entrepreneurs who don’t fit neatly into rigid lending criteria. On the Next Level Income podcast, we explore smarter, more flexible ways to build wealth and scale businesses. In this episode, we sit down with Ian Samlin, CEO and Founder of REIL Capital, to unpack how private credit is becoming a powerful growth tool for small business owners.Ian’s journey into finance is rooted in both education and real-world experience. After earning his degree in Finance from Towson University, he went on to build deep expertise in business development and capital markets. Rather than following a traditional corporate path, Ian chose to build REIL Capital from the ground up with a clear mission: deliver tailored financial solutions grounded in trust, transparency, and long-term client success.

Building generational wealth through real estate isn’t just about buying properties—it’s about knowing how to preserve capital, defer taxes, and strategically reposition assets over time. On this episode of the Next Level Income Podcast, we sit down with real estate veteran Tim Tepes to break down two powerful tools that sophisticated investors use to scale and protect wealth: 1031 exchanges and Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs).With over three decades of hands-on experience and more than 2,000 properties closed, Tim brings rare, real-world insight into how these strategies work beyond theory—and how investors can use them to move from active ownership into long-term, legacy-focused investing.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tyson Cobb shares how high-income professionals can build passive income, regain time freedom, and invest with purpose using the BONES framework.

Discover where Americans are moving in 2026 and what it means for real estate investors. Chris Larsen and Collin Campbell break down the latest U-Haul migration trends, top growth markets like Texas and Florida, and how to invest smartly in today's housing landscape.

In this episode, Neal Bawa—aka the “Mad Scientist of Multifamily”—joins Chris Larsen to discuss how AI is transforming real estate operations, why the market may have already bottomed out, and where the best investment opportunities lie in 2026 and beyond. From multifamily trends to senior housing and small industrial, this data-driven conversation is packed with actionable insights for forward-thinking investors.

Catherine Bell joins Chris Larsen on the Next Level Income podcast to share how she built 13 streams of passive income, scaled her business with AI, and launched a mission to help 120,000 foster children find forever homes through her nonprofit, Chosen Forever. A powerful episode on wealth, purpose, and impact. Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com.   Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow   Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com

Catherine Bell joins Chris Larsen on the Next Level Income podcast to share how she built 13 streams of passive income, scaled her business with AI, and launched a mission to help 120,000 foster children find forever homes through her nonprofit, Chosen Forever. A powerful episode on wealth, purpose, and impact. Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com.   Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow   Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com

👇 Timestamps & Topics Covered:00:00 – Intro: The "Real Life Wendy" from Billions00:49 – What is Achievement Addiction?02:00 – Allison’s Background: Therapist, Founder, Entrepreneur03:00 – Surviving Asheville’s Halloween Disaster: Resilience in Action06:30 – Community Leadership in Crisis07:11 – Growing a Business in Chaos08:22 – “Nobody’s Coming to Save Me” – The Power of Ownership10:10 – How Hardship Builds Resilience (but only if you let it)11:09 – Why Entrepreneurs Struggle Emotionally at Home12:24 – Work Identity vs. Family Presence13:59 – Slowing Down Is Hard: The Cost of Constant Motion15:00 – Feelings, Avoidance & Emotional Performance16:30 – Why Business Owners Need Therapy18:10 – Your Role Beyond Business: The Identity Crisis19:05 – The 90/10 Effort Trap: Where Is Your Energy Going?21:06 – Doctors, Execs, and Entrepreneurs All Face This22:55 – When Business Becomes a Mistress25:11 – Tanking Deals Because You Can’t Let Go26:20 – When Is the Right Time to Get Help?28:50 – Freeing Up Time, Making More Money, Enjoying Life30:07 – Family Time Isn’t Screen Time30:45 – Want Your Own “Wendy”? Here’s How to Find Her Check out our website: www.nextlevelincome.com. Follow us on social media @thenextlevelincomeshow Get a free copy of our book and learn more about our course at: nextleveincome.com