In today's fast-changing mortgage world, opportunity is shifting—and smart lenders are paying attention. On this episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau are joined by Ben Fertig, President of Constructive Loans, to explore the rise of residential real estate investment products and what they mean for the future of lending.

Ben brings nearly three decades of experience across capital markets, credit, and lending leadership. Having helped scale multiple successful platforms—including Jordan Capital Finance and Finance of America Commercial—Ben knows exactly how the game is changing for loan officers, mortgage companies, and real estate investors alike.

✅ Why Residential Investment Loans Are Booming
Rental properties and fix-and-flip projects aren’t just niches—they’re a major force in today's housing market, creating steady demand even when rates rise.

✅ RTL, DCSR, and Bridge Loans—Made Simple
Ben explains why Residential Transition Loans (RTL) and Debt-Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans are gaining popularity—and why they’re not just for big investors anymore.

✅ Diversification Is No Longer Optional
Learn how smart lenders are expanding beyond traditional purchase and refinance products to reach new customers and stabilize their pipelines.

✅ Lower Origination Costs, Higher Repeat Business
Investment borrowers often finance multiple properties, creating long-term, recurring opportunities for loan officers who build strong relationships.

✅ Fix and Flip Is Here to Stay
Ben shares how Constructive Loans helps lenders tap into the growing market for property rehab, bridge financing, and small-balance real estate investments.

✅ Culture Matters: Building With Trust
Ben also gives a behind-the-scenes look at Constructive Loans' employee-first culture, transparency, and why flexibility matters in today’s mortgage environment.

"The riches are in the niches. And today, residential real estate investors are one of the fastest-growing borrower segments in America."

Whether you're a loan officer, branch manager, or executive, this episode is a must-listen if you want to stay relevant and profitable in today’s evolving market.

Mortgage Connect – Revolutionizing mortgage services with cutting-edge solutions.
Aidium – The intelligent CRM powering mortgage growth through smarter marketing and better data.

What does it really take to launch a mortgage company in today’s market? In this episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Jim Carroll, a seasoned mortgage professional and builder of operations from the ground up. With over two decades of experience across every major role in mortgage—from top-producing loan officer to DE underwriter, recruiter, and executive—Jim brings clarity, candor, and perspective to the high-stakes world of mortgage startups.

Jim’s journey began at the family business, The Carroll Mortgage Group, where he started as his father’s assistant and climbed his way through the ranks—eventually leading the company through 23 years of successful growth and multiple HUD audits without a single indemnification. After CMG’s successful merger with Reliant Bank, Jim took on his next challenge: launching an entire mortgage division from scratch at Partners Bank in Alabama in 2024.

Whether you’re dreaming of founding your own mortgage company or curious about how the next generation of lenders is navigating 2025, this conversation delivers everything from startup wisdom to operational truths.

✅ The DNA of a Mortgage Startup
Why starting a mortgage company in 2025 requires more than great products—it requires resilience, leadership, and institutional clarity.

✅ Lessons from the Ground Up
Jim shares the wins, challenges, and key decisions that shaped The Carroll Mortgage Group and how those lessons apply to today’s tech-forward world.

✅ The Importance of Versatility
From underwriting to compliance, recruiting to marketing—Jim’s well-rounded experience reveals why founders must wear many hats, especially early on.

✅ Bank vs. IMB: Strategic Differences
Having operated in both Independent Mortgage Banking and depository environments, Jim explains the key pros and cons of building inside a bank in today’s market.

✅ Building Culture That Lasts
It’s not just about launching—it’s about sustaining. Hear how Jim focuses on hiring right, leading with values, and setting the tone for long-term success.

✅ Startups in a Tech Era
With AI, automation, and new platforms changing everything, Jim discusses how startups must stay nimble while staying compliant.

Mortgage Connect – End-to-end mortgage solutions trusted by lenders nationwide.
Aidium – Smart CRM built to help mortgage professionals grow their pipeline and their business.

In this powerful episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau are joined by Nikki Bialka, an unstoppable advocate for financial inclusion and the force behind Fifth Third Bank’s community lending initiatives. With a career rooted in mortgage, pipeline management, and operations, Nikki’s true passion lies in creating access and empowering underserved communities.

She’s not just talking about equitable lending—she’s actively building it. From leading homeownership symposiums across the country to driving national conversations with organizations like MBA, Project REACh, and Su Casa Hispanic Center, Nikki is redefining what community lending looks like.

✅ How Real Community Lending Works
Discover how Nikki and her team meet people where they are—literally. From brokers and housing counselors to nonprofits and local leaders, she’s uniting the Avengers of housing.

✅ Every Mortgage Has a Story
It all started with hardship letters. Nikki’s journey proves that behind every loan file is a family, a challenge, and a community in the making.

✅ Serving the Underserved
Learn how targeted education, cultural connection, and showing up (not just selling) makes the difference in building trust and generational wealth.

✅ Relatability Over Salesmanship
Nikki challenges the industry to rethink who shows up for borrowers. It’s not always the polished salesperson—it’s the relatable face that understands the struggle.

✅ Empowering the 98%
While only a small percent of people can “sell” their way through problems, Nikki’s mission is focused on the rest—the 98%—who need honest support and real access.

“We’re not just helping people buy homes—we’re building communities, one conversation at a time.” – Nikki Bialka

This episode is a must-listen for any lender, loan officer, or leader who wants to make a difference where it truly matters.

Mortgage Connect – Revolutionizing the lending experience from end to end.
Aidium – Smart CRM tools built for modern mortgage pros who lead with impact.