The Hotel Investor Playbook
Welcome to The Hotel Investor Playbook, hosted by real estate investors and hospitality experts Michael Russell and Nathan St Cyr. As the founders of Malama Capital and Howzit Hostels, Michael and Nathan have a wealth of experience in owning and operating boutique hotels, hostels, and other experiential lodging properties. With over $30 million in real estate investments, including short-term rentals, long-term rentals, commercial retail, and hospitality properties, they bring a unique perspective on how to turn passion-driven investments into financial freedom.
In this podcast, they share their roadmap for transitioning from traditional real estate investments to boutique hotels, offering listeners the insights and strategies needed to succeed in this niche market. Whether you're looking to learn about identifying the right property, managing operations, or understanding the financial complexities of boutique hotel ownership, The Hotel Investor Playbook has you covered.
Join Michael and Nathan each week as they document their journey towards building a $400 million real estate-based business and bring you along for the ride. Subscribe now and start turning your real estate investment dreams into reality.
The Hotel Investor Playbook
Building a $6M Micro Resort with Only 3% Down Using a USDA Loan | Ian Joseph E31
In this episode, we dive into an uncommon but powerful financing strategy that could change how boutique hospitality projects get funded. Ian Joseph, founder of Branch, shares how he’s leveraging a USDA Rural Business Development loan to finance a $6M micro resort buildout in West Virginia - with just 3% down.
We break down the entire capital stack, how USDA loans work for ground-up hospitality development, and why this financing tool is often overlooked by small to mid-size investors. Ian also shares his approach to designing high-ADR resort cabins, partnering with local economies, and building a scalable brand without taking on unnecessary overhead.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why USDA Rural Business Development loans are a hidden gem for hospitality developers
- How Ian structured a potential 97% LTV loan for his $6M project
- His step-by-step process for identifying profitable “hidden gem” towns
- How to market a boutique resort before it’s even built (and pre-sell stays)
- The economics behind luxury micro resorts vs. short-term rentals
- How to scale hospitality assets while staying community-focused
Whether you’re an aspiring boutique hotel investor or looking for creative ways to finance your next project, this episode is a masterclass in using leverage the smart way.
Connect with Ian:
Email: ian@staywithbranch.com
Website: https://staywithbranch.com
Instagram: @staywithbranch
Facebook: Staywithbranch
Connect with Mike and Nate:
Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook
Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com
Invest with us: Visit Malama-Capital.com for more information.