SMB University
The training academy for real estate professionals transitioning into private money and commercial lending.
SMB University is designed to teach individuals how to enter and operate within real estate investing through the private lending side of the business.
Built for real estate professionals at every stage
Whether you have been licensed for twenty years or twenty days, SMB University gives you a structured path into the investment side of real estate.
Expand into the investment side of real estate
SMB University teaches current real estate professionals how to expand into the investment side of real estate by introducing real estate investors to private money lenders, also known as brokering private and hard money loans.
- Loan Officers
- Mortgage Brokers
- Real Estate Agents
- Real Estate Brokers
- Transition into the investment side of real estate
- Expand their products and service offerings
- Create an additional revenue stream
A structured entry point into real estate investing
SMB University also teaches individuals who are new to real estate, including newly licensed agents and association members, how to enter the business through the private money broker side of the industry.
- A simplified and structured entry point
- One of the easiest ways to understand real estate investing
- The ability to participate in deals without owning property
What is private money brokering?
Private money brokering is connecting real estate investors who need financing with private and hard money lenders who fund those deals. The broker brings the borrower and the deal to the right lender and earns a broker fee when the loan closes.
A private money broker is an individual who introduces a real estate investor to a private money lender, and gets paid a broker fee when the deal closes and funds. Brokering private money loans is very popular in the commercial and private lending industry. Because most states have no licensing requirements, this is the most commonly used strategy for private money lenders to meet real estate investors.
The Investor
A real estate investor needs funding to buy, renovate, build or refinance an investment property.
The Private Money Broker
Meets a real estate investor, packages their deal, introduces them to a private money lender, and gets paid a “Broker Fee” at closing.
The Private Money Lender
The private lender that reviews and funds the loan, while ensuring the “Broker Fee” is paid at the time of closing.
- Fix and flip
- New construction
- Rental (DSCR)
- Bridge
- Commercial
You already work with investors. Brokering private money loans lets you fund real estate investors who need different financing solutions for their investment projects, without you putting up your own money to fund their deal.
At its core, SMB University teaches one critical skill
How to properly build a simple, yet functioning business introducing real estate investors to private money lenders, and earn a fee for that service. This is commonly referred to as brokering private and hard money loans.
Get the Free Program GuideA structured path from foundations to execution
Coursework is on demand, so you learn on your schedule, supported by daily live support calls.
14-Day Quick Start Roadmap
- Step-by-step plan
- Daily tasks of about 1.5 hours a day
- Build foundational knowledge
- Start taking action quickly
Everything About Private Money
- On-demand course modules
- Course workbook
- Deal summaries
- Quizzes
- Final exam
Build Your Brokering Business
- On-demand course modules
- Quizzes
- Final exam
Join the daily live calls and attend a minimum of two sessions per week
- Real-time exposure
- Reinforcement of course material
- Ongoing engagement within the environment
Earn the Certified Private Money Broker designation
The SMB University certification is a structured program designed to ensure that participants fully understand how private money brokering works from both a foundational and execution standpoint.
Certification requirements
- Complete all Level 100 coursework
- Complete all Level 200 coursework
- Complete all quizzes
- Pass both final exams with a score of 80% or higher
- Join the daily live calls and attend a minimum of two sessions per week
What the law requires
In most states:
- A license is not required to broker private money loans
There is no mandatory training required to enter this space
SMB University exists to ensure that individuals:
- Understand how private money loans work at both a high and detailed level
- Learn professional etiquette
- Follow industry-standard protocols
- Operate with clarity and confidence
Begin your certification
One tuition covers the full curriculum, the tools you need to work real deals, and a year of access.
What is included
- 14-Day Quick Start Roadmap
- Level 100: Everything About Private Money
- Level 200: Build Your Brokering Business
- Course workbook, quizzes and final exams
- Daily live support calls
- Certified Private Money Broker certification
- Deal Desk: submit your deal, we source the right lender and you receive initial terms
- Private Money Broker Network: connect with other brokers, share opportunities and join live workshops
- Your Unique Broker Link: a personalized link that connects investors to your services and generates leads
Get the SMB University program guide
See the full curriculum, certification path and what it takes to broker your first private money loan. Share it with your team or your association.
- Level 100 and Level 200 course outline
- Certified Private Money Broker certification requirements
- How the Deal Desk and Broker Link work
Frequently asked questions
Is SMB University a coaching program?
No. SMB University is a structured education and certification program. You complete on-demand coursework, quizzes and final exams, attend live training sessions, and earn the Certified Private Money Broker designation.
Do I need a license to broker private money loans?
In most states a license is not required to broker private money loans. Requirements vary by state. Confirm yours before brokering.
How do I access the training?
Right after enrollment you receive a welcome email with access to the SMB University member portal, available on desktop and on the mobile app.
What happens after the first year?
Your enrollment fee includes 12 months of access. After that, a $500 annual renewal keeps your access and your annual certification current.
Learn the business. Earn the designation.
Start your SMB University certification today.