E17: How AI Is Impacting Your Local Real Estate Lenders with Brandon Goldstein

In this episode, I sit down with Brandon Goldstein, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Renovo Financial, to unpack what makes this private lender stand out in a crowded space. Brandon walks us through Renovo's local-first approach to lending, how they've scaled to 35+ states without losing the human touch, and why their reputation is attracting not just investors—but even respect from competitors.   We also dive into Brandon's fascinating background, from working with AI-powered real estate valuation tech to managing non-performing loan acquisitions. You'll hear how AI is shaping the future of lending, what systems helped Renovo scale, and why high-touch, high-trust service still wins in a tech-driven world.     Episode Highlights [0:00] – Meet Brandon Goldstein of Renovo Financial: national lender with a local feel [2:18] – What sets Renovo apart in a saturated private lending market [3:00] – The range of products they offer: fix-and-flip, DCSR rentals, and commercial real estate [4:01] – Why they scaled nationally after perfecting their model locally in Chicago [5:03] – The value of hiring local lenders who know their markets inside and out [6:21] – Defining DCSR loans and how they're underwritten for business purpose lending [8:20] – How Renovo builds long-term relationships and a culture of service [9:41] – Not just capital: how Renovo acts as a partner, not just a provider [11:19] – Using Net Promoter Score (NPS) and real-time feedback for internal accountability [12:05] – Structure of Renovo's dedicated lending teams and how that enhances borrower experience [13:30] – Renovo's servicing model: why in-house servicing is a big win for borrowers [15:13] – Eliminating common headaches: consistent relationships across loan lifecycle [15:50] – Internal appraiser panels vs. AMCs: how they speed up and improve underwriting [16:34] – The CRM and Salesforce-powered dashboards that drive company-wide visibility [17:45] – Brandon's personal journey from appraisals to capital markets to AI tech [19:16] – How aerial imagery and computer vision were used in valuation and risk analysis [21:08] – Why AI isn't about job replacement—it's about layered efficiency [24:09] – Brandon's predictions for how AI will transform fraud detection and property grading [26:01] – How AI tools can improve quality control in mortgage-backed securities [28:43] – Humans vs. AI: defining which tasks should be automated vs. escalated [30:12] – Why AI will empower loan officers, not replace them [31:21] – Blending tech and human service: the balance that makes Renovo work [33:17] – The "choose your adventure" borrower experience: automation + relationship [33:57] – Final thoughts on building a company that competitors respect     5 Key Takeaways: Local expertise scales – Renovo's model shows you can grow nationally without sacrificing personal service. Technology empowers, not replaces – AI can handle mundane tasks, freeing humans for strategic decisions. Customer feedback matters – Real-time NPS tracking improves team performance and borrower satisfaction. Servicing in-house is a competitive edge – Renovo keeps loan servicing under one roof for better borrower control. Lenders should be partners, not just funders – Renovo's ecosystem of local experts adds value beyond money.     Links & Resources Learn more: Renovo Financial Connect with Brandon Goldstein on LinkedIn Tech Mentioned: Salesforce CRM, AI computer vision for property analysis     Closing Remark If you're ready to fund your next deal with a lender that blends high-touch service, deep local knowledge, and powerful tech, it's time to talk to Renovo. And if this episode gave you insight into how tech and trust can work together in real estate—be sure to rate, review, and share The PETE Podcast. Until next time, keep building smart.