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Master Private Money Lending & Personal Growth with Expert Guidance

With over 50 years of experience, Dan J. Harkey has helped thousands navigate the complexities of real estate finance, private money lending, and personal development. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or seeking financial wisdom, Dan provides actionable insights to help you succeed.

Giving back to the real estate community and helping others is a proven method of developing lasting and sustaining relationships and friendships.

Dan brings a wealth of knowledge spanning back to 1972. In addition to a life teaching credential, and has owned and operated a successful real estate sales company, mortgage company, escrow company, general insurance brokerage, and property management company.

Dan J. Harkey is a distinguished real estate consultant and educator who has given 350 seminars and written hundreds of insightful articles, all designed to improve the lives of his student partners.

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Private & Hard Money Lending Insights

Understand market trends, risk assessment, and profit potential
Learn proven strategies to maximize returns
Gain exclusive access to expert analysis from an industry veteran

Real Estate & Economic Trends

Navigate the evolving landscape of real estate finance
Make informed investment decisions with expert guidance
Stay ahead with in-depth economic insights

Reinventing Yourself & Personal Growth

Overcome challenges and embrace change with confidence
Develop resilience and unlock your full potential
Discover strategies for long-term personal and professional success

What Others Are Saying

Thank you, Dan Harkey, for writing such engaging and educational content for our Realty411 and REI Wealth magazine readers. You're a master wordsmith with a gift in being able to explain difficult financial concepts in a way that everyone, regardless of their real estate experience, can understand.

— Linda Pliagas, REALTOR®

Why Learn from Dan?

50+ Years of Experience in real estate finance & lending
350+ Seminars & Hundreds of Published Articles
Successful Entrepreneur – Mortgage, escrow, insurance, & property management
Proven Track Record – Helping investors & professionals build wealth

Dan's Latest Articles

Articles written by Dan Harkey contained in the website are for educational purposes only and are not intended to be comprehensive. Some articles contain opinions expressed by Dan Harkey that may be inconsistent with the views of others.

Dan Harkey’s articles are Not to be construed or relied upon as legal or accounting advice. Each subject written about is complex and may require the advice of qualified professionals in the subject areas discussed.

Qualified professionals typically include, attorneys, accountants, appraisers, architects; and environmental, soils, structural, and civil engineers. Consultation with title insurance and escrow officers; with construction, development, and other business experts may also be appropriate.

Should Commercial Lenders Enforce the Due-on-Encumbrance Clause if a Borrower Records a PACE Loan?

Yes, a commercial lender can generally enforce a due-on-encumbrance clause if the borrower records a PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) loan, because:

List Hidden Taxation in the American Enterprise System

If there is any question about the top tax bracket being 70% or more, think again. Hidden taxes are the culprit.

Inflation as a “Hidden Tax”: What It Is, Who Pays, and Why It Matters

Economists have long referred to inflation as a hidden (or stealth) tax because it reduces the purchasing power of money without a vote or new legislation. Milton Friedman put it bluntly: “Inflation is a form of taxation without legislation.” He argued that it acts directly on cash balances and—through unindexed tax rules—quietly raises practical tax burdens as prices rise.

The Origin and Evolution of “Left Out in the Cold”

The phrase “left out in the cold” paints a vivid picture that resonates with us all: the feeling of being excluded from warmth and safety, forced to endure harsh conditions outside. Its literal roots likely trace to the late 19th century, when it described someone physically denied entry to a home or shelter during cold weather. Over time, this image evolved into a figurative expression for exclusion, neglect, or abandonment—whether social, political, or professional.

The Origin and Evolution of “Left Holding the Bag”

Early roots (Britain, 1600s–1700s). The ancestor of the expression was the British phrase “to give someone the bag to hold,” meaning to distract or abandon someone while others made off with the valuables—a figurative way of leaving a victim “in the lurch.” This phrase, which originated in the 17th–18th centuries in Britain, evolved to the modern usage of ‘left holding the bag’, with the focus shifting from the act of abandoning to the victim who is left with the unwanted burden.

Where did ‘bite the bullet’ come from?

The idiom “bite the bullet” is a testament to human courage, as it means to face a painful or difficult situation with bravery and without complaint

Where did “rule the roost” come from?

The phrase “rule the roost” means to be in charge or dominate a situation, and it dates to the 18th century in its current form. However, its earlier version was “rule the roast,” which appeared as early as the early 1500s, reflecting the historical and cultural context of the time.

The Healing Power of Humor in the Workplace and Beyond

In today’s high-pressure environment, stress and burnout are common challenges for professionals. One often-looked solution? Humor.

The Power of Repetition: How Lies Become “Truth” and How to Fight Back

Propaganda, a potent force that thrives on a simple yet powerful principle: repeat a lie often enough, and it begins to feel true. This isn’t just a political tactic—it’s a psychological phenomenon deeply rooted in how our brains process information. Understanding why repetition works—and how to counter it—is not just important, but urgent in today’s media-saturated world.

Understanding the Top Mortgage Risks: Crucial Knowledge for Every Lender and Borrower

The mortgage industry, a vital pillar of the housing market, is not immune to significant risks. Both lenders and borrowers face challenges that, if not managed effectively, can lead to severe financial strain. Below, we present the top mortgage risks, ranked by their potential impact, along with real-world examples.

Dan J. Harkey

Educator & Private Money Lending Consultant